Thanksgiving in Sunny Arizona

This year BD's family caravanned to Arizona to celebrate Thanksgiving with Grandma Nona. We took our chances and decided to drive straight through the night with fingers crossed that Bee would sleep the whole way and we wouldn't have to stop for nursing or otherwise. You guys. Arizona is far. Not exactly as far as say, Guatemala, but still it's far. Bee did surprisingly well on the drive down, considering she was strapped in a 5 point harness for 10 hours straight and couldn't roll over. I would be confused and a little ticked too.

We crashed the first day at Uncle Scott and Aunt Patty's in Gilbert and were able to catch up with some friends. On Thanksgiving morning we drove over the river and through the woods, or in our case up the mountain and through the Tonto National Forest, to Grandma's house in Globe to join the rest of BD's family. It's always fun being at Grandma's house which made the drive more than worth it, and honestly, there has never been a more loving and kind grandma in all the world. Grandma's house is full of one-of-a-kind treasures like her collection of garden gnomes and curio cabinets with cowboy bobble heads and the like. Grandma is 82 now, but never seems to age or slow down. We heard stories about family with names like Ditter and Duke and how she shewed a black snake out of her house with nothing but a broom. She taught us the game "Hand and Foot," which she plays with her sisters, and I'll never forget her walking around the table checking our card hands to help us make the right moves. I miss her already!

Jana: Do you guys ever play Ninja? R&M: UM YEAH, we do!

The Duncan gang with Grandma Nona, minus Amy

3 great-grandkids!

We stayed the night in Globe so we could spend more time with Grandma and Amy the next day. We attempted some family pictures in the backyard, which is always hilarious with the two little toddlers and a self timer. I'm excited for Bee to have a little cousin to play with soon! Watching Ellie and Cody together is an absolute riot. Watching Michelle and Ryan bribe Ellie with jelly beans is even better. Cutest parents in the world. We said our goodbyes to Grandma but not before stealing away with some of her beautiful crocheted doilies, fruitcake, and a little treasure just for Phoebe.

Buds

The hand holding was most certainly held together with bribes of jelly beans!

Snuggling Gwampa Lee

We eventually made it back to Uncle Scott's house and spent time visiting cousins and Uncle Dan and eating eating eating! We are so thankful that Scott and Patty open their home so generously to us, even sharing their wild Oregon blueberries in yummy pancakes. We are quite the brute squad nowadays and I'm sure little Pandy was happy to get back to life as an only pet in a quiet house. It's definitely tricky traveling with a little one. I spent most of the time worrying about when and how and where I could feed and sleep Phoebe. But in the end it was a wonderful trip and worth all the exhaustion! We have so much to be thankful for indeed, family always being at the tippy top of our list.

And that's a wrap! Whew!

Labor Day Weekend: Jackson & Jellystone

I've got so much to catch up on. Here goes!

Road trippin' with the Duncan Fam! All piled into one big cozy van, we drove to Jackson for the Labor Day Weekend. I couldn't help but think about how last Labor Day weekend I was on bed rest, laying low after IVF. Fast forward one year and we are road trippin' with our little miracle. {Sigh} Life is amazing! BD is beyond pleased that she did so well in the car. Watch out Bee, he's got big plans for life on the road :).
All 3 kiddos did amazingly well in the car, given how much driving we did in 3 short days. We ventured up through both Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks to Old Faithful and back. Yellowstone is my happy place. It reminds me of some of the happiest days of my childhood. Wild. Untamed. We saw not one, but FOUR grizzly bears all together. Pretty incredible and the highlight of the trip for me. Besides of course, the wonderful family time. I love them all. Thanks Grandpa Lee!

"The Wheels on the Bus Go...."

Bison range

 

Men wearing babies = YES!

Motel life. She is perfect, no?

 

Best Gwampa EVER. Also, cutest kids ever.

Can you spot all 4 grizzly bears?

Bryce Canyon Half Marathon

BD's family is full of running fools. Two weeks ago, after not having run for like, ever, BD decides that he'll up and run the Bryce Canyon Half Marathon with Russ, Michelle and Alli. Is it just me, or do men seem to have this ability to just do stuff like this on a whim? I'm going with, yeah. The injustice of it all bewilders me. Regardless, it was a perfect excuse to tag along on a little road trip with the Duncan family (minus Ellie who stayed home for some precious daddy-daughter time and was missed enormously). All the runners did superb! I was proud of each of them. Not sure if you knew this, but running is hard. I have such great respect for anyone who can run past the end of my street, because that is usually where I succumb and die a very horrible death.

Sojourners: Michelle, Russ, BD, Alli, Heather, Jenny

Surprise, surprise cousins Jenny and Heather ran as well. On the sidelines we visited with Stu and Helen who always give big giant hugs and make you feel warm and fuzzy from head to toe.
We took the long way home - because that's what Duncan's do - and I finished my book. Hooray for summer reading! Also, I did pay very close attention to the beautiful scenery surrounding us. Especially the full-to-the-brim golden moon that hovered so handsomely over the mountains that first night. My lawsie, was that ever a site to behold. We drank cold sarsaparilla and inhaled giant ginger molasses cookies at the Burr Trail Grill in Boulder. Totally worth going back for.

