Utah Mom Blog & Mommy Blogger | Life Elevated Mom

Winter Park Resort Day 1: Tubing Crusing for a Bruisin’

January 9, 2013 by Amber

I have three new-to-me resorts on my bucket list this season: Winter Park, Copper Mountain and Steamboat. To put the end cap on our Winter Break we decided to hit nearby Winter Park, just a 70-minute drive from our house and the closest of Colorado’s big resorts to the Denver metro area. Dubbed “Colorado’s Favorite,” Jamie, like scores of locals, learned to ski here and has many fond memories.

And not-so-fond ones, like busting his knee when he fought with a tree.

As for me, I had a clean slate and kept it that way with an absolutely epic trip that has landed Winter Park in the accolades as one of my favorite Colorado resorts (no small feat, given the stiff competition).

Day 1

Skate. I always crack up when people tell me they don’t visit the mountains in the wintertime because they don’t ski or ride. Really? Do you have any idea of all the off-mountain activities? Winter Park is oozing with them including three different places to skate: The pond at the Village at Winter Park (with free lessons), Cooper Creek Square in the town of Winter Park under a canopy of lights and music and the partially-enclosed “Ice Box” Ice Rink at the nearby Fraser Valley Sports Complex.

Though I longed to take a whirl on the pond across from our condo (I even had my skates in the car after a recent outing to Evergreen Lake), time was not on my side because I was too busy skiing, eating and tearing down the new Coca-Cola Tubing Hill at Winter Park.

Tube. When we arrived on Thursday afternoon, we signed up for a one-hour block (cost is $22 per person, 36-inch height requirement). The four-lane, conveyer-lift-serviced tubing hill had only been open a week so tweaks were being made on two of the lanes, leaving only two open. No worries! We each grabbed a tube (no double riders), stood in line and then were sent barreling down to the great unknown.

Unlike all tubing hills I’ve visited, this one had a blind curve partway through the course, which caused me to have a minor anxiety attack as nearby Bode (who was linked to me) squealed with glee. After realizing I was not going to die, I relished in the adrenaline rush and we raced to the magic carpet for Round 2. Run after run we tore down the mountain and on our second-to-last run, we grabbed tandem tubes. Bode rode with me first, Hadley with Jamie followed. The tubing operator gave us a generous push and we flew down the mountain, bracing ourselves around the curve and prepared to stop. Only we didn’t. We kept right on going, gleefully bashing right through the padded protective barriers. Bode and I doubled over in laughter as the staffer took one look at us, grabbed his walkie talkie and said to his fellow staffer, “SLOW THE NEXT GROUP DOWN,” and he adjusted the mats that were strategically placed to do just that.

When Jamie and Hadley came down–though they didn’t go nearly as far or as fast–they too broke through the barriers.

For once, being a guinea pig really paid off. All good, my friends. All good.

Thanks to Winter Park for hosting! Also check-out:

Winter Park Day 2: The Mogul Queen, Kitty Cat on the Slopes & Bumper Funnies.

Winter Park Day 3: A Family That Skis Together, Plays Forever.

Filed Under: Colorado, Family travel, Humor, skiing, travel

The Tooth Fairy’s Criminal Record

January 7, 2013 by Amber

My Denver Post column today talks about teaching kids to be money-smart and the Tooth Fairy’s criminal record. And yep, the two go hand-in-hand.

One of my 2013 resolutions is to do a better job teaching my kids to be fiscally responsible. Last year, I successfully introduced a chore chart but failed to implement a sound savings plan.

In parenting circles, whether or not to tie chores to an allowance is a controversial topic. I ultimately decided what worked best for us was to keep them independent. However, I still wanted to teach my kids how to work to earn money so I offered additional tasks with a monetary reward.

Example: Giving Mommy a backrub is worth $2 (and its weight in gold).

Then, there’s “free money” where the kids don’t need to do anything. There is no more beloved bestower of gratuitous dough than the Tooth Fairy and my first-grade son is on the cusp of a toothless windfall.

