We have been settling in here even more now. There still hasn't been much (lasting) snow, so we haven't gone snowshoeing or skiing again yet :(
We have, however, found a way to get outside more often and to get things done! We have been walking to Target about once a week. There are lots of stores there such as Target, Kohl's, game stop, grocery store, and a frozen yogurt shop! The walk is about 2.75 miles one way. So we walk, do what we need to do, and then head home. It takes several hours but we don't usually mind because none of us stay particularly active. The frozen yogurt shop is called Menchie's and it is incredible and delicious! If you ever visit us (please do!) it is very likely that we will take you there (but we won't force you to walk. maybe.)! You just walk in, take a giant cup, and fill it with any flavors and toppings you like. Then you pay for it by weight. There are always new flavors every time we go, so it is always a new experience. Also, they have mini cups out so you can get samples of any kind you want to make sure you like it!
The grocery store there is called Sprouts farmer's market. It is like a Trader Joe's or other chain health/co-op type stores you may have seen. I like getting our fruit and veggies there and sometimes we get extra delicious cheese there too! I tried to apply for a job there but they did not have any positions open. Typical.
Over the last week of February we had some fun visitors! Ben's cousins and their significant others took a road trip to Colorado. Nic, Megan, Chris, and Manda were in town for about a week and we spent some great time with them. First they had some adventures on their own, but then we got to spend time with them exploring downtown Denver, and later, the Rocky Mountains! I was lucky that they were so generous to offer me a place in the cabin they rented just outside Rocky Mountain National park. The visitors' center was right across the street from where we stayed. We stayed in the cabin for several days and spent lots of time playing games, making and eating delicious food, hanging out in the hot tub, looking at the stars, and of course exploring the mountains. Ben was able to drive out twice around his work schedule, which was really great! In the mountains, we saw lots of deer, snow, and elk! We saw a few groups of male elk and we saw some fights which were really cool! The clack of their antlers coming together bounced off the mountains. We also saw a huge group of young and female elk. There were about 200 of them and we had to wait for them to cross the road in front of us in a single-file line! It was very cool to see and I hope we can go up there again soon! You can see some of the pictures I took on facebook.
Only a few days after they left I got a message from my family that my youngest sister was in the hospital. She had been sick for a while and they finally were figuring out what was wrong with her! She needed a few minor surgeries and procedures done, so I decided to fly back to Wisconsin to take care of her during her recovery. Little did I know, my sister is a super-human and healed exceptionally fast and well! I was with my family for almost a week and I got to spend lots of great time with my family and all the pets! I also got to see some great friends that I haven't seen in a while! And, over the weekend my brother was able to fly out to visit as well- it was a nice reunion. Meanwhile, Ben was in Denver working 12 hour shifts! He worked enough so he didn't get too lonely, but it was a tough week! He finished it up by going on a ski/snowboard trip with some coworkers, which was fun, but he did get a little banged up!
They day after Bill and I got back it was Valentine's day. We were all pretty worn out, so we didn't have any big plans. We stayed in and had our traditional dinner of fetuccini alfredo and caesar salad. We were thinking about watching a romantic movie to complete the night, but then we just ended up watching a few episodes of How I Met Your Mother, our standby show lately.
In addition to seeing the cousins, we've had another guest lately as well. My college friend Nathan visited recently as well! He was also visiting other friends, but we did have time to go out to a few meals and take a trip to the zoo! That was the second trip to the zoo I took this month, and it was very worth it! The Denver Zoo totally rocks- I see new things every time I go. If you come and visit (please?) I will take you there too! (If only they would call me back about the job I applied for...)
We also have had fun with local friends lately too! Last weekend we went to Justin and Ashley's apartment for a game day! We played lots of board, card, and video games and had a great time! We also got to meet their very friendly foster dog- a black lab/weimeriner mix named Wyett who loves to play and cuddle! Our next date is to bake and eat some apple pie- yum!
Things in our apartment have been pretty calm. We got some new shelves for our game collection- it looks much nicer than a big pile on the floor! We also put up two wall shelves for our movies (and perhaps a projector in the future). It looks pretty snazzy, if I do say so myself!
Our big activities lately has been doing taxes, sorting paperwork, paying bills, and working on eating the 9 boxes of girl scout cookies we bought!
