Rocky Mountain High

We had a lovely spring break in Denver this year. Saturday morning -very early - like 4:00 AM, Kirk, Abbey, Connor, and myself headed to Denver.  Fifteen and1/2 hours later we were there and I was holding the Hudson.  We had an awesome time all week.  Travis was a great host and Brooke was so happy to have her family there.  The Hudson is completely perfect in every way!  Here are some highlights of our trip:

So excited to see him!



We went to the Coors Brewery- Hudson wanted his daddy's beer! Lots of free samples.

Travis and Kirk are listening to the recorded tour on how the beer is made.



Finally the free sample- three 6 ounces of beer samples! Connor had to settle for soda.  Really a great tour!



The Denver Aquarium is also awesome!



Loved this gorilla at the Denver Zoo. 

Hudson loved Connor and getting a view of the zoo outside of his stroller.

Ski Day- we went to Loveland just outside of Denver and Connor, Abbey, Travis and Brooke skied.  It was the first time for Connor and Abbey.  They both loved it.  Kirk and I watched the baby in the lodge.  Well actually I did- Kirk hung out by the lift and talked to the locals while he waited for the kids to come down.  Kirk tore his ACL a couple of years ago and has not gotten it fixed.   He really missed being able to ski.  We may both try it next year.  I have been twice, but it was not a great experience either time.  Maybe next year I can ski with miss Finley!



Sweet little family.  Travis and Brooke have done a great job making a home for their sweet baby.

“Our family is a circle of love and strength. With every birth and every union, the circle grows. Every joy shared adds more love. Every obstacle faced together makes the circle stronger.”

Count Your Blessings, Bella



The Faces of Hudson

We are in beautiful Colorado with Travis, Brooke, and Hudson. Abbey,  Connor, Kirk, and I made the drive in record time.   We are here all week and are enjoying some wonderful weather and the sites of Denver.  We hit the slopes tomorrow.  Well not me- I am a much better grandmother than ski bunny, so I will have Hudson duty.  We are going to the resort with the gang and will hang out and shop I suppose.  He is such a delightful little guy and so fun to be around. Here are some of his many expressions.  You can see he is the delight of us all. I just love the little guy so much.

Count Your Blessings, Bella

Galveston oh Galveston!

Just got back from a fabulous conference in Galveston.  I went to the Texas State Middle School Association Conference. For the first time ever all three administrators from my school. went to a conference.  We had time to reflect on our year so far, make adjustments, and plan for next year. We had great admin. interns running the school and one of the high school APs came over to " sit in the big chair" as she says, so the students were well cared for.  I feel refreshed and ready to go back tomorrow and finish the year strong.  We have good ideas to take back and a plan for the 11 days until the first  STAAR test.  So, so important it is to get away and reflect.  I have an awesome boss who "walks the walk" when it comes to collaboration and team work.  Next year we will have cohesive collaboration.  We already have a theme!

 So two really funny stories came out of the days away.  I realize, I am truly a Buckee's girl.  Any of you that have never experienced Buckees on the road have truly been missing something.  First of all any public restroom the has private stalls, hand sanitizer on the wall when you walk into the restroom and in each stall, gets my vote.  My colleague James assured me that the men's restroom was just as clean and sanitized.  Also the mixed caramel, cheese, and butter popcorn is to die for.  So I really suggest the next time you are on  the road down south here in Texas- you stop at a Buckees. My principal had to chuckle at me over Buckees.  The other big laugh was James and his pizza.  He insisted on bringing a pizza home to his family.  I was worried that it would spoil overnight.  He tried to get the hotel to place it in their refrigerator- they said they couldn't as it was against health regulations.  Instead they brought a refrigerator to his room.  Pretty good service if you ask me.  Thanks again to my wonderful boss Sonya for planning this time to attend the conference.  Work just wouldn't be as worthwhile or fun without you!

Room with a view at the San Luis in Galveston

 Missing my grand babies!       Count Your Blessings, Bella

Hudson 11 Months

Finley 3, Carter 20 months