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Gymnastics Camp

Check out my little gymnast in action!

Future Gold Medalist

Violet had a blast at gymnastics camp this week!

She loved the "beautiful ribbons".

Taking on the bar.

Somersault time.

Violet and her partner in crime BFF.

While the parents are away...

Wondering what Violet did at Mimi's house while we were in Colorado?

Violet fulfills her life-long dream of riding a real, live horse!

Best friends.

Strawberry picking!

Monkeying around at the playground.

Tea party!

Hanging out in her new room!

We weren't two minutes out of the driveway after collecting her when Violet announced that she wanted to "go to Mimi's house again!" A million thanks to my mom for keeping the Noodle so well entertained while we were gone. Apparently I have a lot to live up to after Camp Mimi!

Killing Time in Colorado

After the wedding festivities, we jumped in the car (I feel like we drove a lot during this adventure... Colorado is full of wide open spaces!) and headed to Denver. Not only is this where we were flying out from, but conveniently it's also where Matt's aunt, uncle and cousin all live. We definitely wanted to take advantage of our time to do some visiting, as these are some of the most generous, gracious people I know.

Come Monday, we were left on our own with half a day to kill before our flight. We weren't sure exactly what to do, so we took a random gamble and headed to the Denver Botanic Gardens. What a pleasant surprise this place was! Despite the 100 degree weather (don't let all that Rocky Mountain snow fool you, Colorado is hot), we had a wonderful time exploring all the little nooks and winding paths this place holds.

After our day in the garden, there was just enough time left before our flight to take in another famous Denver sight, the Coors Brewery tour. It was a fun way to wrap up our trip, even if I couldn't make the most of the free samples.

The beer on the left in non-alcoholic Coors. Or as I like to call it, "not worth it".

This trip was a lovely little reminder of what it's like to be me, not just mommy-me. It was a refreshing break to not have to keep up with Violet, or worry about what she's eating, or having to entertain her. We wandered where we wanted, ate when we wanted, and didn't worry about anyone but ourselves. And of course, it's always nice to actually miss your kiddo. A rather refreshing change from being annoyed or frustrated with said kiddo. And as you'll see, she enjoyed herself thoroughly without us as well! But we were very happy to see each other again at the end of the trip.

Colorado!

Matt's cousin Jason got married this past weekend in Colorado, and the hubby and I used it as a perfect excuse for a summer getaway sans Violet. Colorado, you never disappoint. The entire trip was one beautiful vista after another. The wedding itself wasn't bad, either!

Not a bad sight to wake up to every morning.

The day of the wedding, we got a little detour over to Aspen. And while there was no snow, it was still a lovely sight to take in. We rode the gondolas up to the top of the mountain and I'll be honest, I cannot imagine how people ski down those slopes. They were steep. I've never been skiing, so perhaps I don't know what I'm talking about, but it looked scary to me! The drive to Aspen was hair-raising in its own way - apparently native Coloradians don't see the need for guardrails!

On the road to Aspen.

Aspen gondola ride.

Jason and Dana's wedding was one of those wonderful, relaxed, totally personal affairs. Thanks to a Colorado law that apparently says just about anyone can legally marry you, the couple's parents performed the ceremony, which included a tree planting where we all got to contribute a shovel of dirt to help the couple "put down their roots". The reception was catered by two food trucks and there was even a fire pit complete with s'mores. So fun!

Another happy couple at the wedding.

Raspberries