A traveling we shall go

We've been back for a few days, but a few members of my family drove back with us and spend a couple of happy days exploring Denver and the mountains and immediately following their departure, we all came down with a cold and have been shuffling along ever since.  I was granted a beautiful nap today and so am ready to fill you in on our trip. 

It was both wonderful and difficult at the same time.  We were able to spend nearly a week with my family.  This was wonderful.  I love that we live in Colorado, but miss my family a lot (our phone records will attest to this). 

I was able to spend almost a full day with one of my older sisters, which is always good for my soul.  She's terrifically wise, beautiful and makes and sells the beautiful hats you will see in this post (don't worry, I'll be sharing info in a post to come very soon).  She also makes the best oatmeal cookies ever.  I am crossing my fingers that she'll share the recipe with me... because not only were they delicious, but they had whole wheat, and oats... yum!

 

She was also my baby's "faux mama" while I was there.  Stranger Danger is still a very real part of our lives, and our nugget did not want anyone but me to hold her... except Aunt Katie.  Because, see, the difficult part about us being gone was that Daniel had to stay behind to work and I did quite a bit of work while we were there (the actual reason for the trip) and so Anni needed to stay with my family (whom she doesn't see quite often enough to recognize from trip to trip).  Luckily, the combined skills of my mom and my sisters and the entertainment their babies provided, we made it through.  And, I was able to photograph some really beautiful events.  It was soul-stretching for me.  I love my job.  (Check them out on my photography blog.)  

I love that my family is close.  Even living 8 hours away, I always know that I have a village backing me up.  And when we're near, I always know there will be cousins playing, walks by the river to take and zoos to visit. 

Zuzana was utterly proud to be pushing Anni in the stroller.  (Katie made the cloche Anni is wearing in this picture as well.)

The zoo is a time-honored tradition in our family.  I grew up going to this zoo and now my mom and Charlie are there at least once a week (family zoo passes are incredible).   

 I was also able to spend some time with one of my bridesmaids and former roommates.  Cheese pizza on a Lenten Friday and catching up.  Lovely.

And, not only did I get to visit with my older brother's family, but I finally got a tour of the house they moved into in December!  I love it, it is very much them (and has many pieces that fit my brother's personality to a t). 

Miss Zizzy on the left was born only a few days after Anni, although she was patient and came on time.  I'm hopeful they're going to be great friends.