My Last Trip Up North

A comment on my last post suggested it's clear that this blog has been slow rollin' for a few months. So twice in one week ought to convince people I'm still alive and kicking and this blog hasn't died... 

Tomorrow evening I'm headed to visit some very dear friends in NYC. That's right...I'm fleeing the fires to see another spot where rain is not a thing of the past. I'm so stinking fortunate to have good friends that live in such cool places...in part because I can convince my good friends from this cool place to travel with me to visit them. 

That said, in honor of my trip to the Big Apple this weekend...and the 10th anniversary of September 11, I thought I'd finally post photos from my April trip up north today. 

It's pretty incredible what God's done in my heart for this city. When I visited for the first time five years ago, I'd have told you it was great, but I had no real desire to even visit again. I'm an outdoor, green landscape, fresh air kinda girl. 

Since then several of my best friends have made their home in NYC. As I've prayed for them and heard  stories of how God's using them there, he's changed my heart. Though I'm not sure I'll ever live in Brooklyn or Manhattan, something stirs in me for this city. When I get to visit I am excited for the work God's doing there. I'm now passionate about the arts, the stage, and the corporate world there. 

Over and over in my life...God proves he's in control of even what makes my heart race.

Alright so looking through these photos, it's insane to think how much life has changed for me in the last five months. For one...I'm an aunt. Sad Rachel won't be joining us tomorrow, but so so glad to know my precious little bug - Maggie Beth!

 

 

I'm not sure I mentioned....my friends are kind of a big deal. While we were there, I visited Broadway Dance Center where Megan works and we also enjoyed a night at the Gershwin to see Katie in Wicked. Yeah you read that right, I have ridiculously talented friends. Megan nearly runs BDC (yep the one seen in the movies and on shows like SYTYCD) and Katie sure is the lead in Wicked. It was SO SO fun to see them both!

A Dominican Vacation

Last week I traveled with one of my best friends and a couple of amazing families to the Dominican Republic. We played, we swam, we ate, we read, we rested...There's really no way to sum up how grateful I am for such an incredible week. The beaches, the weather, the people...the Dominican does it WELL!

Though Hurricane Irene might have wished otherwise, we had a fabulous time. I really love both of these families and their precious daughters (You may recognize Addison and Olivia from the biz blog.) And as I sit now watching the devastation that this super drought has caused our state this week, I must say we were kind of thankful to see that unfamiliar thing called rain for four of our seven day vacation.

 

Have I mentioned that I have the best friends in the universe?!

 

ski

I may have mentioned here, a time or two, that I have the greatest friends in the world. Well...it's still true.

Just as ice and snow came to Austin, on a vacation that has become a tradition now (after three years), me and eight of my closest friends took a flight to the mountains last week. We swept into small town, Colorado and did some damage.

I wish the damage were beautiful and glorious...but facts are there's more damage to my body than that small town with every year. Skiing feels a little different than it did ten years ago. I'm still finding bruises a week later. I'll never let it stop me!

In any case, spending time with these friends makes my life fabulous. These girls are a part of what makes me LOVE this season of my days. Check us out:

This incredible abode is our home for the weekend, and I love it. There's something charming about its little details. Thanks Doodaddy and Doololly for the diggs.

And sweet Salida...you've come to mean so much to me.

Just a few from the slopes with the point-and-shoot:

Every year...

And just before our flight home, we stopped in to see one of my favorite little families in Denver. Check out how big Tate's getting!

As an aside...

In case anyone's keeping track today is, in fact, the 2nd birthday of this sweet little guy. Ideas on how we should celebrate?

brrrrrrrreck

Traveling is one of my favorite things. I love hotels, I love airports...I even love rental cars. 

Now I'm not sure I'm ready for an "Up in the Air" lifestyle, but the amount that I get to travel keeps me wanting more...and I'm thankful for that.

Back in September Stephanie, Rachel and I took our (nearly) annual trip to Breckenridge, CO. You remember our last trip.

What an incredible weekend we picked to go too. It was Breck's Octoberfest! So we enjoyed costumes, sausage and more. I tell you what...those Coloradans (?) sure know how to throw a party. 

If that weren't enough, Steph, Rach and I hiked, drove to the peak of the town to enjoy the aspen tunnels, had rich intentional conversations...and genuinely enjoyed each other.

I LOVE MY LIFE!

God's so faithful to make me feel so well loved. This trip was an excellent example of that.

We had the PLEASURE of driving a CUBE as a rental car for the weekend. One word = incredible



The streets of Breckenridge feel more and more like home to me every trip. I love this place.








Love love you girls! I'm so blessed to call you best friends.

Colorado + Seasons = My Favorite

My schedule + My Design = Tardy Vacation Posts

Temperature Dropping = Colors changing = Autumn

Autumn = Excitement for holidays

Autumn + Me = Happy Me

Your mood after reading this post > Your mood before reading this post (hopefully)

Breckenridge Vacay + Me = 

+

=

My attempt to prepare you for the next post which will include better documentation of our CO vacay =

Your comments ALWAYS = my smiles