 

 

Plenty of little stops along the way helped so that the runners and little Cody could get out and stretch their legs. That boy, he's a charmer. Such a darling and good natured little rascal. But hello, look at his parents. They take easy street to a whole new level. I could just squish him.

 

 

Twins. Aren't these two adorable? Indeed. Besties through and through. Notice how their stride is exactly the same! Like I said, adorable.

Russ & Michelle, Besties

I'm not sure I can take this post to any greater heights than this. It's taken me no less than 6 blog sessions to finally finish it without being interrupted, side-tracked or distracted by something else. Have a lovely weekend! We'll be picnicking and lovin' us some Von Trapp Children in Deer Valley tonight. Feel the joy people :)

This guy, we love

On the way down to Bryce Canyon last weekend we pit-stopped at the Scipio (love that word) gas station / Dairy Queen to fill up the cars and indulge our road trippin' bellies with a frozen treat. It had been far too long since my last chocolate dipped cone. {insert wistful sigh}
Anyway, moving on.
While pumping our gas a Mercedes Sprinter Van pulls forward at the adjacent pump. The Duncan men pay notice. The Duncan women pay notice to the Duncan men paying notice to a camping van and wonder why they even put on makeup that morning. {insert beleaguered sigh}
Anyway, moving on.
By this point the clan has migrated inside and in line to order their dinner and guilty pleasures, as they may be. But not my father-in-law Lee. Nope. He is outside saddled up to the van chewing the cud with three ladies (ahem) who, come to find out, are en-route from Glacier National Park to home in the South. And he's washing their windows. 'Cause he's just that guy. I couldn't love him more. {insert affectionate sigh}

Hit the road, Jack

via

• Summerness is well under tow / my list is shrinking just as the days
• Oh boy, this week has been busy / Oh girl, next week looks busier
• You must know I love it when / my old boss is back in town
• Lyrics on repeat / streets are uneven when you are down
• Today is my Grandma R's birthday / I miss her so much it hurts
• BD is a cyclist / masquerading as a runner for the weekend
• My tennis game is seeing improvement / am so happy about it
• On the other hand / my piano practicing has taken a huge hit
• Root beer popsicles / are keeping this girl nourished happy
• Did you know / most of the world thinks root beer is disgusting?
• I have the travel bug / also known as running from my problems
• Am scared out-of-my-mind / as to what the rest of this year holds
• But this weekend / I'm excited to road trip with some cool cats
• Last weekend / I made a strawberry-rhubarb pie from scratch
• Further evidence that I am becoming my mother / it's not so bad

Happy Friday!

San Diego & BD's New/Old Benz

BD has been on the hunt for a cheap commuter car that can get him to work and back a few times per week. You know, for those days when cycling 45 miles to the office just isn't convenient. I knew he had found the one when I received a g-chat that simply read:
"we need to talk"
 {long pause}
 "it's about a car"
A few days later we were in San Diago and ready to drive it home! And well, since it was in San Diego, CA and not Nowheresville, USA I tagged along for some weekend adventure. Meet Bruce.

1984 Mercedez-Benz 190d ("d" stands for diesel and for duh! that is all BD will drive)

You see that? That is the face of a happy boy with a new toy. That is also the face of an embarrassed man whose wife is standing smack in the middle of a busy road taking a picture of him leaning against an old car. Wait, would I get more blog-cred if I used the word "vintage" instead? Bruce is nearly as vintage as we are and surprisingly needs minimal work, but has enough small projects to keep BD thoroughly occupied and happily tinkering.
Once the car was officially ours it became clear after just a few hours that this vehicle was, for sure, a male. You just know. We threw around some names, but Bruce has ultimately stuck. (runner up: Run-DMC). Why Bruce? Let me break it down:

• Bruce is a classy name; fit only for classy guys (my Uncle Bruce!) or in this case, a classy car.
• Bruce was kindofabigdeal in 1984! Not unlike a certain Bruce Springsteen.
• If Bruce could he would be sporting a knit square-end tie and wayfarers (both items I believe BD should incorporate into his wardrobe asap) to coordinate with those tan pleather seats.
• Bruce's personality is clearly laid-back and practical, which is easy to be when your automatic sunroof still works and you squeeze an impressive 40 mpg. Nicely done Bruce, nicely done.

6.11.11 Ocean Beach, San Diego, CA

The name fits, doesn't it? We spent our weekend in San Diego getting to know Bruce and sourcing out the best fish tacos. When in Rome, right? We also went running along the Sunset Cliffs, watched a paddle-surfing competition, devoured banana bread french toast, played a bit of tennis, and utilized all the free stuff our hotel could offer. The trip home was interesting without A/C. I assure you that chocolate milkshake from In-n-Out was for my survival only. Nothing like a drive through the desert with the windows down to remind you of just how high-maintenance you really are.

