That Salty City.

Two weeks ago, Taylor started his 2 week block leave (vacation). I also took some time off and we decided to go to Utah for a week for some much needed time with our friends.

We stopped in Glenwood Springs, about 4 hours from Colorado Springs to rest for the night and why wouldn't we stay at a hotel that was also connected to a brewery? After some sleep, we woke up early to hike up to Doc Holliday's grave site. 

Some Pringles, Coke, and five hours later, we arrived in Utah!

There was definitely a never dull moment in our week. Thank you to all of our amazing friends that took care of us and gave us an incredible time. We look forward to our next visit!

Let's Catch Up!

Don't worry, the Caldwell Cluster is still up and running! The last two months have been filled with lakes, baseball, fires, summer fun, and growing tomatoes!

Early June, we both had a Friday off and decided to go to Pueblo Lake (about an hour south from the Springs). We brought the pups in hopes of having Ella warm up to water and to see if Duke sinks.

The results: Ella still does not like water; Duke can swim!

Mid June, the Salt Lake City Bees traveled to the Springs! We went to two night games enjoying hot dogs, baseball, and beer. The second evening, we received a ball from a Bees player. Taylor's eyes lit up like he was seven years old again as he got the ball signed.

On June 23, The Waldo Canyon Fire started, being the most destructive fire in Colorado history. Over 32,000 people were evacuated, 18,000 acres burned, and nearly 350 homes destroyed.  The highway I take up to work was closed, and the town I work in was evacuated the first day. 3 weeks later, the fire is finally 100% contained but people are still struggling from the loss of their homes and lack of work.

Photo taken from newspaper.

Many animals have also lost their homes and have been forced to come into the towns looking for food. Last week at work I saw a baby bear, a baby bear in a tree, a baby bear get tranquilized, and a baby bear fall out of a tree. Wildlife took him away and out of danger.

The Fourth of July was spent with some nice army folks, food, and definitely no fireworks.

This weekend Taylor starts block leave and we will be heading to Utah for a week to enjoy some much needed time with our good friends!

Birthdays & Oceans.

The last two weeks have been filled with birthday celebrations and oceans.

Taylor turned the big 2-6 on May 13th! The celebrations started on Friday with homemade Big Macs, followed by chocolate cake, with chocolate icing, and chocolate chips inside (birthday boy's request). I added strawberries on top to make it prettier.

We lit the candles and I serenaded Taylor with my best version of Happy Birthday. ♫

On Saturday we drove to Denver to continue the celebration. We did the whole dinner thing and ended the night dancing from bar to bar, that left me sore for days.

Sunday was Taylor's actual birthday so we couldn't let the celebrating end quite yet! We relaxed and then finished the day at our lovely friends, and neighbor's house. 

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Last weekend I ventured out of the Springs to a place called...California. One of my best friends, Amanda, lives in Santa Monica (how unlucky she is...) and we had an amazing time catching up, going to piers, straining our voices in Glee Karaoke, visiting the ocean, drinking Blue Moons & Mimosa's, and wandering the Promenade. 

This weekend Taylor, Ella, Duke, and myself will be traveling west to Moab for some warm sunshine. 

Our Tenth 5k!

Taylor and I completed our tenth 5k run yesterday evening!

Every Tuesday, a bar named Jack Quinn's has a 5k around the beautiful town of the Springs. It takes you along a dirt river trail, looping around amazing homes of the Colorado College area, and straight back into downtown.

After the cold winter, we finally reached 10 runs! We received free Jack Quinn's t-shirts and had a celebratory beer afterwards. Here are a few pictures of the journey.

Next goal: twenty-five 5k's!

Sombrero's & Mustaches.

The Cinco De Mayo festivities took place at our house on Saturday. We played Mexican corn hole, loaded up on homemade tacos & goodies (thanks to our friends), and jammed to Mexican tunes.

Good company, good weather, good beer.

Ella could hardly wait for the party to begin.

Duke, doing what Duke does best.

All is well in the 'Rado Springs. I'm getting some snow up here in Green Mountain Falls at work today, with a high of 34 degrees. Taylor has a well deserved day off and is preparing homemade meatball sandwiches for dinner.

Stay tuned for Taylor's 26th birthday celebration this weekend!

No One is More Professional Than I.

After 17 straight days of leadership training, map reading, land navigating, physical fitness training, and more, Warrior Leader Course has been completed! Taylor graduated on April 26 after doing extremely well in the class.

The ceremony was packed with friends, families, and other soldiers supporting the graduates.

One step closer to becoming an NCO!

Miller Moths Attack!

This weekend I was just admiring how much our Lilac Trees have blossomed...

...until I realized that the killer moths love them too! 

Apparently they come to Colorado every Spring for 4-6 weeks and they came early this year. Last night I was in our kitchen swatting moths left and right with an oven mitt while they were dancing on my face.

They are uncontrollable. What we kill today will just come back tomorrow! 

Here's to a mothy Spring!