It Doesn't Get Better Than This!!

There are two places I love more than anywhere else on earth. One is Hawaii and the other is the Animas Valley in Colorado.

About every two years since our honeymoon we have made the trek to the cool pine country where we stay at the company condo just north of Durango, and enjoy sleeping in, going on walks, reading books on the back porch, swimming , and any other local activity we feel up to—such as river rafting, and the Alpine Slide.

This past week was our trek time. And even better, it was my birthday. Wes planned a big surprise activity for the celebration and all the kids, in-laws and our grandbaby came along for the celebration. And they all managed to keep the surprise a secret!!

Just having the family all together was a treat! I loved listening to everyone visit and tease. And of course I loved spending time with Carly. It was so fun to see her reaction when she would see me or Wes. She would smile a big smile, hold out her arms and then bounce her arms and legs up and down as fast as she could until we took her. There are few things in life, I believe, that will warm my heart more than that did.

But, back to my big adventure. . . . I may love planning parties, but Wes is the best at planning fun activities. We got up early in the morning and drove down to the train station where we picked up the Durango Silverton Train. The train ride alone is a treat and we loved watching the scenery as it passed by.

After an hour ride, we disembarked at a remote resort (reached only by train or helicopter) where they had a zip line course. Our entire day was spent riding the zip line. It was so much fun!!

We went through their training session and put on our gear. There were twenty people there that day and eight were with us (Michelle made the sacrifice to stay home and babysit Carly). The crew/guides asked us how we all knew each other. We told them we were all one family and they asked, “So, like you are cousins?” No, we explained, Wes and I were the parents and the others were our children. For the rest of the day they called me “Super Mom” –which I liked, by the way, and kept saying to us, “You guys have the funnest family!”

The crew (which were college aged kids from all over the world) was very helpful, polite and kind. They learned our names within the first ten minutes of being there and this particular young man quickly came to Kristen’s rescue when she cut her hand. He not only provided a Band Aid, but he also took her blood pressure and her heart rate. He told her if she needed anything else he was at her beck and call. Hmmmmm.

Half way through the day we stopped for a very yummy lunch by the river and then began the more challenging course. The most fun was when we traveled at 35 miles an hour over 1,400 feet zipping through the trees and over the river.

Everyone developed their own style of "soaring". Camille (who is on a separate, higher line, by the way) clung tightly to the rope and screamed most of the way. I, for some reason, kept my legs straight out in front of me which resulted in some rather sore stomach muscles the next day.

Kristen liked the flare of the one arm approach.

Kali usually had one leg straight and the other bent and her coat flowing behind her. It was a look that made us think of Mary Poppins meets Super Hero.

And Ryan (shown below) Dave, Wes and Kathryn all tried going upside down. Dave was totally crazy and spent most of his time in that position.

After a very fun day, we took the train home where we picked up Michelle and Carly and headed into Durango for a birthday dinner at Mutu’s Italian Restaurant.

We finished off the night with cake and ice cream back at the condo. By the way, I am not 42, but my kids are kind and allow me the fantasy of pretending to be. Here Carly is helping blow out the candles.

It was a great day and I loved every minute of it. I am so grateful to my wonderful family and especially Wes, who spent so much time and effort planning it and making sure I felt loved and reminded that no matter how old we get, there are still a lot of good times--and adventures-- ahead!