Another reason to plan a trip to Denver

 (Well that is if to see us is not enough?)

I keep trying like a mad crazy woman to get anyone to come out and enjoy a Colorado summer with us, but my efforts have been unsuccessful.  I am always bragging and posting pictures about how incredible it is here in the summer and apparently I am not that crazy because a recent list by Travel and Leisure on "The Best and Worst Cities to Visit in the Summer" names Denver at the #2 spot on the BEST city list, just behind Portland and 2 spots ahead of San Diego!  On the other hand, Phoenix topped the list of the WORST cities to visit in the summer and we visit there every summer to see family?  I think family needs to start planning their summer trips to come see us, how much more convincing do you need!!!!

For a little more bragging on Colorado:

Today I was watching the news and found out that Colorado was dead LAST on a recent list of The Most Obese States in the U.S. This does not come as a surprise to us as this place is active all year!  The climate is considered mild and dry allowing for outdoor activities year round and people who live here take advantage of it.  Hiking, fishing, camping, biking, kayaking, river rafting, skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, yoga in the park, walking dogs and so on.

Every where you go around here you find families doing activities outside together, keeping kids away from TV and video games and most important from obesity!!!

Roxborough State Park: South Rim and Fountain Valley Trails

Since it is Father's day weekend and Scott has been wanting to hike Roxborough State Park for almost a year now (Since we were turned away), we decided today we would try again.  We did make it out of the house until 8:30 this morning when the temperature was nearly 70.  Fortunately this park is only 12 miles from our house! When we arrived we decided to do a 3 mile South Rim Trail.  The trail had a moderate climb and beautiful vista views and wildflowers.  Scott was in heaven enjoying all the sounds, sight and smells of nature, and could hardly believe this was only 10 minutes from our house.

Vista Views 

Wildflowers

After we finished the South Rim Trail and the temperature reached the 80's we decided to move on and do the Fountain Valley Trail, the one I did earlier this month with a friend. As we walked past the visitor center towards the trail head we encountered this friendly deer.

We or should I say "I" struggled to complete this 2 mile trail however I managed to smile for the pictures.  3.5 hours and five miles later I was exhausted!  What a trooper I was!!!!   We are definitely coming back here to hike.  Happy Father's Day Scotty!!!!!!!

Getting back into the routine

The last couple of evening since I came home we have been taking the dogs out for a walk on the "Short" trail.  This is because both Sparky and I have let ourselves go and neither one of us can handle a longer or more difficult trail.  I am so embarrassed to say that I am out of shape when I live in the "Fittest" state in the U.S. 

How am I going to go on those beautiful yet challenging hikes like this?  My blog is my witness that I will get back in shape and hike new beautiful trails.  But for now I guess the short trail by the house will do? 

Home Sweet Home

It seems I have been away from home since I finished school in May.  But here I am back home and hitting the job search hard!  (Well with a break for a few blog posts)

Back to my dogs who missed me dearly!

 

 Pleasantly surprised to see the roses have opened

Strawberries from the garden ready to be picked and enjoyed!

And most of all my WONDERFUL HUSBAND!! Sorry Scott is at work so I can't snap a pic of his adorableness.

Vanderbilt University

We also took a Sunday walk around Whitney's school, Vanderbilt University. 

The campus was beautiful and green, with blooming magnolia trees.

Daytrip to Atlanta

Last weekend while I was in Nashville visiting my oldest daughter we decided to jump in the car and drive to Atlanta. Since it is only a 3.5 hour scenic drive from Nashville we figured "why not?"  Not to mention Ikea!!   We planned our day trip to enjoy the drive, try a new restaraunt, cinnamon roll and shopping at IKEA, and a little bit of sightseeing around the city.  We left the house at 8 am and were home by 9 pm and enjoyed every moment of the day!

1. Enjoy the drive (Picture taken at a rest stop near Chattanooga, Tennessee)

2. Try a new restaurant (JCT Kitchen in Atlanta, GA)

3. IKEA - Sorry no picture but just think Blue and Yellow

4. Atlanta sightseeing (Centennial Olympic Park)

The Hermitage "Home and Plantation of Andrew Jackson"

(The outside of the mansion was under renovation)

I have found myself unexpectedly back in Nashville and decided a little bit of sight seeing should be included.  Today Whitney and I found a coupon for a buy one get one admission free to "The Hermitage" - The home and plantation of our seventh president Andrew Jackson. (Thanks Grandma Irene for the Entertainment Book)

The mansion on the property included many of the original fixtures, furniture and belongings of the Jackson family.  I thought the original wall paper was the best!  Unfortunately, no photography is allowed in the home so I can't share with you.  Just come visit Whitney and she will take you over to check it out for yourself.

The plantation was huge, it must have taken us two hours just to walk through the property. There were different cabins and houses spread across the plantation and so much beautiful scenery.  1,120 acres of huge trees, beautiful flowers, cotton fields, horses, donkeys, cattle, birds, a gentle breeze and sunshine all contributed to the feeling of being immersed in nature and life on a plantation in the 1800's.  Learning the history and impact of Andrew Jackson and the Plantation through a short film, audio tour and tour guides made the visit even more interesting.  What a nice Sunday afternoon!

Roxborough State Park - Fountain Valley Trail

Yesterday I was trying to get back into the job search mode when one of my friends from school called and asked me to go on a hike.  I told her about how we tried to get into Roxborough State Park last year and was turned away because the park was at "Full Capacity".  

Only 12 miles from my front door, I was so excited to see how beautiful this park was as we drove in.  Since it was already noon and about 80 degrees we decided to take a moderate 2 mile trail named Fountain Valley.  We were so exited to find Mule Deer at the head of the trail just hanging out about 10 feet in front of us.  They let us step closer and take pictures!

According to the visitor center each trail has a different type of scenery because this park sits "Where the Plains meet the Mountains".  I am so excited to go back with Scott over the next couple of weeks and hike the other trails.  Scott was so disappointed he could not go yesterday, he was back at work for the first day after 12 days off to visit family in AZ.

JW Marriott at Desert Ridge

During our visit to Arizona we spent a couple of days at this beautiful resort in Phoenix.  

We spent one day at the pool with both my daughters, my adorable grandson, my sister and all three of her children.  

We had so much fun watching Owyn kicking and splashing in the water as if he was ready to take off on his own.  The weather treated us well this day with temperatures only in the 80's!  I wish more family could have made it out to spend time at the pool with us.  

Congratulations Victoria!

 Victoria and Whitney

Scott and I were planning a trip to AZ the week I finished my grad program but decided to postpone our plans by a week when we discovered my niece Victoria would be graduating high school the week we left.  I am so glad we changed our plans and were able to celebrate her accomplishments with her and all of our family.