But free money comes at a cost and that is usually my sanity.

Filed Under: Hadley, Humor

Winter Break: Oh, How Sweet It Was

January 6, 2013 by Amber

I’ll be honest: I love that my kids are almost back in school and I will have several hours to work and play. But when they are home for an extended amount of time, I’m reminded just how much I love being with them without the pressure-cooker of school, activities and homework. I was worried we would get stir-crazy but we had the perfect mix of fun, excitement and R&R. Haddie goes back to school Tuesday, Bode on Wednesday and then it’ll just be Jamie, Fat Kitty and me.

Here’s a quick pictorial summary of our happenings!

Class Party

Our winter break started with Bode’s holiday party at school. I brought my family’s traditional bells and those first graders were about as cute as can be playing Jingle Bells.

And yes, that is Hadley who invited herself along as my very helpful “assistant.”

Everywhere he goes, Bode makes a new best friend and this entire school year, he has been raving about his buddy, Brody. When I was busy helping kids at the party, I heard Bode say, “Excuse me, Mommy.” I turned around and, grinning ear-to-ear, there were two BFFs standing together. As polite as could be, Bode said, “Mommy, I would like to introduce you to my friend Brody.”

“I’m very pleased to meet you, Mrs. Johnson.” And then, because the formality was about killing me, I give him a fist bump as greeting.

Great Eats

To celebrate the kick-off to winter break, we went to see the Hobbit at Harkins Theaters in Stapleton and also hit one of our favorite restaurants, Zengo, which is now offering bottomless brunch on Saturday and Sunday (hail any restaurant that offers Saturday brunch!)

It would appear Bode LOVED their churros with Mexican hot chocolate dipping sauce (as did we all).

What would you think of a restaurant that only survived gourmet, healthy food? On New Year’s Day, we ate at Cherry Creek’s new True Food Kitchen. Based on Dr. Andrew Weil’s anti-inflammatory diet, this restaurant paired popular trends in cuisine with healthy living. Even the kid’s menu was delicious and I’ll be doing a full review on it all later. Bottom line if you live in Denver: GO.

Christmas Treats

One of my favorite things to do at Christmas is to bake delicious treats for our neighbors and friends. This year’s line-up was caramel corn, almond rocha, sugar-and-spice cookies, snowball cookies, cream cheese cutout cookies, shortbread, coconut penuche and caramel toffee squares. Hence the reason our kitchen looked like this.
And then, of course, we went skiing at Loveland on December 24, had our huge Christmas Eve fete and a fun Christmas Day.

Evergreen

To burn off a few calories, we went skating at Evergreen Lake (one of my favorite winter activities in Colorado) with our besties Nolan and Rowan. And then we added the calories back on when we stopped at our favorite breakfast place in Colorado: Country Road Cafe in Kittredge. Don’t believe me? Take a gander at that basketball-sized pancake stuffed with raspberries. I took a risk from my favorites and tried something new: their Timber Ridge Tamale Benedict, which was two pork tamales topped with two eggs, pepper jack cheese, pico de gallo, sourcream, red chile cream, avocado and cilantro mojo drizzle.
It was a risk worth taking.

New Year’s

Remember when I graciously planned a New Year’s Eve bash at my friend Lisa’s house without telling her? It turned out splendidly! Haddie made beignets….And we all miraculously made it until midnight to ring in the New Year (I was the person in question). One of the highlights was winning the Newlywed Game because many of our answers resolved around the pumpkin. I.e. “Name something your husband has too much of.” Pumpkins. “What is something that annoys you about your husband?” Pumpkins.

We even almost nailed the question, “What cartoon character does your husband most resemble?” The other couples were waaaaay off-base, such as Phil’s answer “The Incredible Hulk.” His wife’s? “Homer Simpson.” For Jamie, I immediately thought of It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown, so wrote down Charlie Brown. Jamie’s answer: Linus.

Me: “Linus. Why did you choose Linus?”

