Lex and Learn

Mike and I were so excited to spend this weekend in Estes Park with his family and his parent’s dear friends – Jeff and Pam – who are visiting from New Hampshire. We arrived Sunday evening and all stayed in a great four bedroom YMCA cabin. It was so much more enjoyable than a hotel because we could cook (and drink lots of wine), chat around the fire and take in the incredible views from the gigantic wrap-around porch.

On Saturday morning we took to the trails for a scenic horseback ride. The weather was perfect and the Aspens are just starting to turn.

After horseback riding Mike, Jeff, Nate and I took a ride up Trail Ridge Road in Rocky Mountain National Park. I almost didn’t go, and cannot believe the scenery I would have missed! I kept saying, “I can’t believe we are just a few hours from Denver.” We truly live in an incredible place. At the top we hiked up a little trail to take it all in…

Thank you Anderson’s and Andersen’s (yes, that’s with an ‘e’) for such a special weekend. We can’t wait for Pam and Jeff to come back for our wedding next year!

Every night I tell myself that I will stop trolling wedding blogs and get back to things like reading real books (I am only two pages into The Help after a month), training our puppy (Mike does way more than me) and working out (four times in as many weeks does not make an exercise routine). Yet, nearly every night I find myself digging into my new addiction.

Currently, I am addicted to Couture Colorado, Budget Savvy Bride and Style Me Pretty. But too often one blog leads to another and last night I bookmarked R P Scissors and am VERY curious about what treasures are waiting to be found on Recycled Bride.

Part of me justifies it because I’ll only get to be the giddy wedding-planning engaged girl once. People’s creativity astounds me, especially on the DIY posts. I could not make hundreds of origami birds to hand throughout the ceremony location. However, another part of me recognizes that reading so many blogs and magazines contributes to why people so often forget these days just what a “wedding” is all about.

Our flowers will die and our friends will fly home. Tuxedos will be returned and bridesmaid dresses will hang in closets. The pictures will remain, yes, but what’s really left is just you and your special someone. The one you shared vows with and who, god willing, you will be with for many MANY years to come – through the good and the bad.

Don’t get me wrong…the newest issue of The Knot Colorado will indeed get read, and the blogs are not going anywhere other than my “Favorites” bar. But after six months of a very fun and special engagement (yep, six months yesterday!) I wanted to take a moment to step back and remember what it’s all about. I am truly the luckiest girl in the world, and if I dare say Mike didn’t do too bad for himself either.

After dropping many hints, Kelly and Nate found the perfect afternoon to round up the girls and drop them off for an afternoon with Auntie Lex & Uncle Michael!

We were thrilled to have Caroline and Sophia today from about 11:30 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. while Kelly and Nate took in a Rockies game. Activities included lunch, naps, many snacks, a long walk to the park, playing with Kona and even a little time in the kennel…pictures below show they were very happy in the kennel. No abuse to be reported!

Locking in sister

Ultimate cage fighter

Looking for Uncle Mike

Off we go!

Loved little Stella

It was a fantastic afternoon and I’m already figuring out how to lure them down here next time! Love you girls!

xoxo
Auntie & Uncle