Last, But Definitely Not Least!

When our #3 son told us he wanted to go to Colorado, I was a little disappointed.  After all, I’d had my heart set on San Antonio, Texas.  But most parents of teenagers know that if you actually receive some input on what to do, as opposed to a shoulder shrug,  you go for it!

Little did I know that it would turn out to be one of my most favorite vacations.

I’m an active person, so I loved the cool(er) weather, the trails, being outside….

I loved seeing my son in his element – He’d jump out of bed early each morning, eager to explore.  Everywhere we went, he felt the urge to climb to the top… as fast as he could. When one activity was over, he would immediately ask what we were doing next.  He was in heaven, and I was thrilled to have provided that for him.

But the best part?

He was very supportive of me meeting up with one of my favorite, most loyal blog friends.

I suppose I knew Abby lived in Colorado, but when we were planning our vacation, and she let me know she lived there, I was shocked, and then thrilled!

The possibility of meeting up with her was exciting, and I knew we would have to make time in our short trip to meet her.

Through many emails we decided to meet up at Red Rock Canyon – a place she deemed a favorite with her family. I trusted her.

We arrived early.  Mainly because I was so nervous.

She arrived right on time.

Maybe it was the tattoo I’d seen in pictures, or the knowledge that she boxes, or the fact that she’s an extreme crossing guard, that had me a little intimidated…

but when I saw her for the first time, smiling and running towards me, my nerves disappeared immediately.  It truly was like we were long lost friends.  I felt like I knew her so well, and she was the sweet, funny, Abby that drew me to her blog in the first place.

We introduced our family members to each other, and I was thrilled that her older boys decided to come along too!  It just wouldn’t have been the same without all the AbbyNormals!

We started the trails through the canyon almost immediately.  Abby and I took the lead, with hubby and Magnum bringing up the rear.  The kids darted in all directions.

I loved catching up with her, despite having to walk with our heads down, and occasionally yell at the kids:  “Don’t go too far!”, or  “Be careful!”  Or to whine at them “Must you go that high?”

When we took breaks from the sun or the hikes, I jumped on the chance to ask her boys a few questions.  They were so polite, and so sweet, and so handsome!  I had guessed Abby was a great parent, and after seeing them, I knew for sure.

We ended our hike almost three hours later.  Our son was still picking cactus needles out of his hand.  Our daughter bragged that she was bleeding for the third day in a row. My hubby sucked down some Coors beer while in the shade of our van’s door.  And I was stalling in order to keep from having to say goodbye so soon.

Before we parted ways, we mentioned possibly getting together with some of our other mutual blog friends!

As well as this meeting went, I would absolutely jump at the chance to meet with her again, as well as any other interested parties….

And Abby, thank you and your family for bravely meeting up with the ShadowRun’s.  It was an experience I’ll never forget.  If you’re ever near our area, I’d love to have you visit.  I’d even clean my house for you.  🙂

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