Great Barrington, MA!!

What a wonderful week we just had!!! Shanam has always wanted to take me back to show me where he grew up, and the perfect opportunity came during the second week of October! It was as if we were transported back in time as we explored his childhood stomping ground with his good childhood buddy, Leif. Our trip could not have gone any better and it was so neat to be able to see the beautiful area where he lived. He is always telling me fun stories about his childhood and now I can picture it perfectly!

October 5

He and his sister attended a Rudolf Steiner School instead of a traditional elementary school. This is where he and Leif first became friends.

The grounds were beautiful and the classrooms were even more beautiful! There is just a special, calm feeling when you enter and see the rooms :) All the walls were colored in soft pastels, green plants adorned every corner, the desks were wooden, and gorgeous chalk drawings decorated the chalkboards. They learned how to knit and felt, carve wood, play musical instruments and speak a foreign language. Art and color is included in every subject including math and they take a movement class called eurythmy. I loved seeing everything!

Something else that is unique is that they have the same teacher from first grade all the way through eighth grade! Shanam was able to contact his teacher who still teaches there and meet with him, as well as be introduced to his current class. It was a sweet reunion, to say the least :) The class loved asking the guys questions and the girls especially took a liking to Annabelle. They all wanted to hold her :) We spent a good three hours exploring the school and chatting with everyone. Shanam was able to see a lot of people he didn't realize were still there, including his sister's old teacher!

He then took me to see his old house. Isn't it so cute?! It was fun to see wood chip piles that were still there in the backyard from when Shanam put them there :)

We then went to visit Leif's next door neighbors, where the guys had spent many hours working on their farm and helping out around the house.

They spent many a day inside that red barn :)

Last stop was to visit his old eurythmy teacher who now owns a bed and breakfast just outside of town.

Meeting characters from Shanam's past and seeing how excited they were to see him again, made me love him that much more! He has become the man he is because of the influence of a lot of these people, including his best friend, Leif. Even after all these years they were each others best man and still talk on the phone almost every day :) It's rare to find a life friend like that and I'm so grateful he has Leif :)

After Great Barrington, we made our way to Leif's in-laws house who live just outside of Albany where we gratefully stayed the night :) Thank you Tony and Sylvia!

Lake Placid, NY!!

October 6

We enjoyed a wonderful breakfast with Leif's in-laws at the Ugly Rooster, then we hit the road again! Lake Placid was our next stop!

Aren't you jealous that this is where Shanam got to go to high school?! We took a drive around the lake, through the town and arrived at their school, National Sports Academy. They would make that 3 mile jog around the lake every morning during training season. It was fun to see the exact pavement they pounded over and over again :)

Shanam and Leif roomed together in one of the top floor dorms. They would have school for about 3-4 hours a day then ski for the rest of the day...not bad :)

We were able to meet up with some of their old teachers who gave us a tour of the school and reminisced over old memories. They loved seeing the guys again and meeting Shanam's adorable daughter :) I loved watching the current students go about their business and envisioned what Shanam was like as a teenager roaming the same halls, eating in the same mess hall :)

They even saw one of their old ski coaches who still coaches there!

After our trip down memory lane we grabbed some delicious crepes in town then made our way up to the ski area where they used to train.

The ski area was gorgeous and they showed me their private ski lift and equipment buildings. So cool! Then we headed up the mountain to the top of Whiteface. The guys decided they needed a little exercise, so they climbed up from the parking lot.

Annabelle and I opted to walk the 500 ft tunnel to the 300 ft elevator and meet them at the top. I wasn't too surprised, though, to find that the guys had beat us there :)

The view was amazing!

That's Lake Placid down below.

New York, NY!!

October 7, 8, & 9

The yellow squared building in the middle of the picture is where we got to stay!! Shanam's best friend, Leif, and his wife, Erika, live on the 35th floor. Check out the view from the top!!

