Rocky Mountain High...

Nick and I took a trip "home-home" (as we used to call it in college) last week to Colorado. We hit the weather just right and were blessed with 70 degree temps and days full of sunshine. While I love snow, I'm glad I was there last week and not this week for the blizzard.

We spent a few days in Glenwood, seeing our wonderful family and friends, before heading to Moab for the weekend with my mom, dad, sister and her three kids. I think it was the first time the four of us had been together on a vacation (without Andy or Richie) in over 10 years. While we missed our men, it was fun to be just with the Sheriffs.

The weather in Moab was perfect. High 70s and 80s, sun, a few clouds, and a nice breeze. Our purpose for going to Moab, other than sun, relaxation, and family time, was to run in the Canyonlands 5 Mile Race. My mom, sister and I all ran it and finished a few minutes under our goal of 50 minutes (speed-racers, I know). My mom actually took 5th in her age group and earned herself a medal. I can only hope I am in as great of shape as her when I'm 56. Heck, I can't even keep up with her at the age of 29. She's a rockstar.

Papa did a great job getting all the kids to the finish line!

Going home always soothes my soul. It's so nice to have such a fun and supportive family and great friends to welcome me. Nick was in heaven playing with his cousins - he and Brady are hilarious together and he can't get enough of Addie and Cooper. I got to spend some quality time with my cousins, who are turning into such mature, nice people. And we got to see Karen, Mandy & John, Steph & Nate (who are expecting!!), and Nick's godparents Becky & Daren (at a long layover at DIA). Good times.

Here are some more pictures - all of Nick & Brady!

Gettin' around

Nick heard that Brady started crawling last week and Jack from daycare figured it out over the weekend, so now it's his turn to step up to the plate. It's not exactly what I'd call crawling but he's on the move! You'd be surprised by the things that get him moving. Forget toys, he's more interested in shoes, computers, remotes, cell phones, and in this instance, the camera!

Fiesta Friday!

We hosted a little fiesta a few Fridays ago, inspired by an awesome pulled pork taco recipe my friend Lindsey Hayes passed along. Nick whipped up a batch of his killer (literally) margahooties. Fortunately for him, he was in bed long before the debauchery began. Fun was had by all, as evident from the pictures, and a double dose of Advil was necessary on Saturday morning.

Here's the recipe for the tacos. The margahooties...well, you'll have to speak with Nick about that one. He's a tough nut to crack.

Bath time!

Baths in the sink are my new favorite pasttime with Nick. Here he is in all his glory.

Back to Reality

It's been over a month since I last posted something and a lot has changed since then. First of all, Nick is becoming a little boy. He can sit up, play with toys, eat anything and everything, and keep us all entertained. He is so good-natured and as long as he's well-rested and well-fed, is up for anything. He's been hiking, skiing, snowshoeing and biking this winter. His smile is infectious and his laugh contagious.

Given that I've been home with him for nearly eight months, it was bittersweet when I returned to work this past Monday. Fortunately, Andy is able to stay home with Nick on Mondays and I on Wednesdays. The other three days he is at Next Generation Kids daycare, just 2 blocks from our house. Nick must've been ready for a change in routine as he seems to be doing great. NGK is a great place; Nick loves it there and they adore him. Much to my dismay, he didn't even shed a tear when we left!

Being back at work has been better than I expected. It's nice to be back in the working world, interacting with adults, and bringing home a paycheck! My four-day work week is a great balance. I feel so fortunate that I was able to stay home as long as I did and I think we were both ready for new stimulation. Now I just have to get used to setting my alarm and showering daily!