The Watsons Go to Colorado

I can't tell you how excited I was to see this friend. After seeing each other everyday at school for the last 9 years (seriously?), 4 months was about my cap! Myra and Tim came to visit us for a long weekend, and it was great. Here are a few (and I mean just a few) pictures of their visit to Colorado. This is Myra and me at the Royal Gorge. It is a huge(!) canyon in which America's highest suspension bridge stretches across. Very impressive and hard to capture in pictures. We spent most of the day there. You can walk/ drive over the bridge, ride an air tram across, or take a train to the very bottom where the Arkansas River rushes. Truly amazing scenery and a beautiful day to boot!
Marc and I picked the Watsons up in Denver Saturday morning. Considering what a Rock-n-Roll music buff Tim is, we knew that Red Rocks Amphitheatre would be a great place to go. Here's Tim pointing out his favorite band of all time--ZZ Top. His "fan-dom" of this band is immeasurable...so much so that I have even seen ZZ Top in person (courtesy of Tim)...and my nieces affectionately like to call him "ZZ Top". You wouldn't believe the music legends who have stood on this stage and performed at Red Rocks. All the way from the Beatles to Willie Nelson. It's pretty cool to be standing where they have stood. Here are Myra and Tim taking it all in after Tim sang "Sharped Dressed Man". As you can see, the crowd loved it. :) We left Denver (after a quick stop at Brandon Pub's to watch some of the Auburn/ Arkansas game--thank you friends!) and headed south to the Springs. Myra wanted to see as much scenery as possible, so we decided to drive them to Helen Hunt Falls. We hiked just above the falls, and here they are along the trail. Pikes Peak is a must if you visit Colorado Springs. The weather had been perfect while they were here...until Monday...the day they were heading to the top of the peak. The weather at the top is about 35-40 degrees colder than down in the Springs. Considering it was about 50 degrees that day...guess what the peak was like? Can you say, "North Pole"? Zero visibility...snow...wind...freezing temps...and an experience to remember. I'm hoping the doughnuts at the top and the fudge at the bottom made it all worth it. Right Tim?
After their blustery visit to Pikes Peak, we ate Taco Soup and lit the fire pit for some s'mores. It was a great way to end our visit...just hanging out and enjoying each other's company. Did you know that s'mores are known to cure any "blues" of friends leaving after a great visit? Well...they help...but I'm pretty sure they are not medicinal. :)

It means so much to have friends come and visit us. Having a little piece of "home" around for a couple of days is good for the soul. I'm thankful for these friends. They took care of me before I became a "Mrs.", and I will always consider them family.

Myra...I miss seeing you everyday. Work was always better because you were there. I know this year is different for the both of us, but I hope we continue to embrace the "different" and the lessons this year continues to offer us. I love you.