Him: “Because it was Linus who believed.”

Following the game, one of my friends joked, “I had no idea your lives revolved so much around pumpkins.

They obviously do not read this blog.

Harlem Globetrotters

One of Jamie’s bucket-list items has been to see the Harlem Globetrotters so we were thrilled to score tickets. I knew they were funny but I did not anticipate two hours of non-stop, interactive, gut-busting hilarity. Bottom line: We loved them! When I asked Jamie about his favorite part, he immediately said, “Watching Bode.”He nailed it. Though we all loved the game, Bode was out-of-his-gourd excited for everything. The above picture on the right is when he grabbed Haddie to rush the court to do the YMCA, one of only countless fun moments that evening.

Sweet, Sweet Skiing

I have lived in Colorado for 10 years and there are still several major resorts I have yet to ski including Copper Mountain, Steamboat and Winter Park. Last weekend, we spent a few days at the latter. Stay tuned for all the fun details of our Winter Park vacation.

Just let it be known you may not hear from me for a while. After such a fabulous Winter Break, reentry into the real world is going to be bumpy.

Filed Under: Colorado, Family, holidays, Humor, pumpkins, skiing

A Message of Hope

January 4, 2013 by Amber

Uncle Fred

Jamie’s dear Uncle Fred passed away after a 23-year battle with cancer this week and my mom continues to wage her own war in the hospital. Both have been weighing heavily on my heart.

I usually love watching the end-of-the-year news reels summarizing the biggest events. But 2012 seemed more devastating than ever. Sandy Hook. The Aurora theater shooting. Colorado’s destructive wildfire. Little Jessica Ridgeway’s murder just a few miles from my house.

The other night as my little family snuggled up in bed we opened the children’s Friend, a monthly publication published by the LDS church. Full of inspiring stories, crafts and games for kids we look forward to reading it every month. But there was a true story there that resonated with us about a little girl whose classmate had died and and she couldn’t help feeling scared as she questioned why are these bad things happening in the world?

I hope you’ll take a moment to read it and remember to have hope in this new year.

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The Light of the World

By Kimberly Reid

(Based on a true story)

Erin stood on Temple Square in Salt Lake City looking at life-sized statues of the nativity scene and waiting for the music and story to begin. Christmas lights twinkled all around her. But it didn’t feel like Christmastime.

“Are you all right?” Mom asked her.

Erin nodded, but she wasn’t so sure.

Only a few days ago, a boy from Erin’s class at school had died in a car accident. She had seen a lot of people crying at the funeral, and she had cried a lot herself. She hadn’t known the boy that well, but Erin knew his family loved him as much as her family loved her. She felt scared to know that something like that could happen to someone her age.

Now she didn’t feel excited for Christmas. She felt worried all the time—scared to get in a car, scared to be apart from her parents, scared to leave her house in case something bad happened to her while she was away. All the Christmas lights on Temple Square couldn’t erase the worried feeling inside her. How could she be happy in a world where she wasn’t always safe?

“It’s about to start,” Dad said. He pointed to the nativity scene.

The loudspeakers crackled to life, and a voice began speaking. Music played, and spotlights shone down on statues of shepherds, Wise Men, Mary, and Joseph. Erin listened to the familiar story. The baby Jesus was born and lay in a manger. Angels sang. Shepherds worshipped. Wise Men rejoiced.

Erin looked at the faces of her parents and the crowd gathered around the nativity scene. They all seemed happy. But why was everyone so happy about the baby Jesus if His birth didn’t stop bad things from happening? Erin didn’t like the question circling through her head. All she wanted was to stop feeling afraid.

The story ended, and a recording of the prophet’s voice came over the loudspeaker. He bore his testimony and read a scripture from the Bible: “For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive” (1 Corinthians 15:22).

Erin’s heart beat faster. She said the words again in her mind, trying to remember them. For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.

