July 2013 Part 2

Once we arrived in Denver, Matt headed back to Omaha to work. I dropped him off Monday morning and picked him up Friday. Monday and Tuesday were primarily spent scanning family photos, laundry, and regrouping from all the travel thus far. I really enjoyed this time to catch up with my family and I am grateful that we are progressing on this project. I also appreciated that my family carved out so much time for "Beckie week" as it was called. I felt very touched that members of the family took time off of work and other preparations to spend time with my family and me.

Here are some other highlights, but forgive me because my camera wasn't charged and so I mostly used my cell phone.

White Fence Farms - This was a cute country restaurant and family activity place that included a petting zoo, a playground, a slide, a gift shop, a pond, and carriage rides. Most of the family was able to join us as well as Christina Underwood and her girls.



Sheri was especially excited about this experience because she LOVES horses and plays imaginary games about them. She has asked us for a pony, but . . .well, you know . . . too much everything!

Wednesday Annie took us one morning to a rec center near her house so the kids could swim. They had a blast even if the water was a bit cold. I really enjoyed sitting in the shallow end with the two baby boys. I love their cute, soft, round bellies!



I enjoyed hanging at Annie's afterward. Here is Joe being so sweet and cute little Jonathan.



I was able to hang out and talk with Jennifer at her house and have dinner there in the evening. Sometimes just talking can be the most fulfilling. I was glad that on this visit, I was really able to get some quality time with Jen.

Thursday I went to lunch with my girlfriends (Brenda, Janet, and Kara) at Thai Basil. We had a great time catching up. I wish we had gotten pictures as a group. In the evening we had dinner with Jennifer at her house again. We had such a nice time!

Friday Annie and I went to Cheyenne Mountain Zoo in Colorado Springs and Christina joined us. It was fun to be able to go to different zoo.




Eve feels a closeness with Avery and wishes that we could live closer. I really appreciate Christina making the effort to spend time with us.

In the evening my mom surprised me by making a birthday cake for me. This made me so happy! When you don't live close, you really miss out on Mom and her delicious recipies. It was especially thoughtful and really made me feel special on this day!



My birthday present was to go on Saturday and get my very first professional pedicure. My mom, sisters, Emma, and I had a lovely time being pampered and then went to lunch at the Olive Garden. We were then able to see Annie's new house that she was buying. In the afternoon I relaxed for a bit at Jen's and then went down to Christina's for a game night with the old dance gang. Sterling had stayed to play with Joe but the girls had a ball with Avery and Brielle.
We couldn't stay late because we had a long drive home to Nebraska on Sunday, but it was good to see long time friends and enjoy catching up.


I came home from this vacation completely rejuvinated and happy! I was ready to jump back into routine because I had such a nice break and time to connect with family. July is really a great month! Thanks to all for making it so wonderful!