The Cinnamon Roll Chronicles

Not much to report from yesterday. As you read we left Estes Park at 7:15, with a ten hour drive a head of us. Because of the sequester the campsite we wanted to stay in wasn't schedule to open until 5/31. And we were arriving in Yellowstone on 5/30. Which meant we got to stay in a bed and breakfast...YAY!!!  But the b&b was on the north end of the park in Montana. It took us about ten hours to get to the park. We stopped in Casper to have lunch with my friend Devin and then we stopped in Cody to take a quick break before driving through the park. Once we got to the park it took us two hours to get from the east entrance to the north entrance. It SNOWED again!!! And we saw a ton of Bison just driving through. I took full advantage of the bed and breakfast. I showered when we got here and showered again this morning before we left, since I probably won't have another good shower until we get to Wisconsin.  Oh and the house we are staying in is built entirely of rock, which ...

The weather did not cooperate for our visit to Rocky Mountain. First, on Tuesday evening when we arrived in Estes Park we went directly to Visitor Center to get a map and ask some questions. We were quickly informed that the hike we wanted to go on, had the potential for snow avalanches. Second, the weather was forecasting afternoon thunderstorms.  Our plan was to get up early and be done with our hike before the bad weather hit. Well it started raining at 5am. Daniel frequently checked the weather and saw clear weather between the hours of 9am and 3pm. So off we go to get our hike done as quickly as possible. As you drive through the park there are all these signs that say "Beware weather conditions can change quickly". Plus all of these crazies were gettingon the shuttle up to the trailhead in shorts and tennis shoes. The rangers continued to tell everyone that the trails were snow covered and the snow was about 4 feet deep. We get to the trailhead it doesn't seem too t...

Okay people...so as of yesterday I have officially been on this trip for ONE WEEK!  So far no major breakdowns, but yesterday afternoon almost did me in.  First, Daniel broke a glass in the car. Then we finally arrived to the campsite and it is TERRIBLE. I don't ever suggest the KOA in Estes Park. Notice in the picture that the main road into Estes Park is directly behind our tent. We were the only tent in the campground and contemplated switching, but after driving around the campground we realized that all the tent sites suck. One positive from this crappy tent site is that Daniel has already told me to call the KOA in Mount Rushmore and upgrade to a cabin :). Then, while I was trying to cook dinner I sliced through my thumb. Luckily  it was a brand new pampered chef knife and I barley felt a thing.  Now I can honestly tell my students that a sharp knife doesnt hurt as bad as a cut from a dull knife.  But then my potatoes would never cook and we ended up havin...

On Monday we spent the day in Denver. We started the day shopping at Daniel's favorite store REI. The one in Denver is huge compared to the Asheville store. After REI, I got to go to a fabric store, it had a lot of fun fabrics but not a very big selection, which was slightly disappointing.  We spent some time walking around LoDo and the 16th street pedestrian mall, had lunch a brewery, and found a pinkberry. Remember yesterday when I said we searched out sporting venues....well Monday we saw Coors Field and Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Too bad I couldn't find Peyton.  The worst part about Denver was that it was Memorial Day and a lot of what we wanted to see/do was closed. Denver was fun, we would like to come back to experience more, but we still like Boulder better. OH and how could I forget....we got to walk around Red Rocks....which was unbelievable! 

On Sunday we spent the day in Boulder. We started out driving around The University of Colorado...GO BUFFS! Daniel was able to get out of the car and walk around Folsom Field. We apparently spend our trips seeking out sporting venues :) While in Boulder we visited the Celestial Seasonings facility, which was really cool....I tried at least 10 different types of tea, Daniel decided that he might actual like some tea, and we both survived the Mint Room. After the tour we walked around Pearl Street and did a little shopping...especially at Penzey Spices! As we were leaving the city we drove up on Flagstaff Road, which as an amazing view of the City. Thanks to Claire for giving us that tip via Facebook. We absolutely feel in love with Boulder and would move there tomorrow!

Saturday we drove from the Kansas/Missouri border to the West side of Denver. It quite possibly was the longest road trip of my life. After being in the car for 22 hours in the last four days....I hate the car...I hate all the music on my iPhone and Daniel's. It was pretty terrible. Luckily we don't have to drive a long distance for five more days.  The Koa we are staying outside of Denver is in Central City. We pulled into Central City and were amazed. It is the neatest little town I have ever seen. All the building are still standing from the 1870's. So after we got our campsite set up we thought we would go explore the town.  EVERY building in the town is a casino. That's it. Nothing else. Needless to say we weren't there very long.  I did survive sleeping in the tent last night. I won't say it was the best sleep ever, but it wasn't the worst. But I have a feeling I am going to need a massage when I get home...hint hint...mom you should buy me one :) ...

I was so excited to go to Kansas because it meant we would see Missy, Jenna and Roy. Thursday and Friday we just spent as much time as we could with them.  On Thursday we spent the day walking around downtown Lawrence. And Friday we went over to the Kansas City area. I suspect with will have to visit Kansas more in the future because there are so many things we wanted to see, but didn't have time for. Though, Daniel did talk us all into going to the Truman Presidential Library. By the way blogging from the iPad is not very easy...

We left home Wednesday morning at approximately 4:15.  Google said it would take 12 hours to get to Missy and Roy's in Kansas.  We did pretty well driving.  We were making such good time that we decided to stop in St. Louis to see The Arch.  The stop at the arch took about 2 hours. So it ended up taking us 14 hours to get here. Otherwise driving to Kansas was quite boring and uneventful. Our attempt at a picture with the arch. 

Tonight is just a photo dump from out quick trip to Atlanta...I would post more, but too many things to do to prepare for the upcoming Field Trip!! Avett Bros at the Avett Bro/OCMS Concert My first trip to Ikea...3 hours later...I made it out alive Lunch at The Varsity A tour of SweetWater...Love me some Blue

We are officially one week away from Dudley Field Trip 2013.  Shhh don't tell Daniel but I am kind of excited.  However, I am starting to get nervous that the civic is not going to hold all of this stuff we are taking.  Daniel keeps telling me to pack light.  But we are going to be gone for almost 3 weeks....I never know what I might need :) The Boys are staying at our house while we are gone.  There is no telling how many 20-something year old boys will be here on any given day.  I asked mom if she would occasionally stop by to make sure my house was still standing.  So here is the itinerary: May 22 - Drive to Kansas May 23-24 - Staying in Kansas - Can't wait to see Missy, Roy, and Jenna! May 25 - Drive to Denver - this is where the camping begins :( May 26-27 - Denver May 28-29 - Rocky Mountain National Park May 30 - Driving to Yellowstone - with a stop in Casper to eat lunch with Devin! *Also because the sequester, ...