The scripture said that everyone would die—young people, old people—everyone. Erin knew that, of course, but she hadn’t thought about it much before. She thought she was too young to think about such things. But she wasn’t too young to have a testimony of the truth: because of Jesus Christ, everyone would live again. That’s why the shepherds and Wise Men rejoiced. They understood what Jesus had come to earth to do.

Erin looked from the little stable to a window in the visitors’ center behind the nativity scene. Inside the building a light shone on a large statue of Jesus stretching out His scarred hands. Erin thought about the little baby in the manger and how He grew into someone who had all power. And yet He chose to sacrifice His life for her. He had been born so she could live again. No matter what happened, Erin could feel safe in Jesus’s love.

Peace washed over her. She couldn’t quite explain how, but her worry disappeared. When she looked at the statue of Jesus Christ, shining brighter than twinkling Christmas lights, she barely noticed the dark night sky. She was too busy feeling the warmth of hope flickering inside her.

Filed Under: LDS

Bode Funnies: The King of Everything

January 3, 2013 by Amber

Bode: The King of Efficiency

“Bode, why do you have a Band-Aid under your nose like that?”

“Because my nose is bleeding.”

“Did you try using a Kleenex?”

“Yes, but I got tired of holding it there so put a Band-Aid on instead.”

Bode: The King of the Insects

My little man loves to play games and we’ve spent plenty of time doing just that over the winter break. We’ve enjoyed Cranium Conga, a fun “guess what I’m thinking?” game that got our whole family acting, sculpting, guesstimating, and picking hilarious words.

And funniest of all was Bode.

One of the questions he had to answer is, “I can run faster than a ______.”

He’s a pretty athletic little dude so we threw out answers like a cat. A dog. A rabbit.

We were struck down on all accounts. His final answer? “I can run faster than an ant.”

Aim high, little one. Aim high.

Filed Under: Bode, Humor

Hadley Funnies: From Lip-syncer to Violin-Faker

January 2, 2013 by Amber

Right before school let out for winter break, we had a humdinger of an emotional meltdown as Hadley lamented how she absolutely could not perform in her first violin concert that day and gave me an itemized list as to why. (Hating and being horrible at the violin were #1 and 2).

I don’t know how many professional violinists you know but I doubt they were very accomplished after only playing a few months.

Jamie and I tried to console her that she was one of 50 kids performing and she would blend right in but she was irrational and it escalated into a pretty heated disagreement.

Frustrations from the big blowout were not my finest moments so–despite her crazy–I wanted to do something nice for her. She had a sleepover scheduled with her bestie with the caveat her attitude improved, she apologized and she cleaned her room. While she was at school, I did a secret service of the latter item, hoping to surprise her.

Funny No. 1

I was sitting at the kitchen table with Bode when she went to her room.

“Hey wait. My room is all clean! Did Daddy do it? My elf on the shelf?”

Bode whispered to me, “Mommy, was it you?” I responded affirmatively.

“It was Mommy,” he called back. “What do you say to her?”

(Does anyone else find it funny my first grader was trying to coax his older sister to say “thank you?”)

Her response? “I say that I don’t have to clean my room now.”

So much for that little thing called gratitude.

(She eventually did say “thank-you” when she figured out her brother wouldn’t back down until she did. I’m totally hiring the little dude).

Funny No. 2

But back to the dreaded concert. When Jamie and I arrived at school, she was in a much better mood and all seemed forgotten.Her beloved music teacher Mr. V did a wonderful job and the little performers far exceeded expectations…earplugs weren’t even needed! Hadley was mostly hidden from my view on the second row but I listened intently for a rogue violinist and breathed a sigh of relief when it was all over.

Me: “Hadley, you did a great job!”

Her: “I didn’t play.”

Me: “What do you mean? I saw you playing.”

Her: “I just pretended to play. I moved my bow around but didn’t touch the strings. I was too afraid of messing up.”

I LAUGHED OUT LOUD. This is not the first time she has done this.

