On Friday I drove with the kids to Ft. Collins to meet up with my friend Courtney.
Courtney was on a house hunting trip with her mom and her beautiful daughter.
I have known Courtney since I was little. We both grew up in Illinois and attended the same private school.
I am pretty excited because Courtney's super talented husband just took a job here and they will be moving to the Ft. Collins area.
I can't believe that my sweet friend will only be 1 1/2 hours away!!!
She has teased me that I talk up Ft. Collins so much that I should be their official spokes person...I will check into that.
Ft. Collins was the first place that I lived after college.
I have so many incredible and fun memories from those years.
After Jack was born Kelly and I decided to move back to Colorado.
Our little family lived in Ft. Collins for another two years but the commute into Denver was too much.
If we ever had the chance to live there again I would in a heart beat!
The kids had a great time together and it was incredible to see Courtney face to face...it had been too many years.
We have the best neighbors...seriously amazing!
We shut down the street and everyone brings out food (a lot of food).
This year one of our neighbors smoked all the meat in his smoker and I think I proclaimed more than once my deep, deep love (I am pretty sure that my husband did too :-)).
There was a jumping tent, cotton candy maker, water balloon fights, fireworks and s'mores.
We all went to bed VERY full and tired from such a fun day.
Monday was full of picking this lady up from her mother in law's home in Colorado Springs, bringing her back to show her around Castle Rock and then coming back to our house for dinner.
We didn't have tons of time on our own but we did have time to eat a late lunch and then shop at The Barn for awhile.
This is Becky a little embarrassed with my mungo new camera...she thought I was a little too paparazzi!
She found lots of goodies at The Barn and she really wanted to go home with this chandelier.
She had very good self control..but I think she is still looking at the photo on her camera and trying to talk her husband into it.
**update...received a text that she came back into town on her way home and bought it:-)**
Her sweet husband and PRECIOUS girls met us back at the house for dinner.
The kids all hit it off right away and had the best time playing on our water slide.
We just sat in the backyard eating, talking and watching the children play.
It was such a joy to have Becky and her family in our home.
I can't wait for her next trip out to see family...maybe next time we can snag all of them longer.
I told you it was a packed weekend.I am currently working on things for the Towne and Country Market coming up again THIS Saturday in downtown Castle Rock.
I would LOVE to see you.
Lets hope the weather cooperates more this time!
Sounds like it was busy but so much fun.
Posted by: Kathryn | July 07, 2010 at 05:53 AM
WISH I could make it to Colorado for the Market, but it won't be happening this year! I'll just watch all the fun through the lens of your camera!
Posted by: Sarah/Brown Dog Studio | July 07, 2010 at 06:24 AM
becky said she had such a great time and that you were an amazing hostess. Your yard looks lovely. Those pics with courtney are great! You have such a cute outfit on but what's new. :)
Posted by: lissa | July 07, 2010 at 07:06 AM
I'm from Ft. Collins and I love that place with all my heart!! I would move back in a heartbeat if I could. I'm so glad to see others feel the same! Is The Barn in Castle Rock??? I must go there.
Posted by: Kourtney | July 07, 2010 at 08:27 AM
Your friends look so nice. I love Colorado. Two sil's there and many wonderful holidays!
Suz
Posted by: Suz Reaney | July 07, 2010 at 08:28 AM
You did pack in a big weekend! Don't you love to look back on those wonderful fun filled days.............
Posted by: jackie | July 07, 2010 at 08:42 AM
Sounds like a great weekend!!! love your yard, so big and pretty!! hope your show is a huge success! xo
Posted by: tara | July 07, 2010 at 10:02 AM
Jeanne your yard is GORGEOUS! So big and open... I love it.
Posted by: lorraine lewis | July 07, 2010 at 10:06 AM
Ok, so how far it "The Barn" from Houston Texas? Can I make it there in a few hours? I totally wanted to see more of it for sure!
I love reading your blog...it's young, sweet and funny. I am officially your blog staulker...I stop in everyday!
Thanks for sharing...
Posted by: Lana Dunkerley | July 07, 2010 at 11:04 AM
Totally sounds like you had the best time. I just had to leave my best friend when we moved. We are both going through withdrawl symptoms. That is awesome your friend is moving close to you.
Looks like there were some great finds there at the barn. I am jealous. :)
Posted by: Heather Jensen | July 07, 2010 at 11:56 AM
ok. where is my comment? I posted one earlier! Did I forget to do the word verification?
Just said that I love your outfit too and I'm wondering what THe Barn is? And when can I come?
PS. I think we might've found a rental! We're moving to COLORADO! lol SOOO good seeing you guys!!
Posted by: Courtney Walsh | July 07, 2010 at 12:36 PM
I actually cant believe it is really happening. Will be have to have create days:-)
To: jeanneoli@hotmail.com
Posted by: Jeanne | July 07, 2010 at 12:55 PM
It sounds like a very festive fun-filled weekend:) And isn't it great to connect & re-connect with friends?!
Posted by: Leah C | July 07, 2010 at 02:40 PM
I'm new to your blog and love it! I love Amy's room in the barn! Thanks for sharing with us.
Posted by: Shanon Gallegos | July 07, 2010 at 06:35 PM
how exciting. i recognize her from the scrapbook magazines. very talented. she is from illinois too. wow. your yard looks gorgeous.
Posted by: Traci | July 07, 2010 at 07:49 PM
what a fun, fun, weekend! and i love your hair in that first picture...so cute! and your backyard looks so cute...i want to come for a visit.
and i can't believe you had becky at your house...so much fun!
Posted by: melissa | July 07, 2010 at 08:12 PM
So. Much. FUN!
And hey - we have the same friends, even if they are only "imaginary" friends to me. How did that happen? ;)
Posted by: Flower Patch Farmgirl | July 07, 2010 at 10:48 PM
I am also new to you blog and am so inspired by your faith and creativity:). I can't wait to see pictures of the Market this weekend. How fun!
~Julia
Posted by: Julia | July 08, 2010 at 12:31 AM
What a fun post!
You DID pack a lot in : )
And, you got to see my
friend Becky!!!
She and I are hoping to
have lunch this summer....
If we can squeeze it in!
Lovely lovely pictures.
xx Suzanne
Posted by: Privet and Holly | July 08, 2010 at 04:11 AM
I am so jealous that you got Becky's entire family- that would be a blast!! (And she should totally get that chandy- looks just like something she'd have!!)
Posted by: Lemonade Makin' Mama | July 08, 2010 at 01:26 PM
how fun to recognize everyone on your post! :)
that had to be an awesome weekend?!
when is your big trip?!
Posted by: MEG DUERKSEN | July 08, 2010 at 11:31 PM
what a perfect weekend!!
I know you must be crazy getting ready for france, I am so excited for you!!!
I am finally slowing down to enjoy summer a little, just got back from camping with the kids, it was awesome!
xoxo, T
Posted by: tiffany ~ the Fancy Farmgirl | July 09, 2010 at 07:59 AM
LOVE that chandelier!!! Off to France soon... lucky you... ENJOY!
Posted by: Fifi Flowers | July 09, 2010 at 06:25 PM
Oh girlie what a fun day! Thank you again for showing me your Castle Rock and blessing me with your incredible hospitality. We just had a wonderful time!!! And just think next year we can do it all over again:) I'm thinking maybe a trip to that White Chocolate Grill is in order;)
Posted by: Becky @ Farmgirl Paints | July 10, 2010 at 03:44 PM
PACKED! but sounded special!
Posted by: amy | July 12, 2010 at 10:58 AM