Logan to Jackson {or bust}

BD rode LOTOJA again this year. He might be nuts. But there is no mistaking his passion for all things biking. I must not have been a complete delinquent last year as his official "support crew" and therefore was hired for a repeat performance. I was thrilled each time he came through a feed zone in good spirits while we swapped water bottles, wrappers, and a salty kiss. At least he's having fun, I thought, despite the self-induced pain. The whole Duncan clan came to Jackson to see him cross the finish line. It seemed the perfect excuse to have everyone together for the weekend and we loved every second spent with them.

We are all laughing/smiling in this picture because the passerby who kindly took this shot hollered "say... GO COUG'S!" Maybe you had to be there, or be a Duncan, to really understand that humor.

We stayed the night in Jackson at a cozy lodge near downtown and after a yummy dinner and a splurge at Haagen Dazs we called it an early night. Someone was tired and it wasn't Ellie or Cody. I'm in love with those quirky mountain lodges, where the hot and cold is always switched backwards on the shower and it takes 10 minutes to solve the puzzle. The next day we sauntered around the open-air art fair and Taste of the Tetons. I scored some turquoise earrings that I may never take out of my ears. We made quick work of 3 large pizzas at Mountain High Pizza Pie before hitting the road for home.

A big thanks to Grandpa D for making it all happen. Jackson was so beautiful and the weather was just perfect, I'm still dreaming about it. It was fun having the babes there as well. High fives to their parents who braved the first road trip with them in tow. Ellie gave me a big hug right before we left that basically melted me right on the spot and Cody was a good sport to allow his auntie no less than one million kisses on those cheeks of his. I'm preemptively making up for that day when he's not going to allow me do that anymore. BD and I opted to take the long way home in search of a huckleberry milkshake at the Ashton drug store. We stopped several times to snap shots of the beautiful Teton valley in which we were passing through. Absolutely gorgeous. Naturally my thoughts wandered to my grandparents as we passed their resting place and my heart warmed.

The rolling fields of gold seemed endless. One after another. We were dismayed to find that the drug store in Ashton had been renovated into a pizzeria and was inevitably closed on Sunday. Through the window I could see that the old-fashioned soda fountain was intact and the locals we accosted on the street vouched that the food was decent, so not all is lost; we'll be back. The milkshakes were the best thing that drug store had going for it anyway. Our search for huckleberry milkshakes was successful down the road at some Frosty Top car hop or something of the sort. And yes, at the last second BD sneaked in an order of onion rings and I could not for the life of me find any good reason to object.  

 I love road trippin.'

A little road trip to Vegas

ometimes you don't realize you need a weekend away until you're actually away, from home and from routine, no cell phone, no excuses, seated in the heart of a swanky casino restaurant, sipping an interesting brothy mushroom soup, across from a man who compliments your frizzy un-blown hair in such a way you are now blushing the same color fuchsia as the orchid that separates you. And then it hits you, the perfectness of that moment. Exhale, because you are one lucky girl. Don't forget that.

We thoroughly enjoyed our quick weekend road trip to Las Vegas. Not only did I see my favorite band in concert, but I had the rare fortune to hang with BD for 3 straight days, sleep as much as I wanted, take multiple bubble baths, do a little shopping, and eat cupcakes for breakfast. Total success.

Yellowstone-Quick Pass

The day after the race we took the long way home, through the Teton and Yellowstone National Parks. Probably two of my most favorite places on earth. The beauty in this part of the country is unsurpassed. My sister and kids came up to Jackson, barely missing BD at the finish line of the race. We caravaned through the Parks stopping here and there to spy on animals or snap a quick photo. On the way home it was put to a vote and decided: BD and I could live there.

Due West:: Lake Tahoe

North, South, East or West?
It doesn't matter where we go, or what we'll do when we arrive: BD simply loves being on the road. As it turns out, I drew WEST.1 rainstorm, 2 pit stops, and 8 hours later we were in Lake Tahoe enjoying breathtaking views and crisp mountain air. After some exploring, we bunked up for the night at a lake side lodge near Kings Beach and soaked in a hot tub underneath the moonless starlit sky.In the morning we found creamy hot chocolate and a hearty breakfast inside an unassuming cafe. Such a beautiful day couldn't be wasted in the car alone, so we set out to find some hiking trails.As luck would have it, right away we found a trail to Eagle Lake, which was absolutely stunning. We made a mental note on our places to see again list and vowed to come back when we had more dedicated time. I had to use serious restraint not to jump into the water. It was crystal clear blue and calling my name. But alas, the risk of having someone steal our clothes from the shore was far too great. Next time I won't forget my swimming suit.But just so we're clear...I totally would have done it. A kind soul offered to take our picture, for which we were grateful.Views of Emerald Bay from the trail. Starting to realize that the longer we stay...the longer the drive home. Someday our lives will be completely different. Spontaneity will be but a thing of the past. And new adventures with diapers and first steps will fill our days. But I'm forever grateful for the memories we're making along the way.