Funny No. 3

When Hadley was two years old, the Primary (young) kids at church were singing a couple of songs dedicated unto the dads for Father’s Day. Hadley was in what is called Nursery; kind of the preschool to the Big Primary Kahuna. The kids were singing her favorite song: “I’m so glad when Daddy comes home,” a little ditty she had been singing since she could barely talk. I hesitated, wondering if my little social butterfly would be ill-at-ease performing a song she’d never practiced in front of huge congregation. So I simply asked if she’d like to sing it with the big Primary kids. The response?

Ohhhhh yeah!

In fact, she could barely sit still leading up to her debut performance. I even tried to do a practice run as a refresher but she got mad, saying she wasn’t going to sing it now. Silly me.

When it came time, she practically skipped to the front of the chapel and plopped herself front and center. And as if expecting all eyes should naturally fall upon her, she prepared herself to perform.

The only problem was that I failed to tell her they were singing two songs, the first of which she did not know.

The music started and for a moment, Hadley faltered. She cautiously looked around as if thinking, “This was NOT in my contract.” But while the other young children either looked bored out of their minds or like a deer in headlights, the Hurricane took a different approach.

“She is…she is…she is….” Jamie laughingly faltered.
“What? What is she doing?”
“She is lip-syncing the words!” he finally spewed out.

Sure enough, my little Hurricane was faking it, evidently so as not to disappoint her publics.

But the best reaction of all was when the second song came on, her song. She immediately perked up, SHOUTED the words, and acted out the actions such as “put my arms around his neck, hug him tight like this.” The kid gave an Oscar-worthy performance.

When it came time to “give him a great, big kiss,” Jamie and I were about ready to pee our pants as she dramatically swept out her arm and blew him a smoocher.

She was so proud of herself and had no idea that she, the youngest kid up there, had left the entire ward in stitches. And had made the biggest, funniest, cutest fool of herself imaginable.

So, the moral of the violin-faking story? There is always hope.

Filed Under: Bode, Hadley, Humor

So long, farewell (2012) and hello to 2013!

January 1, 2013 by Amber

Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, Colorado Springs

I’m not into resolutions, primarily because I rarely stick to them. I am, however into goals and always have big ambitious for my family and myself. 2012 was not amazing like 2010. It was not horrible like 2011. But it was just pretty darn good. We had great travels, great professional opportunities and great times.

We are sitting down as a family to discuss our goals for fostering our relationships but here are a few personal areas I would like to improve.

Travel less, save more. I know, I know–people usually resolve to travel more but between Disney World and Disneyland (in addition to all our other trips), it’s time to button down the hatches and start saving. We’re not materialistic people who care about fancy clothes, houses or cars (just ask my 10-year-old Honda Pilot) but travel is definitely my weakness. We need to put a sound financial plan in place and do better at balancing it all.

Spiritual well-being. 2012 was pretty good but could be better. Though we’re dedicated to daily family scripture study and prayer, I’ve resolved to delve into my own studies and reconnect with my passion: Middle Eastern study. First item of business–pour through all my old journals and notes from my study abroad at BYU Jerusalem.

Jamie’s health. Though we didn’t have any hospital visits (praise, hallelujah!), he continues to have debilitating rheumatism attacks and, of course, his heart issues are omnipresent. Top priority will be to research alternative treatments and nutrition plans and do something about it.

Make more money. That sounds kind of greedy but at a recent conference I realized I have built a great brand, have a lot of great connections and now it is time to start asking for what I am worth. A friend helped me realize how much I have been undervaluing myself. This will go hand-in-hand with savings. If I make more, we can save more.

Get in kick-butt shape. I say it ever year. And every year I mean it. This summer, Jamie and I need to get back on the climbing 14ers bandwagon.

Remember: It’s Not About Me. I’ve lacked patience dealing with some tough people in my life. When I recently had a conversation with The Man Upstairs about a situation I have been placed in for years to help certain frustrating people, I resolved I was done. Tired. And over it. And I received a very powerful, distinct answer: “It’s Not About You.”

