Road Trip – The Middle – Food Trucks

Finally my vacation had started.  I had fun in South Dakota.  Can’t deny that.  But this trip was for one thing and one thing only for me… Colorado.  More specifically, Kyla and her family.  It had been too long since I had seen her.  Even longer since I had seen most of the kids and Steve.  I couldn’t have been happier when I pulled into their driveway and opened the back gate.  So weird how it feels almost like coming home when I go there.

My Vacation Had Finally Started

We had planned to take Matt to the park down the street where the food trucks come every Monday night.  I had done it last year and it was OH so good.  Definitely word was out, because it was much busier this year.  But still a good time.  Once we got our food it was just sit back, enjoy the music and friends, and relax.

Chill and Eat

Kids seemed to enjoy their burgers and waffle cakes.

Eats

Of course Perry was in pizza heaven.

PIZZA

The kids played (and threw mounds of dirt…) in the back of the park while we caught up and chatted.  Kyla and I just pick up right where we left off.  Seamless.  Kate and Brodie seemed to have the same connection.

Fast Friends

 

 

 

It Almost Never Happened

I almost didn’t go.
The plane ticket was bought.
The race registration paid.
The bib number assigned.
The heart set on seeing her.
He had to get better.
For him, but also for me.
I needed this.

Other than birthing a sibling, I had never spent a night away from my babies. A mere week after Perry’s release from the hospital, my trip to Colorado to visit Kyla and race with her in the Bolder Boulder was to take place. Up until just a few days before departure, I was not sure I would be able to go. Perry had to be in a stable and in an okay place. I wanted so badly to go. But I also wanted to enjoy my time, not spend it worrying about everyone else. Luckily for Perry and me I got to board that plane. It was a fabulous adventure. I love this girl and love her whole family. I missed my babies and still worried, but this trip was worth it.

It All Went So Fast

Kyla’s visit with Kate, Will and Eli, and ending with an appearance from Nonna, just went too fast.  The days were fun and (mostly) stress-free.  Kyla and I got to spend our mornings relaxing and talking while we drank lots of coffee.  The kids were so into each other, especially Cale and Will.

These 2 little guys, born one day apart, are so similar.  At one point we found them in the guest bed “talking about firemen”.  It was a serious conversation that could not be interrupted.

Kate, Brodie, and Marley found a wonderful friendship at the pool.  And introducing Kate to Plants vs. Zombies on the itouch.  I’m sure Kyla loved that one…

One night we actually attempted and successfully managed to take 7 children out to eat.

Their good behavior was rewarded with an ice cream dessert.

And after dessert, an evening jog…

Little Eli would not be left behind.

He Thinks She’s Pretty Great Too

My Internet Date

Today was the first time I’ve ever met someone face to face that I first met online. I have grown very close to a group of spectacular women. We started with our positive pregnancy tests and now continue to support each other in the journey of motherhood. Its unreal to most of us that we have grown as close as we have. I don’t think any of us expected such friendship to blossom in the past year.

Kyla and her baby, Will, came to Chicago for her husband’s business. I was nervous, like a teenager being set up on a blind date. I knew this woman. We have talked almost everyday. But I still wondered whether it would be the same in person. As soon as I talked to her on the phone I was pretty assured that it would. There was not one awkward silence in our whole 5 hour adventure together.

I am so happy to have found these women, these friends.