INCLINE attempt #2 Successful!

After finding the right trail, this time, Laurie and I lived through our first climb of the Incline.  It was REALLY intense but an AMAZING work-out!  We spoke to a man at the top that told us it burns 1,000 calories going up.  I am thinking I will celebrate tonight with some yummy dessert:)  

I wanted to show proof we did it!  I would have posted the picture of us at the top but we looked like death, kinda like how we were feeling.

I honestly didn't think the trail ever ended at this point

It took us 35 minutes to get to the top and 30 minutes to run down the 4 mile side trail, the trail we took last time on accident.  Well I can mark off my 1st goal accomplish in 2009!  And hope I can walk tomorrow!

Great day for the INCLINE... or a HIKE

Do you see the straight line going up the mountain... that is Colorado Springs famous INCLINE.  A hike that everyone does here to get a great work-out or to show how tough they are.

On Friday Laurie invited me to climb the INCLINE with her while Brent, her great hubby, watched our kids.  There was no way I was going to pass the chance since climbing the incline is one of my goals to accomplish before we move.  To bad we took the wrong trail and ended up hiking an hour before we realized that we were on the wrong trail.  Wish I could say this was the first time that this kind of thing has happened to me.  Nevertheless we have a great work out and LOVED the hike.  I guess I will just have to find another day to climb the incline.

 It was such a beautiful day, I almost forgot it was JANUARY. 

Of coarse I had to get a picture of us... I guess I am a little like my Mom always documenting everything.

We took Laurie's dog Buoy with us.  I don't know who loved the hike more him or us.

I LOVE THE OUTDOORS!!!

29th Birthday

Well it seems to be the year of 9's for me... I turned 29, it is my 9 year anniversary, all in 2009.

Anywhooo, I had a fantastic birthday yesterday!  Thanks for all the LOVE from everyone.

I had a surprise lunch date with three great ladies... LAURIE, KIM, ANGIE,  I love ya!

Many beautiful flowers, and as you can see some FUN kid chaos having pizza and decorating CUPCAKES.

THANK YOU SPENCER TOO FOR THE CAKE , DINNER DATE, & PRESENTS!

RiNgInG in 2oo9 with MOM, MISSY, & PASTY

Missy, my sister who lives in England, flew all the way to Colorado Springs to see ME & Pasty (her best friend).  And my MOM joined us from Utah.  We had a week to  SHOP, TALK, and bring in the NEW YEAR together.  

I love my MOM, she loves to take TONS of pictures... but then she is never in any of them.  New years Eve we got our NAILS done and then went to TWILIGHT together.  

It was a great way to bring in 2009!

Utah Highlights

Due to my niece's wedding our family left from home the 18th of December and had a week and a half to make some great memories in Utah. (Sorry no Christmas cards this year).

Here are some of the highlights from the trip...

Everything was beautiful about Stefanie's wedding, which happened to be on Spencer's 31st birthday.  I thought was a great way to celebrate.

This picture of Karla and I represents the day we went SnowbOarDinG at BRIGHTON with our husbands,  can't even express how much fun it was.  I LOVE Utah snow!  And Karla!

After spending MANY hours looking for boots to fit Kayla, it payed off ...watching her and Avery have such a ball with Kortney & Kate sledding and playing in the snow. (Karla's girls)

After sledding we had girl time at Candi's house, thank you Candi!  The kids had a lot of fun playing too.  It was fun to see all our kids interact with each other.

One of the BEST things about going to Utah for Christmas is catching up with old friends, getting to go to all the family parties and participate in the family traditions.  Oh, and not paying for a babysitter... Thank you Lyle & Linda and Mom & Dad.

Trip to DURANGO for the POLAR EXPRESS

Our ride on the Polar Express...

I FORGOT MY CAMERA FOR THE RIDE AND HAD TO STEAL THIS ONE OFF ANGIE'S BLOG, THANK YOU ANGIE!

 

After weeks of anticipation... trying REALLY hard to keep it a secret from the kids... we took a trip to Durango Colorado to go on the POLAR EXPRESS with the Morrill and Nalder families.  The kids were wild and crazy and loved every minute of it! 

We had a great time wearing out the kids swimming both nights.

This year all the kids got their Christmas PJ's early and looked darling wearing them for the train ride and hanging out after.

   

The ride home was long and pretty scary at times but we got home safe and sound.  And now need to get ready to leave on Thursday for another adventure.  How can you not love WINTER.

MY HAPPY BOY