Honey, we're home!

Well, this has been an interesting move, to say the least. We planned to leave Albuquerque no later than 3 pm on Saturday, but we didn't get out of town until after 8 pm. We planned to stay in Trinidad, CO, that night, but we only made it to Las Vegas, NM. We planned to have movers help us unload the U-Haul at 2 pm on Sunday, but instead, I was broke down by the side of I-25, about 20 miles south of Pueblo, at that time. Our storage POD, which contains half our stuff (including our beloved grill), was supposed to be delivered on Wednesday, but then they told us unapologetically that it was going to be delayed until Saturday due to "unforeseen road conditions." In June, really?! So, what an adventure this has been! After we buy and move into a house this year, I hope we don't have to move again for a very long time.

Despite all of the drama, Aaron and I were talking this morning, and we think this feels like "home" more quickly than anywhere we have moved together so far. We're surrounded by so much natural beauty, friendly people, and cooler weather! Plus, Aaron will have the opportunity to work for an amazing doctor in the specialty in which he's most interested right now (orthopedics). I mean, really, what more could we ask for?

Here are some of my observations about Colorado Springs so far:

1. We were trying to buy salsa ingredients at a local supermarket, and we couldn't find any yellow hots. When Aaron asked an employee if they carried any, the young man responded, "You mean like yellow bell peppers?" I guess we'll have to try the Mexican market...

2. Our condo has no A/C or evaporative cooler, which is apparently normal here, although temps. have been as high as 86 degrees. Ceiling fans and open windows are pretty much what people use for cooling. Max has actually begged to be outside where it's cooler than in the house with us. Thank goodness for portable window A/C units!

3. It seems that people in Colorado Springs generally have big dogs, not ankle biters. Max should fit right in.

4. Our first time checking out our neighborhood park, Portal Park, Max made friends with a female lab mix named Oakley. We met some of her family members, who live just a few blocks from us, and they invited us over for dinner. Vicki even volunteered her sons to help us unload our POD on Saturday. Talk about friendly and welcoming!

5. There are green parks and trails everywhere. This is a community that loves its outdoor recreation. Hiking trail difficulty is indicated by the same symbols used for ski runs.

6. The Outlets at Castle Rock could be dangerous for me. It has to have the best selection of stores I've ever seen at an outlet center. We haven't stopped there yet, but you know it's on my agenda!

7. Colorado Springs is home to the best commercial ice cream I've ever had -- Josh & John's (thanks, Jamie, for the recommendation!). They make everything -- ice cream, hot fudge, caramel, whipped cream -- from scratch. The oatmeal cookie ice cream is to die for.

8. Monica's Tacos may be our go-to restaurant when we're craving Mexican food and don't have time to make it at home. It reminds me of Los Betos or Nico's in Tucson, with yummy carne asada and horchata. Mmmm.

More later!

~ Christina