It had been way too long since I last buckled in to a pair of ski boots... and I promised myself this winter that I would find my way back onto the ski slopes one way or another. It had also been way too long since we last found ourselves visiting my sister and her family in their neck of the woods. Lucky for me, their 'neck of the woods' just so happens to be in one of the premier snow skiing states in all the land. Needless to say, it didn't take long for me to figure out the math: long holiday (President's Day) weekend, winter time, Colorado, visit family, and snow skiing... all added up to one brilliant idea and an excellent excuse to hit the slopes! Of course it didn't take much to convince Jei & Allen to come along with me (all I had to say was the three "M's"... Mandi, Meeker, & Minou!), so we loaded up the truck and hit the road!
We only got about halfway the first day... but after almost seven hours cooped up in the truck, Allen sure was glad to be stopping for the night.
"So... where's your guys' bed???"
On the road again the following day...
with some good story-time for entertainment.
But nothing beats a little silliness to help pass the time.
We knew we were getting close when we started to see lots of snow on the ground. And with the excitenment of almost being there and getting to play in the snow, Allen could hardly contain himself!
It sure is a long drive, but with views like this...
it definitely made the road trip worth while!
You know you've made it to Meeker, Colorado when your radio plays nothing but static and your smart-phone suddenly becomes dumb. Regardless, we were happy to be there and thrilled to be out of the truck. The boys were of course too busy playing in the snow, and Mandi was too busy yelling at the boys... so their horse 'Gabe'... er, I mean St. Bernard, was the one who greeted us when we arrived.
After a bunch of big hugs, lots of pettings (Minou & Gabe!), unloading, unpacking, and a little bit of unwinding from the road trip, we headed over to the elementary school to go say hi to the principal. Allen: "Excuse me Mr. Principal... can you tell me where my classroom is please?"
Big Cousin Hampton had basketball practice that afternoon...
but took time out to show Allen around his home court.
After a fun visit at the school... we headed back home where Minou begged Allen for some food, and Allen begged Minou for some pettings.
The following morning,
Allen treated us to a breathtaking performance on the piano.
"You do know how to drive this thing in the snow, right?
Or do I need to strap myself in to this sucker?!"
The weather was certainly managable... so after a little breakfast,
we decided a walk around town would be a good idea.
we decided a walk around town would be a good idea.
Allen was warm, happy, and loved seeing all the snow!
Only in Meeker! Of course Mandi didn't think twice about a bunch of dear in someone's front lawn... but Jei & I freaked out and thought it was the coolest thing! And that is how to tell the locals apart from the visitors.
After our walk around town, we headed back to the elementary school to pick up the boys. But while we picked up two, we almost lost one... as Allen tried to make a break for it!
"Where the heck is that darn playground!?!
I know it's around here somewhere!"
Two happy girls... and two wild & crazy boys!
That night, while waiting for Jason to finally come home from work, the rest of us enjoyed a delicious meal, some adult beverages, and some family fun time at the dinner table.
...Where the kids happily played in their own little worlds,
while the adults engaged in some serious belly laughter!
And then once Jason got home we all piled on the bed to play and love on Gabe... and it once again reminded me of just how much fun it is to be with family. We had to cut playtime short though... for we all needed to get to bed and try and get some rest, for a big weekend of mountain fun lie ahead.
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