Let the Adventure Begin

Life got crazy around our house about two weeks ago when Thad came home saying that he would be working on Cortez Colorado for the summer, and we could go with him if we wanted. Um, of course we wanted to. Not that I had any burning desire to see Cortez, but more that I didn't want to spend the entire summer as a single parent. His company offered to rent us a place to stay(including furniture) so we didn't have to move an entire house for the summer. So Thad left for Cortez while I packed up the things we would be bringing and a couple weeks later we are here. As we were deciding if/when the family should go I was torn between a new summer adventure, and leaving our callings and friends and summer traditions at home. It was a harder decision than I thought. So far it's been great. The kids did amazing on the 12.5 hour drive, no meltdowns or fighting or anything. That might be in part to the bigger car the company rented for us, and a little to do with the tablet we bought so they could watch a few shows on the drive. But they really only watched for 2 hours of the 12, and I'm still amazed at how smoothly it went.

Peter chewed on his toes a good portion of the trip, which was weird.

Andi and the Utah (where she was born) sign at four corners.

Cortez is tiny, like 8,500 people tiny, and our little townhouse has no yard. But, there is a huge park and rec center across the street with an indoor water park. We've been everyday. The air here is clear, like you can see through it all the way to the mountains 50 miles away, and the kids haven't coughed or sniffled since we got here. If you live in Bakersfield, you know both of those things are completely novel. The weather is lovely, and we are looking forward to touristy weekend adventures instead of house projects.Adventures and pictures to follow.

The night before we left I was able to dance in one last recital. I know that sounds crazy. Andi didn't dance this year, but the studio put on a tribute for Cathy Correa, and I have been going to dance class for the last couple months learning a couple "secret" dances for the show. It was so much fun to be backstage with the dance girls again, and to actually be on stage with Cathy. Cathy even planned her own surprise dance that we were learning backstage during the show. It was perfect! I have missed that more than I thought, and dancing and Cathy will always hold a special place in my heart. I was having so much fun I didn't think to take pictures, so I stole  these from facebook.

Rap-Tap - originally done in 2002

One singular sensation- Cathy's signature song.