The complex is located in the financial district, at the very tip of Manhatten. It was an easy walk to most places we wanted to visit. Our first stop was Chinatown for lunch and Little Italy for dessert. Ever since Shanam and I started dating he told me he wanted to take me to New York to do those two things, among other things of course :) Little did we know at the time that we wouldn't be alone! We'd have a third member along for the ride! Annabelle loved it :) And now we can cross it off our bucket list!

Is wasn't long, though, before she was out! Still holding on :)

After exploring Little Italy and indulging in some amazing pastries, we went for a stroll into Tribeca, then down to where the new World Trade Center is being built. Quite the site, that's for sure! It's going to be gorgeous!

We weren't able to see the memorial up close but we got a good view looking out over it.

And speaking of gorgeous buildings, look at this amazing architecture!

This is the highest residential building in America with 76 floors!!

The next morning we decided to hop on the the Staton Island Ferry and check out the one and only (well, kinda ;) Statue of Liberty! Annabelle had fun riding on the windy boat :)

Then we took a ride on the subway up to Columbus Circle where we had lunch at Whole Foods and explored the area. First stop was the temple!! Absolutely loved seeing it!

Then we explored Central Park :) Did I mention that the weather was incredibly beautiful? It couldn't have been more perfect for a stroll through the prettiest part of the city :)

We grabbed some dumplings and ice cream at Tavern on the Green and watched all the people riding their bikes and walking past us. Almost as good of a spot to people watch as the airport :) I think better!

We then made our way down 5th Avenue, peaking in all the windows at the expensive jewelry, watches and designer clothes :) Then over to the Rockefeller Center and down into Times Square! Whew! Annabelle was a trooper and sat watching everything in her stroller until we got to Times Square. Then she couldn't see much because of all the people, so Shanam put her up on his shoulders and she was happy as could be! She waved and smiled at everyone passing by and couldn't believe all the lights! It was a rare moment that her arms weren't flapping :)

The next morning we took a walk to the Brooklyn Bridge and walked to the middle and back. What a neat bridge! Probably the coolest I've ever been on!

Shanam had to head back home early for business, so as he got ready to go, Annabelle and I hopped on the subway for an hour ride to Queens. There we met up with my cousin, Channing, and her husband, Alan. We went to church with them, then had a wonderful homemade dinner of potato soup, bread, and cinnamon rolls. It was so great to see them and so wonderful to not have to eat out! Thanks for a great afternoon, Channing!

Our trip was so wonderful and we definitely want to go back again and cross more things off our list of things to do and see there! Thanks so much Leif and Erika for being such amazing friends!

Labor Day Weekend in Ruidoso

We left West Texas in search of some cooler weather and we definitely found it in Ruidoso. It rained nearly the whole time we were there! Our first night camping, there was a huge thunderstorm and rain beat on our tent all night long :) It was so beautiful!!! Luckily Annabelle wasn't frightened at all! She slept right through it!

We were able to go for a short hike by our campsite between rainstorms the next day. Everything was so fresh and green! It definitely filled my soul with what it's been longing for :) Annabelle has gotten too big for her carrier so she preferred Daddy's shoulders :)

On the last day we were there we decided to attempt climbing Sierra Blanca, the highest peak in Ruidoso. That's the peak in back of us in the above picture. To get to the trail head, we had to drive up steep mountains until we got to the ski resort. We left early to get a good start but were soon wondering if that was a good idea. As we kept climbing higher into the clouds, the clouds got thicker and the temperature got very cold! But then all of the sudden, we broke through the clouds and sunlight filled the car!! We had climbed higher than the rain clouds!!! The weather was absolutely gorgeous up there and we enjoyed a beautiful hike in the morning sunshine :)

We didn't make it to the top but we definitely enjoyed the views along the way!

Looks like we took this out an airplane window, huh!

This was at an overlook on our way back down the mountain. I couldn't help but think of all the people down under the clouds who were missing out on all the great sunshine we were enjoying. Then, I could help but liken it to the gospel. So many people go through life not knowing that if they just climbed a little higher, searched a little farther, opened their hearts just a little more, the light of the gospel would filled their souls so fully that they would never want to descend back into the clouds of darkness again. Unfortunately, we had to go back down the mountain and head back home to the dry heat. But we know where to come back :)

Cloudcroft!

