Rocky Mountain High

Back in January...just 2 weeks after we got home from our 3rd trip to Tahoe, we packed it all up again and headed out to the cold Rocky Mountains for a visit with the O'Connor Family! Though this wasn't Noah's first time on a "BAAA PANE" (aka BIG PLANE), this was the first trip that he actually noticed the planes and I think he had some sort of concept of him actually riding on one! The "BAAA PANE" chatter started before we left the car in San Jose and didn't stop until we were out of sight of the air port in Colorado! Sooo stinkin' cute.

The kid was so worked up and excited after being in the airport, he crashed out in my arms just after take off and slept until we started our decent in CO. Perfect plane ride if you ask me! After battling with the car seat a bit, we made our way to Loveland. Noah was super quick to warm up to Jodi and Darien, Jimmy and Tina, but took a little while to get used to Morgan the big goofy dog!













































In no time at all Jason and Jimmy and the boys were knee deep in Boys Games. Games that involve 100's of miniatures, numerous books, rulers, dice and 8+ hours to play. It was a good thing I had plenty of books to read! I finished the Twilight books, started and finished Dear John by Nicholas Sparks and got through half of The Host by Stephanie Meyer. Overall, we had a much needed relaxing week. All except for the fact that Noah was not sleeping. I know I say it all the time, but seriously, this trip Noah slept worse than usual. He would wake up 5-6 times a night, and be up for over an hour at least twice a night. His naps were crap, and his melt downs were a frequent occurrence. Still, he managed to woo and win over all the O'Connors. Even good ol' Morgan!










Noah and I took a few walks through the cute little neighborhood when it wasn't too cold and even had a snow ball fight in the front yard. Noah won of course. One day Jason and Jimmy escaped to see Avatar in 3D. We had a nice dinner out at PF Changs, and one night Tina and I escaped all the boys for dinner, drinks and a movie! I have also discovered the best ego boost...cook for teenage boys! One night I made my mom's taco recipe, my favorite, and I don't think I have ever seen so much food consumed all at once. After dinner, Nate, one of Jodi's friends told me, "these are the best tacos I have ever had!!!" Hahaha....loved it!

We ended our Colorado visit with a day trip down to Frisco and Breckenridge! We woke up WAAAAAAAAAAY too early, but it was well worth it. Jodi and Nate played hooky and Jason took them to the mountain for a day of snowboarding, compliments of my Uncle Philippe! Always a bonus to have family working on the mountain! Thank You! Thank You! After dropping the boys off, Noah and I spent the day with Uncle Philippe! He got to ravage through a new box of toy cars, learn some french, watch Philippe whip out a homemade pie, and refuse to take a nap before we went back to the mountain to meet the boys for lunch.











































When we got there, Noah was not too interested in eating. Instead, he wanted to run around, go outside to catch snow flakes and play in the snow. So funny, his fear was gone and all about it. Too bad we didn't have sleds and snow clothes with us :) After lunch, Noah passed out in the car and took a good nap back at the house. He woke up just in time to meet his Great Auntie Diane! She drove in around 3ish after a grueling trip home from Arizona and was all smiles as she came through the door! Noah, was sure to say hi and show off his dimples, but he was more interested in "Nam" (aka Sam) the little rat terrier that came home with my Aunt. Such a cute little dog, more Noah's size, and Sam was quick to cozy up to Noah and his little bowl of snacks! By the end of the night though, Auntie Diane got a hug and a snuggle and I'm sure Noah managed to steal a little piece of her heart!

















Jason and the boys made it off the mountain, took the shuttle back to Frisco and were defrosted in no time. We had a wonderful visit with my family and I was so so so impressed with how grown up and respectful Nate and Jodi were. It's not everyday that you put 2 teenage boys in a strange place, with new people and see them behave like young men! It was a real treat to hang out them see just how much Jodi has grown up in the last 7 years since I first met him. While we chatted, Philippe cooked us all an amazing dinner and of course we all got to indulge in a delicious home made dessert. Again, THANK YOU! THANK YOU!
























Jodi and Nate quickly passed out on the drive home, Noah however, Noah "I'm Not Tired" Long stayed awake the entire drive home and gave us another craptastic nights sleep! The next morning, we packed it all up again and headed for home. The airport was as exciting for Noah as it was the first time, and the flight was equally as simple. We had a great visit and can't wait to visit the Rockies again this summer!

we had a lot of time in the air port before we went home....so we took pictures!