Note taken: I need to remember those most difficult to love are the ones who need it the most. If I can remember that, 2013 is already off to a great start.

Happy New Year! And thank you for being part of my family’s life!

Filed Under: holidays, LDS

The Broadmoor’s White Lights Ceremony is the Christmas Spirit Exemplified! (Part II)

December 31, 2012 by Amber

Read Part I here.

Though The Broadmoor’s holiday merriment extends all December long, attending the White Lights Ceremony over Thanksgiving weekend is an annual kick-off to Christmas my family will always cherish.

Upon check-in, we received a synopsis of activities so long it rivaled my children’s own list to Santa (a major undertaking, indeed). On Friday, there were two Christmas movies in the Little Theater, jewelry making and even silk scarf paining. Saturday’s holiday offerings were almost overwhelming. From Breakfast with Santa to story time with Mrs. Claus to family bingo to an entire ballroom filled with winter wonderland fun, we had a glorious, fun-filled day.

Cookies Galore

We’ve done plenty of sub-par cookie decorating but cookie painting? Colorado Springs-based Art & Style Baking headed up cookie painting with a variety of holiday-themed shapes and edible fondant, paint and glitter. They even provided each child with a “Cookie Artiste” certificate.
It should be duly noted the bar has been set WAY too high for future attempts.

Christmas House

There are gifts galore at the Christmas House, which is a must-visit during the holidays. The themed rooms are brimming with whimsical snowmen, ornaments and elegant décor. Santa has his very own house and greets families every Saturday from Thanksgiving to Christmas from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. (photos with Santa are $14). During the White Lights Ceremony weekend live reindeer were present.

The only thing missing from this North Pole-esque experience: snow.

Winter Wonderland Fun

New this year, the resort wisely consolidated many of their most popular holiday activities into Winter Wonderland Family Fun at the Broadmoor Hall’s ballroom. Under a big top of glistening lights and ribbons, my kids built gingerbread houses.

Don’t they look peaceful? Gingerbread houses are our annual tradition and this was the first year we didn’t argue. Or, as Jamie diplomatically stated, “had artistic differences.”

The kids also decorated Santa cupcakes, indulged in the hot chocolate station, wrote letters to Santa, did holiday crafts and made their very own magical reindeer food. jumped in the bouncy castles and built their own Broadmoor bears.

Bear stuffing

Sounds exhausting? It was. But if those few hours we spent in Winter Wonderland Family Fun didn’t ignite our Christmas spirit, nothing could.

White Lights Ceremony

The climax of the weekend was, of course, the White Lights Ceremony on the West Terrace at 5:30 p.m. on Saturday. An hour prior, my family purchased s’mores kits from the West Lobby Bar to roast on the outdoor terrace’s fire pit.

This was by far our most civilized s’mores roasting experience ever because we’re usually covered in camping grime.

As a live band exuberantly belted out Christmas classics on stage, my kids joined legions of their peers to dance, sing and whirl their green and red glow-stick necklaces.

All activity froze when Santa was spotted traversing the bridge. Without hesitation, my daughter darted away like a crazed Santa groupie to follow his arrival with Mrs. Claus and their band of merry elves.

Masters of Ceremony Santa and Mrs. Claus greeted their enthusiasts and started the countdown to flip the switch. And just like that, 250,000 flashes of light set the sky and Cheyenne Lake ablaze. As we marveled at this visual spectacle of The Broadmoor’s perfectly manicured grounds coming to life, we hugged one another and relished in the delighted squeals that filled the night air. And we knew The Broadmoor was one reason this would be one Christmas season we’d never forget.

Filed Under: Bode, Colorado, Family travel, Hadley, holidays, Humor, travel

The Broadmoor: The Setting for the Perfect Family Getaway (Part I)

December 30, 2012 by Amber

Our Broadmoor toddlers

Shamefully, it has been almost a month since my family visited The Broadmoor and I’m just now getting around to documenting it. Jamie has been obsessing about returning to Colorado’s longest-running consecutive winner of both the AAA’s Five-Diamond and Forbes Travel Guide’s Five-Star awards.