The record breaking heat has really been getting to Shanam, so we hit the road again with only one destination in mind...the mountains :) Thank goodness the national forest at Cloudcroft was open again and we only had to drive a few hours to get there! Our good friends Laura and Kurt came with us and we had a ton of fun! Annabelle especially loved the extra attention :)

We enjoyed a couple nights at our cool campsite staying warm by the fire, eating pasta salad and salmon, loving some great homemade chocolate zucchini bread and green smoothies, and laughing at the dogs :)

In the morning we hit the trail and enjoyed a gorgeous hike along the rim trail. Annabelle slept through most of it :)

We hiked up to the lookout point where Laura and I had hiked last July when I was 5 months pregnant :) We're determined to get a picture here every year!

The next day we decided to enjoy the gorgeous golf course. Annabelle especially loved taking the wheel!

Before we left, we went for a little drive and discovered this beautiful waterfall! We hiked up to the top and found the source of the water to be a natural spring coming out of the rocks! It was so beautiful! (In the picture, I'm tickling Annabelle's back with my mouth, that's why she looks so funny :) We had such a wonderful trip, just like we always do!

Florida!!!

Last Monday we left for our long awaited adventure to Florida! We couldn't wait to see family and friends and make wonderful memories at the "happiest place on earth!"

We stayed at Shanam's grandma's house for the week and Annabelle made sure to get in her pool at least once a day :) Her Aunt Elana got the brunt of the splashing, but I think she enjoyed it :) Our week was filled with fun!!!

THE BEACH!!!

We made sure to visit the same beach where the magic all began, Siesta Key Beach! That day we watched as our beautiful little girl sat and played in the same fine white sand we stood in three years ago where we shared our first kiss at sunset :) It's amazing how much can happen in such a short period of time!

Annabelle loved playing in the sand and water!

On another day we went to Anna Maria Island to enjoy the sunset and beautiful weather. We hadn't planned on going in the water, but the water was way too perfect to not let Annabelle sit and enjoy it :)

WALT DISNEY WORLD!!!

My wonderful friends and fellow interns at the greenhouses were so kind to let us into the parks for a day! We spent a wonderful time visiting with our former manager and admiring the greenhouses that we all missed so much :)

Then it was off to Magic Kingdom!!

Doesn't Annabelle look so excited to be there?! Haha!

I had to make sure to get on a few roller coasters :)

Annabelle rode her first ride, It's a Small World! GranEllen had always dreamed of the day when she could take her grandchildren on this ride, so we made sure Annabelle sat on her lap through the whole thing :) Instead of sit, though, I should say stand and flap! She loved it :)

FOOD!!!

We actually changed our flight to leave a day earlier than we had planned. On Sunday, his Grandma told him about this restaurant that had a lobster special on Tuesday nights, Shanam was on the phone to Southwest right away! I'm glad he did it because that lobster was SO GOOD!!

For his Aunt Carol's birthday we went to an Indian buffet for lunch. AMAZING!!

Then another day, we went to the harbor and had lunch on the water. Fresh grouper from Florida is the best!!!

Then, of course, we had to eat at Bahama Breeze :) I can't ever pass up the chance when I'm in Florida! Jennlyn met us there for lunch before we went to WDW. It was so great to see her and enjoy delicious fish tacos and coconut shrimp together :)

We really miss good food out here in West Texas and love to take full advantage of great restaurants when we travel! Our trip was exactly what we had wanted! Full of fun, sun, rain, family, friends, and food :) Thank you Grandma for letting us come stay with you! Hopefully next summer we can do the same thing all over again!! Love you!

Pagosa Springs, CO!!!

Day 1, Friday July 1, 2011

At 12 noon we had the car packed and we were outta there! No more 100 degree weather for us! We were off to the closest mountain range that wasn't closed...8 hours away. We were planning on going to Taos, New Mexico, but the day before we left they announced that the entire forest was closed, just like Ruidoso and Cloudcroft had announced 2 months prior. What's a mountain lovin family supposed to do?! Is an eight hour drive with a baby and two dogs worth it for just one weekend in the mountains?! Oh yeah, baby!!!!

