*Apr 29 - May 1
We got to visit Uncle Bruce, Aunt Lisa and Mokie in Boulder, CO! I recently became a consultant for Beautycounter (probably write more on that some other time), and we had our first consultant conference in Denver -- so this was the perfect excuse to have a (tax-deductible!) visit to this part of our family. And at a beautiful time of year. Perfect!
Bruce and Lisa's house is in the foothills, and it is gorgeous.
This is the view from their back deck!
Was a touch hazy this day, but I could be convinced to sit out there for a looooong time.
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Because we were there during the week while Bruce and Lisa had to work, we loaded up with Mokie and took off to see an African safari/sanctuary about an hour from Boulder.
These two had lots to talk about:
Newly rescued tigers get accustomed to their new home and each other before being released into the one of the massive fields to join the others.
I can't even guess how many tigers this place had... 50? More? Sad that so many need rescuing, but glad to see they have a beautiful and safe place to live out their lives.
An example of the placards at each different species' field/enclosure. Tragic to read but interesting and useful to know the background of many of the animals present.
You walk all the way down this bridge/platform and look down into the fields. A pretty impressive place!
Mokie treated us to lunch -- and Nolan shared part of her Snickers bar. Luck duck!
Lions
Black Bear
Not hard to be convinced to drive for an hour when the Rockies are your scenery :)
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Back at the house that night, Lisa treated Nolan to a marshmallow roast.
He wasn't too sure about getting up close to the fire.....
Uncle Bruce with Daisy
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Lisa is an avid walker (who wouldn't be, with scenery like this?) and she took us on a little road hike. It was a lot of steps for Nolan's little legs and it was slow going, but he had a blast. I think he inspected in grand detail every rock and pine cone along the way.
Catching a ride with dear old Dad.
Introducing him to roly-poly's
But the real favorite toy of the week was: the doggy door!
Just his size.
Daisy was happy to give him a lesson in how it's done!
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I was especially happy to spend a bit of time seeing Mokie's adorable apartment. It is so cute and cozy! I couldn't wish for a better place for her.
What a blessing you are to me, Mokie -- and you always have been.
She even treated us to lunch - again! - down in her building's restaurant. The food was actually very good -- and we indulged in some cobblers and pies for dessert. I would go back!
Nolan got some chocolate ice cream. If you think Grandmas can spoil, you should see Great-Grandmas at work!
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We left Mokie at her apartment, as she had an appt to get her hair done, and headed back to Bruce and Lisa's just across town. Lisa generously offered to Mikel and me that she would like to listen for Nolan while he napped, so Mikel and I could go for a short hike by ourselves. We didn't argue, and jumped at the chance!
A short hailstorm blew through the area just as nap time was approaching. (Notice the fleece jammies. We do nap time right.)
Nolan crashed, the hail stopped, and off we went!
In case you needed motivation to walk quickly. ha!
Mikel feels most alive in the mountains. I really love this about him, and as we live in the desert, I am finding I agree.
Sad to see how much of this beautiful area has been touched by wildfires -- and how very long it takes to recover.
Throwing rocks into the canyon. Boys!
Making some of these bigger, for detail!
This was so refreshing and fun, just us. Thank you again, Lisa! Glad Nolan took a good nap for you!
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Daisy cracks me up. She is obsessed with carrying shoes around, and will routinely come bounding up into a chair with a tennis shoe in tow. No idea why I didn't get a pic of Boone, their other dog. Sorry, Boone. Next time!
Another gift from Bruce and Lisa: the bubble blower to end all bubble blowers...
... which we put to use in the living room until we realized just how many bubbles it puts out!
What a party house.
A little more time on the deck before we headed out.
Next up: Denver!
Bruce and Lisa, you are much too generous. Your home is as comfortable as I remembered, you sent us for a grown-up hike, and we left with clean laundry and without paying for a thing (as much as we tried!). There is a reason why you have a revolving door of visitors! We very much look forward to the next time. In the meantime -- we will miss you! And.... let's chat further about that house swap arrangement in February. ;)
