Garden of the Gods

Back in April, Cory's mom and sister visited us. We visited a bunch of places, one of them being Colorado Springs and Garden of the Gods, with a short visit to the nearby Manitou Springs.

After Garden of the Gods, we decided to fill up our little tummies with some...wait for it... Rudy's BBQ! Is anyone shocked? Whenever we go to Colorado Springs, we have the idea that we may try some place new and just end up at Rudy's. The meat is so dang good! How could we not stop and eat there?

Then we headed to Manitou Springs. It's a little town with a cute downtown area. They had a bunch of little shops and a penny arcade, which Chloe loved the most.

For some strange reason, I am either really good at getting pictures of what we do or I forget all together. There's no in between. So this is the only picture that I got in Manitou Springs, Chloe riding the helicopter. She loved it.

In Colorado, there are so many wildfires, including in the Colorado Springs area. As of Sunday, Manitou Springs was evacuated. It's sad that so many people are displaced from their homes and possibly losing their homes to the fires. If you think about it, you can pray for rain, the people fighting the fires and all the people who have been evacuated.

30 Before 30

I made it! My 30 before 30 list. I've heard of a lot of other people/bloggers doing this and I've always loved the idea. The list is compiled of different parts of my life that I want to do or improve upon. It's something to keep me motivated and I will always have something to look forward to.

So, I made the list awhile ago and have been working on a few of them already. I'm so proud of myself for actually doing this. The normal me would think it's a great idea and want to do it, but never actually do it. 

My birthday is the middle of March, so I have about 9 months to complete this. That's more than 3 things a month. As you can tell, I'm good at math! WOW, I better get going. I'll keep you updated as I go.

Happy Father's Day!

I know, I know. It's late, but better late than never. Plus, I have a good excuse. We were busy...on vacation in Florida! More on that later!

So Happy Father's Day Week to Cory Huffman! Both Chloe and I love you and think you are a great dad!

Twinko, Wittle Tar

Putting this video up was hard because of two reasons.

1. I don't want people to judge my messy house.
2. Chloe is in her pajamas, and I'm pretty sure this was filmed in the afternoon.

But, then I realized that Chloe's singing is too darn cute for everyone not to see. Besides, this is our reality, messy house, messy babe.

The Summer List

Here in Colorado, school is out, pools are open and the sunscreen is being applied. That means one thing. Summer!

Last year was our first summer in Colorado. I was good, but hard. I was new to the area and we were adjusting to Cory's travel schedule. This year, Cory and I wanted to make the most of summer as a family. So in order to be intentional we made a summer list. I have seen many bloggers, like Meg,  do this and have loved the idea.

So here is our list. Some things are already in the work, and some things may get dropped because of money or time, but this is our general game plan.

 

It will be awesome to visualize at the end of summer what we have done. Don't worry, I'll keep you updated as we go along. Now go make one, you won't regret it!

Mount Falcon with Auntie Rie!

Ok, I'm still catching up on blogging. What's new?

When my sister, Rieley came to visit us in March, we made a trip to Mount Falcon, as recommended to us from a friend, Ali. Thanks for the recommendation.

We loved it for these following reasons:
1. Beautiful views
2. An easy trail for Chloe to walk (a must for a toddler)
3. It was free (except for the gas to get there, but still worth it!)
4. Big enough so next time we go, we can take a different trail and experience something new

Chloe, me and Rieley at the start of the walk/hike

I love this photo of our shadows. I also love that you can make out Chloe's two little buns. :) Chloe has learned to stomp on our shadows. It's a little trick we use to keep her moving at a little faster pace.

At the end of our hike/walk we found some picnic tables to eat dinner. Of course my phone died before this so, I will have to get them from Cory and then post some.

I can't wait to go again...maybe this weekend? Huh, Cory?

Estes Park

In March, Cory and I were able to get away for the weekend to Estes Park, CO. It was amazing. We had some really great friends help us get there and other great friends watched Chloe for us.

Cory and I realized that in the 7.5 years we've been married, this was the first get away for us, where it didn't involve work or other ministry opportunities.

We went with no agenda, except to eat and sleep. How great is that?

Estes Park, sits on the edge of the Rocky Mountain National Park. The views were amazing, to see the mountains so big and beautiful. It makes me appreciate even more God's creation. I felt like I was in constant awe, and also constantly wishing my only camera wasn't on an iphone. :)

This is the view as you drive into Estes Park, CO

 We had the best weather for March. It was warm all weekend, allowing for shorts and the chance for a little color on my skin.

On Friday night, we ate at a place called Ed's Cantina. It was so good. We both ordered steak fajitas, sat outside next to the river and thought how strange it was we didn't need to rush to get back home because we were paying a babysitter by the hour. All weekend, I wanted to go back there and eat more of the fresh mexican food. Next time...

Saturday we thought we might sleep in. If I remember correctly, I think we both woke up before 8:00 a.m., annoyed that our body clocks woke us up. :( We ended up lounging around, and finally headed out to lunch and a little burger place that was cheap and delicious. I wish I remembered the name, but I do remember, they claimed to have the best burger in Estes. The rest of the day consisted of walking around downtown, driving around for some good views, naps, dinner and rummy. I won.

1. At Ed's Cantina

2. Stanely Hotel, where The Shining was written

3. Cory enjoying some ice tea by the river

4. The view Saturday night outside the little condo we stayed in

Oh yeah, we also stayed right behind the Stanley Hotel. On Saturday night we took a little tour of the hotel. It was pretty cool, but don't think I would stay there. 

The view outside our condo on Saturday night.

Sunday, we got up early to head out for a trail ride. Cory was so sweet to think ahead and find a deal online. Plus, I'll take any chance to get on a horse. :) It was fun to get a ride in, even on an old trail horse. The ride took us to the top of something where we got amazing views of the mountains and the Continental Divide. It was awesome possum!

1. The view of the Continental Divide

2. My horse, whose name I can't remember. Baby, I think?

3. Another view. The highest point, we were told was sacred ground for Native Americans. Pretty cool. 

4. Cory on a horse. The first time I've seen him on a horse. And, he didn't fall off!

So that was our little trip. It was so fun, and I can't wait to take Chloe there, maybe for a day trip. I also can't wait for another get-a-way with Cory. Hopefully we don't have to wait another 7 years. 

And, thanks to all our friends who helped us get there and watched Chloe. We are so blessed.