Going from this......

To this :)

We greeted the cool air, rolling hills, 14 ft mountains, and green trees with joy and excitement as we finally arrived!! Just a short drive out of town into the San Juan National Forest and we found us a perfect little place to set up camp. After putting our tent up, we went back to PS and dined at the best rated and finest restaurant in town, The Alley House. Every single bite was incredible!

Day 2

We woke up bright and early, ready for the adventures ahead! Annabelle did great for her second camping trip ever :)

We enjoyed the brisk morning air as we we tried to figure out what hikes we were going to do first. The pups, meanwhile, were happy to frolic in the brush and run through the trees chasing each other. They were definitely ready for the adventures ahead!

We decided on the Piedre River Trail first. This is a gorgeous trail that follows the river right through amazing gorges, where cliffs rise up above you on both sides. So cool!!

Here's our cute little family enjoying our first pit stop.

Sophie was in absolute heaven! She was swimming and splashing all over the place, while Sasha on the other hand would get in to drink and never let the water go past her ankles. Silly dogs :)

This was our second pit stop in the shade. Shanam devised a way to let her hang in the carrier like a hammock so she could cool off and lay back and relax :)

A peek at the river

And now a full view :)

Sophie and Sasha beat us back to the car and what did we find when we got there? Sophie was lying under our car in the shade, while Sasha had decided to jump in the back of this guys trunk next to us!! Luckily he was a good sport about it, but boy was it hard to get her out of there!

Next stop was Piedre Falls, up the road a few miles. Annabelle slept through the entire hike so she didn't get to see it, but this was one powerful waterfall! The water was just gushing through the rocks! Afterward, we made our way back to town for some fish tacos then hung out at our camp site for the rest of the evening. Annabelle went to bed pretty early so that gave Shanam and I time to wander around the meadows for a little while, until the sun went down :)

Day 3
Bright and early again for another hike to another waterfall! This was a 6 mile round trip hike to Fourmile Falls. The trail was absolutely breathtaking! We were the only ones on it, too, since we had left so early!

Good morning, sunshine!

The trip would have been worth it if we had only come up for one day and had only done this one hike! That's how good this was!

Just look at this breathtaking, picture perfect sight! We were almost to the waterfall!

And here she is, in all her glory :)

With a rainbow, even!

Hello world!

Isn't this the cutest picture you ever did see?! Shanam and his girls :)

Ok, well maybe these are the cutest pictures :) After our hike we went back to town and had lunch on a river front cafe. Annabelle was definitely cheesin it up! Then, since she needed a nap, we decided to go for a drive and find where the local ski resort was. Along the drive, we passed a sign that said Lobo Overlook, so of course we had to go check it out! We climbed a very steep, windy road until we got to the very top. There was still snow covering the ground and road, so we had to get out and hike the rest of the way, but the view was spectacular!

The puppies, of course, enjoyed the snow :)

While driving, we also passed over the Continental Divide! I, of course, couldn't pass up the perfect picture opportunity :) Here I am, straddling The Great Divide :)

And there it goes, off into the forest :)

Day 4

Shanam woke up bright and early and hiked the tallest peak in Pagosa Springs, Pagosa Peak!

Aren't those views incredible! It was a steep 4 mile hike to the peak, sitting at 12,400 ft! He and the pups did the whole hike in 3 hours!

Just look at that stunning view!

I'm so glad he has the pups to go with him on his crazy adventures, when we're not there :)

We left that afternoon and enjoyed our nice 8 hour drive home. We were all exhausted and we barely even heard a peep from the pups in the back. Shanam definitely wore them out! It was a great adventure and I must have heard Shanam say he wanted to move there at least 20 times! The town is really pretty, too, and has a river that runs right through it that people inner tube and raft down. I'd be up for getting a nice little cabin there, for sure!