water dog

Well, our Bella loves the water! A couple weeks ago, we decided to go see Patterson Lake, which is only a couple miles from our new house. We found an unoccupied city park with a boat ramp and played fetch with Bella in the water. Here are some pictures of our kid in action:

this is how she sits (begs) when she really wants the ball thrown

great form :)

she finally learned to plane out

on a mission :)

Love y'all!

north dakota

We're here!! Caleb and I said our final farewell to Grand Junction Saturday. We drove for 11 hours and stayed the night in Spearfish, SD. The next morning we had Panera Bread bagels (purchased in Fort Collins, CO), stopped at a coffee shop, and visited the historical fish hatchery. We viewed the biggest trout we have ever seen! I loved watching Caleb feed the fish and ooh-and-aww over the big guys. It was just like watching a little boy. I love him. :)

We finished the remaining 4 hours of the drive to Dickinson with beautiful weather and awesome views of the rolling plains. We drove through Belle Fourche, SD, which is considered the "Center of the Nation" since it is super close to the geographic center of the US. When we entered North Dakota, we stopped at the sign to take a picture. We were seriously in the middle of nowhere with hardly anyone on the highway, but the second after we parked by the sign, a greyhound bus pulled up behind us. Then a bunch of old black people filed off the bus, and a big lady says to Caleb in a southern accent, "Baby! Take my picture!" I looked over, and Caleb had multiple cameras in his hands with groups of people lining up for pictures. It was so random and hilarious! So I grabbed Bella (all crazy and super excited) and our camera, walked over and handed it to an old guy, and asked him to take our picture. Caleb picked up Bella and we stood under the sign and smiled! We got the heck out of there so that we weren’t stuck taking everyone else's pictures. As we drove off, I looked at our picture, and the guy missed half the sign that said "North Dakota"....so we entered "Dakota". Seriously?!?!?! It was so bizarre...like in Dumb & Dumber or something. :)

So we've moved into our home for the next two months, the Days Inn. :) We actually have a really large suite, but unfortunately there is only a microwave, mini-fridge, and small sink. I bought a hot plate at Walmart and a few groceries last night, so I can finally enjoy my breakfast and few snacks without leaving. I unpacked all the kitchen stuff, and tomorrow morning I'm going to tackle the six suitcases of clothes. Woohoo!

I'll continue to post the many exciting things about Dickinson. So far, I think we're going to be okay here. :)

Love y'all!

camping

The weekend before Memorial Day we went camping in the Black Canyon of the Gunnison. It was Bella's first camping experience and she did so great! She also discovered water, other than a bath, for the first time, all on her own decision!! We are so excited that she loves it!! We had reserved that particular weekend to camp the Black Canyon of the Gunnison, especially before the big move, and we are so glad we did that! :)

family picture

Sunday night after we got home from camping, our dear friends, the Allen's and Brumelle's, threw a going-away party for us. We were so touched and really enjoyed chatting with the many friends we made in Grand Junction. All of these people were an answer to our prayers, and I am now praying that we can continue these friendships as well as make new friends in Dickinson.

wonderful friends, minus a few families that left before the picture

yummy cupcakes that Kacey made :)

home!

Thanks for all the support! I actually came home from work and cleaned enough of the downstairs to feel okay enough to ski. But then I was still stressed about taking Bella to the kennel, packing, and of course, the remainder of the house. So, I stayed home. :) Caleb just walked out the door, skis on the car, dressed in his gear, and blueberry bagel in hand. I'm sad that we'll be apart this weekend, but as soon as I post this, I'm making coffee, turning on HGTV, and reading my new quilting book. Ahhhhhh. :)

So I just wanted to post a few pictures from the past month or so....woohoo!!

Bella on a day hike.

Weekend in Vail with our friends Klinton and Melanie Farrar.

Melanie and I enjoying a Bloody Mary at the Peach Street Distillery.

Caleb and Cas snowboarding in Keystone over New Years.

Getting on the Gondala to head back down the mountain with Cas and Gina after a wonderful dinner.

Our sweet friends Cas, Gina, and baby-on-the-way!!

My parents spent Christmas with us, so we skied a few days in Vail.

Family picture!!

Alright, off to my coffee! I LOVE Saturday mornings!