My mom was visiting Colorado (from Delaware) over the last week which is why I was MIA from the blogosphere. Precious time with family takes priority over many other things especially when you see them only once or twice a year. Time with my parents is especially valuable to me and seems to increase with each passing year. We took my mom hiking up to ‘The Caves’ which happens to be the same spot as Spring Landscapes Crested Butte, Colorado though the sun was much more plentiful.
It wasn’t Cinnamon Mountain but it is still has incline that takes your breath away especially when adjusting to the altitude from sea level. My mom did so well and her mindset was so much stronger than her first big hike in the Rockies Mountains. I’m sure that in part was due to being more prepared and knowing what to expect. She even mentioned how she wasn’t so focused on the destination (the top) this time around but allowed herself to enjoy the journey. In case you missed her epic mountain hike: Monday Motivation: Hiking Mountains at 55+
One of my favorite parts of flying the nest has been showing my loved ones what life is like outside of what we’ve always known or grown accustomed to. Watching the faces of the people I love as they peer into the western night sky, emerald alpine lakes, snow-capped peaks, or wildflower basins is like seeing it for the first time again myself. To see them experience the bounty of life within earths beauty is an incredible gift and to share the landscapes which have had the most impact on me, with them in person makes me overjoyed.
Since my birthday is coming up later this month, my mom and I experimented with vegan cake recipes. She used to be a professional baker, specializing in cakes specifically, so omitting dairy was odd for her and she wasn’t convinced it would turn out well or even at all. She made her butter-cream icing and I added strawberries mainly because I fancy pink frosting but the flavor was so lightly decadent and delicious. And the cake itself was moist, tasteful, so divine even my mom was pleasantly pleased.
We shared many laughs, watched home videos from 27 years ago, looked through old photographs, practiced yoga and took a lot of photos! We hadn’t taken many photos together over our last couple of visits but this time I made sure to document. I’ll spare you the majority of the photos but below is arguably my favorite. Just us in the front yard. Two girls who flew the coop and spread their wings. ♥
Do you live long distance from your family? What has your experience been like? Share with me below!
Thank you for joining me here
And until next time,
Happy Trails ♥
victoria lise 
Omg I’m speechless to say the least best visit ever time for necessary emotions time for togetherness love and reaching new summits love my kids so much I’m a better human each time even though I resist these new challenges it just don’t get no better than that,,
I have unconditional love❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️🐾🐾🐾🐾🐾🦅🦅🦅🦅❄️🌞🐥
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I’m always so proud of you and inspired by you! Love you so much!! Xoxox
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Tori, Debbie, beautifully written, the landscape is awesome. Love the dog, is it yours Tori, looks like my Shadow. You’ll have beautiful memories, treasure them, love you guys
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Hi Renata! Thank you so much! Yes, that is our dog, Styx!! I sure do miss you and hope you’re well! Love ya lots! Xo
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How nice to have built more memories with your mom. Looks like you two had a great time. I know exactly what you mean when you say you like sharing your new environment with family/friends. I grew up in the Midwest, but have lived out west for 10 years. It’s been fun sharing that with my family when they visit too.
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It was so nice! Thank you! Oh yes then you can relate completely! It is like a whole new world! I moved here originally in 2008 then back to DE for a few years and back again in 2013. I definitely prefer Colorado!! Does your family visit often?
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Yes, they do. I’ve lived in Arizona, Oregon and Colorado since 2008. I’ve had my family and in-laws visit and it’s been so fun to be their tour guide and share the beautiful sites I’ve been lucky enough to live near.
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That is incredible you have been able to show them so many places! I’ve yet to visit Oregon but I love Arizona!! It must be so eye opening to live in multiple places.
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I live in Colorado as well. Last year 4 of my siblings came here for a visit, first time in since 1996 since we’ve been together at the same time, too many years. Went to several sights and all said we’d do it again this summer. Hope so.
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Wow, that a great reunion and in a beautiful place! I guess they enjoyed it if there are already plans to do it again! That’s so wonderful and such a treasure to share with your loved ones.
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