i feel charming...

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If you haven't stepped outside lately, or rolled down your car windows, or taken a look at all the happy faces meandering around this town... spring is here.  It's here!  I'm no longer captive to bulky boots or layers of clothing or an ice scraper in hand each morning. My camera is so happy and sappy and bright.  I can hardly stand it.


love is like whoa...

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This February was host to one of my favorite Valentine's celebration (at least that I remember, sorry Mom)... heart-shaped pizza from PapaJohn's, hand-dipped strawberries by the lovely Pam O., and salad with homemade dressing.  Okay, it wasn't the food that made it great.  It wasn't that at all.  It was the hilarious stories about Quinceanearas and a hot Latino man of the 90's that made it more entertaining than I remember any other Valentine's Day.  Maybe I have a weak memory of Valentine's Day pasts (okay, except the time in college I made penne vodka sauce with Viaka - bad idea - and my roommates were the servers... I'm a weirdo).  Either way, it was a really good night.

king cake...

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Fat Tuesday.  Sounds like such a jolly time.  And the roommates and I made sure it was.  Never mind the beads, we went straight for the beef and checked out a new restaurant that had opened recently near us - the Snak Shack, formerly known as the Shake Shack (until it's name was copyrighted by someone else), formerly known as Wheat State Pizza (until this location went out of business).

It's a quirky little place.  Sporadic decor posted on the walls and random items in the dining area (note Renee's knight helmet) had me a little confused between hole in the wall every band poster ever made plastered floor to ceiling and quaint, personality-filled spot to grab a bite.  I'd possibly like to say it gave the effect of trying too hard to be cool, without looking like trying hard, but really, the decor matters much less than the food.  So forget the walls.

The burgers were fabulous.  Lean beef, yummy romaine, and a thick bun that didn't get loaded with grease.  And the onion rings were phenomenal.  I'm a bit of an onion ring snob, and these were the best I've had.  That I remember.  Really, really good.  You must try them.  And, even better, the restaurant sources locally raised and organic ingredients.  Makes me happy.

I brought along the camera because the poor thing has been up in the closet for way too long this winter. It needed some action.  Something colorful and warm and bright.  I think we all found a little bit this rainy, Mardi Gras of a night.


perfect...

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Not much can beat the sensation of flying down a snowy mountain, swooshing left then carving right, pole plant, pole plant, carve. No sound except the rush of wind past your ears and snow under your feet.  Teetering just on the edge of in control.

Oops, did I say 'teetering on the edge of in control'?  Sometimes the flying part can get a little dicey - a mistake would make for a messy, yard sale of a crash.  And some sort of knee injury for sure.  But we do it anyway.  As fast as you can go, as hard as you can push, down to the bottom.  I like skiing.  Wish I could make it happen more often.  For now I settle for two trips a year.  Once with the fam, and once with friends.  This weekend Sara and I hit up Beaver Creek for some fabulous scenery and wide open runs.  We weren't disappointed.  It's so beautiful there with all the Aspen trees and empty lift lines.  We skied our hearts out.  My quads have been reminding me all day.

To top it off the day before was spent with the newest baby in my life - little Kolbe (whose photos will be posted on the photo blog soon).  Time went too fast with him and his momma.  What a precious little boy!  I mean, I know we say that about all babies, but he absolutely is.  

Below is a view from our patio window.  The winter scene is so barren, it almost looks like the photo is black and white.  Can we get some springtime up in here - I need color in my life!  And below that are our winter pride and joys.  Some day my skis will grow up and be big skis like Sara's.  And the next is the aftermath of a day of skiing.  Boots and gloves drying by the fireplace always make me smile.  It's evidence of a good day's work.

Also, just a note - I wear a helmet when skiing.  Just in case the teetering turns into tottering.  Also helps when going through tree trails.  Branches tend to be attracted to my head.

mines...

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And... look who I got to spend the weekend with a few weeks ago.  Piper turned two!  Unbelievable.  She is so much fun it's hard to leave.  And soon there will be another one joining her.  Can't wait to hang out everyone again.  Thanks Bridget and Zach for being such great hosts.

official...

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In other exciting news...  last weekend our dodgeball team won the league tournament.  Woot!  The championship game was tight, and we came back from an 0-3 slump.  Everyone made awesome plays and worked their booties off... and Sara's took the cake.  She ended a match against a guy that finally turned our losing streak. It was the highlight of our season.  I cannot tell you how much I enjoy playing dodgeball with these guys.  It is ridiculous.  I'd play year round if they'd let me... go Team Alpha Super Awesome Cool Dynamite Wolf Squadron!