Colorado with Nicole

Nicole, one of my very best friends, had a brilliant idea. It involved meeting in Colorado for a fun-filled week with our boys. So, we did it, and it was awesome. I think that Nicole was very brave to drive up from New Mexico by herself with the three boys (the youngest is only 3 months, folks). Beckett and I made the 10 hour trek from Kansas. Beckett is a really good traveler even though he doesn't really sleep in the car (he only slept for half an hour on both legs).

I spent my first couple days in Colorado hanging out with my family. I have no pictures because I forgot my SIM card. It was in the computer at home. But even without photographic evidence I can assure you that we had a great time. We did church with my mom and Sunday dinner with my parents, Taggart, Danielle, and Sue. On Monday we went to Denver to see Taggart and Danielle's apartment, play at a splash park, and eat at Cafe Rio. On Tuesday my mom and I went to Barnes and Noble and Beckett and I went to the park, and that evening, Nicole and the boys rolled into town!

The next day we took the boys to the zoo. We all fed the giraffes. Beckett was brave enough to feed a giraffe once and once only. I guess they are a bit more intimidating than goats.

Here's the whole clan on top of the tower that leads to the grizzle bear enclosure. It offers a fabulous view of the city.

The next day we went to Uncle Wilbur's fountain in downtown Colorado Springs. It was pretty impressive.

Other fun-filled outings included ice cream at Josh and Johns, a trip to play with the train table at Barnes and Noble (where B found the Thomas book below), playing at the mall's indoor play area, and a picnic with my family at Fox Run park.

I can't believe this is the first time that Nicole and I have met each others' kids. It was long overdue. Thanks for a fun-filled week boys. I hope you had as much fun as we did.

Trains with Dad

As you know we are living with a train fanatic. I am constantly amazed at how quickly he spots trains, whether it's a tiny train in a picture or a real train from the car. Nate's been taking Beckett to a spot where they can see real trains. Tonight they saw four trains drive by.

Beckett is very serious about trains.

He has crazy-long, pool hair.

This is my favorite picture of the bunch.

Bye-bye trains.

For Zephyr

On Monday evening I let Zephyr out, and she never came back. I suppose I could hope for the best, but I know that the most likely scenario is that something awful happened to her. I am heartsick, and I'm writing this post to manage my grief.

Zephyr was such a good pet. We had her for 6 years. She could be pretty demanding, but she was also the friendliest cat I have ever known. I wanted her to be an inside cat because the outdoors is dangerous place, but she would not allow it. Our home has been a happier and quieter place since we started letting her outside.

 

Zephyr wasn't so keen on Beckett at first, but as he's gotten older she's liked him more and more. And the boy always loved the cat. Just a couple of days ago Zephyr was sitting on one of the chairs in the dining room, and Beckett was running around and around the dinning room table saying "eeee" every time he passed her. In fact, he always greeted Zephyr with an "eeee" (that really must be what she sounds like to him) and has been saying it to the picture on her lost poster since Tuesday.

 

Zephyr kept me company through all the years of dissertation writing. She greeted us with the double-meow. She went on walks with Nate. Sometimes we thought she was part-cat, part-dog, and part-baby, although lately the cat part was definitely winning.  

I am so grateful that I was so nice to her the last day I saw her. We took a nap together, and we hadn't done that in months and months. She sat with all of us in the family room that evening. 

I keep thinking that I should be seeing her little, white face at the window. The house feels too empty without her.

If a miracle occurs and we get Zephyr back, I will share my joy with you as well. For now, I will take all condolences over the internet. I am much to raw to talk about the poor cat. Zephyr will be missed.

Intellectual Recreation

I am starting a new blog devoted to my thoughts on books, art, adventures, and pretty much anything else I want to write about. The site is still a work in progress, but I have decided to start posting now. Please come by and read all about an imagined alternate reality in which I attend Hogwarts.

Guess Who is Two

We celebrated a birthday around here. Beckett is two years old. He's getting to be such a big boy. For his birthday Nate and I got him this tricycle. He wasn't enamored with it at first. I'm sure he'll get the hang of it. In the meantime, he really likes ringing the bell.

That evening we went to the park. We took a walk around a little lake and tried out these stepping stones.

Beckett showed off his stellar hiking skills.

We took him to play in his natural habitat.

And visited the miniature pioneer town.

Next we went to Fritz's for dessert only because Beckett loves that place, but the meals are pretty inedible.

Beckett loved this card from Grandma Dorothy and Papa. It sings to him.

He got the hang of unwrapping presents pretty quickly.

Trains are Beckett's very favorite thing in the world. It was a very train-themed birthday. At one point Nate commented on how many trains Beckett had opened, and I said, "I think all the presents are trains." They were.

It was a very happy birthday. We are so happy that Beckett is two. He is so much fun.

Moses Supposes His Noses Are Roses

One Year Ago:

Today:

Are gaping nose wounds to be an annual tradition?

More from Sacramento

While we were in Sacramento we saw Brooke, Aaron, Keontay, and Daysha every day. It was awesome.

On day one Nate took on these two. For the rest of the trip Keontay made sure Nate didn't forget who won the game.

Beckett and Daysha stuck their tongues out at each other.

We just happened to be in Old Town on National Doughnut Day. So we had to get some doughnuts.

Beckett loves doughnuts, just like his dad.

More from Old Town: a metal door and a picture with the pony express tribute. Sacramento was the end of the line for the Pony Express. Where was the beginning, you ask? St. Joseph, Missouri, right up the road.

We took a trip to Danville to see Nate's grandparents, cousins, and aunt Debbie. Beckett liked their huge stuffed lion. (Notice he is holding a Thomas train)

Here's Nate and B with Grandma and Grandpa J (and little Opal).

Beckett loved Grandma Dorothy's and Papa's house. It gave him lots of room to run.

On our last day in town the weather finally warmed up, and Nate and I hit the lake with Brooke and Aaron. (Grandma had Beckett) We kayaked and then tried out balancing on a large surfboard and steering with one paddle. (Maybe this had a real name?) Anyway, it was really fun and a good core workout.