And who can blame him? Our two previous trips were absolutely epic. We first took the kids when they were only 1 and 3 in December and again a few years ago when we stayed in their opulent cottages with my parents.

All December long, The Broadmoor has a sundry of Christmas activities that start the day after Thanksgiving and last through Christmas. From Santa’s elves who share holiday stories to Breakfast with Santa to fireside tales with Mrs. Claus to The Broadmoor’s Christmas House with hundreds of gifts to ice sculptures to family bingo. The holiday family workshop has fun for children of all ages including writing a letter to Santa, holiday crafts and movies.

Pretty much, it is Christmas spirit overload.

During our latest visit, I was invited to cover the White Lights Ceremony–the resort’s holiday kick-off–for The Broadmoor Magazine. We invited Jamie’s parents along for the ride and it was one of my favorite getaways ever.

Since I’m busy writing the article, I’ll dedicate my blog to telling our story…in pictures. I’m convinced every Coloradoan should stay at The Broadmoor at least once in their lifetime. Enjoy!

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Our Rooms

We stayed in two adjoining suites with beautifully-appointed amenities.

Our first time ordering room service

Bode adjusted a little bit too well. This is him watching TV from his canopied enclave.

His reentry into the real world was tough.

The Resort

Though I was initially disappointed we didn’t have any snow, who can complain with views like this?

Hanging out with the swans

This was one of my favorite photos of our entire trip. One morning, I woke up early to go for a trek and captured that perfect moment of white lights giving way to morning glory.

The Pool

Since first opening in 1918, this luxurious hotel has boasted such offerings as the beloved Bee Bunch Children’s Programs (seasonal), distinctive restaurants, indoor/outdoor pools, a playground, an award-winning spa, six tennis courts, 26 specialty retail shops, 54 holes of championship golf and numerous specialty tours, activities and programs for guests of all ages.

And what does my family choose to hit upon arrival?

Untouched photo from the pool of the golf course

If it is this beautiful in late-November, it is mind-blowing during the summer.

The Cast of Characters

Since abandoning us a few years ago for Utah (we’re not bitter) any time with Jamie’s parents is treasured.

AAA Four-Diamond restaurant Charles Court

: Illegally(?) cruising with Grandpa

My favorite guys

The Food

All of the food at The Broadmoor was delicious but nothing compares to their elaborate Sunday Brunch in the elegant Lake Terrace dining room. Featuring over 100 items, elaborate ice sculptures and live piano music, we thought we’d died and gone to heaven.

Round 1

Quite appropriate, too because if I were to have a Last Supper, it would be The Broadmoor’s Brunch.

Stay tuned tomorrow as we delve into the White Lights Ceremony’s holiday events. Read it here!

Filed Under: Colorado, Family, Family travel, Foodie

Prayers for my Mom

December 28, 2012 by Amber

I generally try to keep things light-hearted around here but we’ve been struggling with some serious issues the last couple of weeks. Namely: my mom’s health. MS is an unrelenting beast, a war my mom has waged for a few decades. The week before Christmas, she got an infection so severe she couldn’t keep anything down and was hospitalized. I almost changed our holiday plans and booked flights home but Dad assured me she was getting better.

She stabilized but then she got worse again. Now, she has been hospitalized for the third time in 10 days as they try to figure out if this is it or if this is the new normal.There are so many unanswered questions and I’m so grateful for my dad, family and doctors who are trying to help. It has been tough being so far away and I regret we didn’t go home for the holidays. Thanks to all those friends and family who’ve reached out to me these past weeks. She is beloved by many.

Last night as my own little family read Calvin and Hobbes (Jamie’s new nightly ritual), scriptures, prayed and wrestled, I snapped this shot, which perfectly captured the simple joys of being together.

Family is everything and right now, I’m praying for ours.

Filed Under: Health, issues