Pizza on the grill

An impromptu reunion

Thanks to Bonaroo, we were surprised to find out that some of Ryan's best friends from high school and junior high were in the Nashville area for a few days. Their visit was short but memorable. And on their way out of town, we visited the world's largest treehouse. I think it's fair to say that if you live by such a landmark, it's your obligation to see it at least once. 

Our last hoorah

We squeezed every last minute out of our Colorado trip by biking to Carbondale on our last morning there. 12 miles there, delicious breakfast at the Smithy, and 12 miles home. It was the perfect way to end the perfect mix of a relaxing and productive vacation.

My boy scout

While Ryan has felt like a part of this family long before we were actually married, this year I really hammered things down by taking him to Hanging Lake (twice) and sending him on the infamous Boy Scout Trail. He absolutely loved it. 

A little love shoot

Roaring Fork

While it is not our very own private beach anymore, this specific point on the riverbank is still a favorite. I have so many memories from this very spot, floating the freezing cemetery rapids in life vests, playing catch with Buddy, sun bathing and relaxing, or just dumping out the rafts after a long ride and running up to the jacuzzi. It is certainly not too shabby of a backyard for our "vacation home" (as Kellin so appropriately named the Casey's house).

Hanging lake: round two

Since we clearly had to make up for lost time, we hiked hanging lake a second time once the boys got to town. We owed it to them, really. As always, it was breathtaking. 

Perhaps even more shocking than the views, were the SIX hikers that disregarded the signs that prohibit jumping into the water. If only I had known who to call, I would have turned their sorry butts in. After all, it is those rules that keep the sparkling, aqua water from becoming just another muggy lake.