The Big day was bound to be great due to the fact that on Wednesday I got a surprise visit from my old roommate Angie. I've known Angie since June 1997 so longer than I've know Ryan and it was great to see her and her family.
So on the big day last Thursday (Aug 27th) two of my dear friends took me to work out and swim with them before Ryan wisked me away on a trip to remember. With the help of my super sister and some awesome friends the kids were taken care of so the cares of everyday life were gone.
First we stopped for dinner in Fairplay, CO. We found this amazing little Italian place tucked away where no one would find it without stopping to ask for directions. The meal was super yummy and then we were off to our final destination, Buena Vista, CO.
The drive from our home through Fairplay to Buena Vista was beautiful. (I realized that there is so much of Colorado I have yet to see.)
As we got closer to our lodging we had an adventure trying to find this 100 year old cabin but we were finally successful. Thankfully it wasn't too late because we had an early morning.
So on Friday Ryan had a day packed with activities to check off the old "bucket list". Activity number one- RIVER RAFTING! I have never rafted before and I thought why not. As per instructions from my mom I wore a helmet but the water was low so not too much danger but tons of fun! Our guide was great and it certainly was a work out! I will definitely raft again and hopefully with the kids in tow at least once.
After rafting we ventured into town for a lite lunch and then back to the cabin to change for the next activity...Sunset Horseback ride. I love horses and there is nothing like seeing the world from the back of a horse. It was relaxing and enjoyable to watch dusk approach over the mountains. It was also great to have a shorter horse- only 15 hands- that made the dismount much easier.
After 2 hours on horseback we decided dinner was in order. So more yummy food and then onto the Mt. Princeton Hot Springs. This was a great way to end the day because although we weren't sore while riding after was an entirely dfferent story. Man was the Hot Springs relaxing. God's hot tub I like to call it. 104 degree water in one pool 90 degree water in another pool and then smaller natural pools right beside the creek to help you appreciate the need for both hot and cold water.
After another good night's rest and much needed after a jam packed day we went for a morning haike to Agnes Veil Falls. Only about half a mile and totally worth the burning muscles.
It was a great way to start our morning before we went to the local antique stores and then drove up to Leadville.
As the day wore on I was ready to see the kids again and relieve my sister and my in-laws. By about 6pm we were nearing home and I was grateful to have had this time alone with my super awesome husband. To be able to share our thoughts uninterrupted and to talk about what is most important to us and our family was a great end to our weekend away...Or so I thought.
When we got to our house to see my sister she was all mysterious and said that she had really cleaned the house and that I had to keep my eyes closed so that I could be surprised. When I opened them I was more than surprised I was shocked. Standing in my kitchen were some of our closest friends and MY MOM. Ryan had planned a surprise party for me! And my mom had flown over to help Jeane with the kids and to be here for my 30th birthday. It was the perfect ending to a perfect weekend...well up until all the kids and I got strep. Oh well there really is opposition in all things! Still a little bacteria won't ruin my birthday. Just means I get to be lazy a little longer and be justified;)
So 30 is great and I can't wait for 31 and beyond!
