the globe rover

Parker, CO

I got invited to watch the last game of the season of the Hawks Orange little league baseball game today. It’s been a while since I’ve seen a little league game but I have to say that I couldn’t stop smiling the entire game.

The games are shorter and last an hour and a half at most (which is quite a long time for six year olds to keep focused). But for that hour and a half I watched the cutest little boys play their hearts out. They were impressive and really knew what they were doing out there. Unfortunately, “my” team didn’t win the game but won in every sense of team sports and having a great time. They played really well but happened to be outplayed for the day. Needless to say, it was fun to watch all the parents and siblings get into the action and cheer on both teams.

Glad to see that little league sports are alive and well in Colorado and bringing smiles to many faces!

Parker, CO

There’s a new puppy around town bringing daily smiles to my life. The Anderson’s new dog, Sally, is adorable and brings fits of giggles to all. She joined her big brother Buddy who is a very well behaved lab.

Anyone who knows me, knows I love dogs and these two black labs are adorable. I’m so glad I have some dog company in the house (especially after getting used to having two dogs around and spending six weeks with my parents dogs)!

Denver, CO

The sight of those mountains never ceases to amaze me! Today was no different as I drove into Colorado and close enough to Denver to get my first glimpse. The snowcapped peaks brought happy tears to my eyes!

My 21 hour adventure driving through seven states (Georgia, Tennessee, Kentucky, Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, and Colorado) was uneventful and enjoyable. I enjoyed an audio book, plenty of good music (thanks to that new car radio with iPod receiver), and some good phone time with family and friends. And before pulling into Lawrence, Kansas last night for my stay, I saw an amazing sunset just before Kansas City. It was stunning and a great way to close my day.

I’ve had a rash of emotions driving out here but overwhelmingly it’s excitement. I’ve started so many new chapters in my life since leaving over two years ago but am looking forward to getting back here and setting up home again. And it always makes it easy when you’re going somewhere and get to stay with good friends (thanks Andersons :).

Here’s to another great Colorado chapter!

Lilburn, GA

For the third time in seven years I am heading back to Colorado to live. There’s something about the place that keeps drawing me back… I look forward to seeing the sight of those Rocky Mountains!

The drive should be interesting at 21 hours and 1400 miles… Perhaps some good thinking, music, and books on CD time.

I’m sad to leave everyone in GA but know I’ll be seeing you again soon!

Lilburn, GA

I have had so much fun over the last few weeks catching up with friends and family in Atlanta. It has been amazing to see everyone and great to see all the changes (new spouses, new babies, new houses, new jobs, etc.). Here are some of the pictures I got (wish I would have had my camera with everyone…).

I also forget how great the Southern hospitality and charm is in Georgia (and around the Southeast). I have loved waving to people, talking to neighbors, and even having trucks stop to ask if everything is okay as I pull over to fill up my car with oil (thanks to my leaky oil problem)… I am thankful for my Southern heritage!

It is not often in life that we get to stop and just catch up. It is definitely a highlight of being back in the US. I’m glad that I made the time to stop in Georgia for a while in order to have time to catch up with more than just a few people.

To everyone I’ve seen - it’s been great to see you and catch up in person. And to everyone I haven’t seen, hopefully we can catch up next time. I look forward to hearing about the continuing evolution of everyone’s lives and thanks for keeping up with mine!

Lilburn, GA

The Reese kids (my niece and nephew) came to spend some time at “Grandma’s House” when I first got home to Georgia. The first day, we pulled out the baby pool that the dogs use during the summer and let the kids go at it (and dogs too). Jenna and Tristen had such a blast running through the yard and water sans clothing. They are adorable and entertained Dad and I as we took photos. It was a perfect spring day and these pictures still make me smile.

Orlando, Florida USA

I had the fortune of spending a few days with some family and friends including my niece (Jenna, 3) and nephew (Tristen, 4) in Disney World this past week. It was such good fun to see their excitement and recognition of all the different characters around the Disney parks. And their excitement was contagious as I think all the adults got into the fun as well.

I had recently been to Disney in January of this year for the marathon (quite an experience given my lack of any training but a great experience nonetheless) and thus, had recently seen the parks. However, the only park that I visited more than running through was the Animal Kingdom, which was good fun although a short visit.

This time we visited Disney, MGM, and EPCOT and they did not disappoint. However, the experience as an adult is so different than as a child. Some of the rides are the same but the entire ambiance and feel have evolved quite a bit. The thrill for me though was watching the kids and their excitement at the different things in the park. And not only did we have the pleasure of watching Jenna and Tristen, but we also got to enjoy the parks with their age twins (friends of the Bancroft’s from Miami) Matthew and Jason. The four of those kids stole my heart and brought a smile to my face at each new turn in the parks. Believe it or not, the adults each got driven by one of the kids on the Race Track at Disney…good thing they aren’t on the roads yet!

We also had such good fun watching the kids enjoy the pool at the house we stayed at that had an enclosed pool. Amazing to see three and four year olds learn new tricks in the water and feel more and more comfortable. My nephew is truly a water shark - he was diving in the deep end and swimming across the water. Not bad for a four year old! The kids continued their water fun at night in the big jacuzzi tub…bubbles and splashes for all!

From an adult perspective, there are some great rides at the parks…the Test Track at EPCOT is such good fun. For those who haven’t ridden it, it’s a test drive of cars through all conditions including a race track reaching great speeds. It’s a thrill. And for the first time in my life, I almost got motion sick during Mission Space, which is a simulation of an astronaut into space. Wow! Not fun to feel like that (and our poor friend John didn’t fare so well after either). Thankfully, the feeling passed after a couple hours and I am now so compassionate for those who suffer from motion sickness on a regular basis. But I don’t think that one little hiccup will slow down my love for coasters and other thrills.

Great times were had by all and I’m thankful I got to be a part of the week. I’m looking forward to another “adult” visit to Disney that will hopefully include some more little people!!