Snowshoeing in Colorado

A few weeks ago we headed out west to Colorado for some visiting, skiing, and snowshoeing.  We had such a great time as we always do out there.  The mountains never cease to take my breath away. Here are a few of the billion pictures I took of our hiking/snowshoeing expedition. 

sinking in deep snow- while holding snow shoes

snow shoeing

rockies!

climbing up the mountain

random rock

top of the continental divide

on frozen lake dillon

lake dillon

on our hike

old mining structure

lenawee trail

prettiest ever

lots of mountains

hubs <3

novice snowshoers- thought we were in shape before this hike!

me & my pops

loveland pass- super windy/snowy/scary

Camping at Natchez Trace State Park

After some intense weather.com stalking, we decided to meet up with our favorite Memphis residents at a halfway point for a camping trip at Natchez Trace State Park.  We arrived around lunchtime, gathered firewood, and setup our site. We hiked around the park for a bit before settling in around a campfire until it was SO cold that we had to get in our sleeping bags.  The night dragged on (and on) for me as it was freeeeezing cold.  I was so very glad when the sun finally started shining.  Overall, it was a super fun weekend getaway and reunion with some friends. 

E totally put up her tent by herself.  impressive.

we have room for an army in ours (red)

ellie ate all our firewood broke up sticks for us

family hiking photo

extended family hiking photo ;)

beavers work!  where was he?

so glad to see this girl

she loved camping

boys making the fire

campfire

Fall Creek Thaw: 15K Race

Last Saturday, we made the two hour drive over to Fall Creek Falls State Park.  It was a park I'd been wanting to go to ever since hearing about the awesome waterfalls it contained.  The Tennessee State Park running tour happened to hold its final race in the winter series at the park. 

We signed up for the 15K hoping to see lots of the park on our run.  Unfortunately, while still a gorgeous route, we skipped the paths that take you to falls.  We still managed to enjoy the course and I solidified my belief that 10ish mile races are my ideal distance. 

After the race we drove up to the main fall overlook for a few photos.  We decided to save the trail to the base of falls for another day when we saw its "strenuous" warning (maybe a day without a 9 mile run beforehand). 

256 feet tall, largest fall east of the Mississippi

Food Truck Festival

Nashville Food Trucks are quite the popular thing around our city. I'd read about them several times without ever actually seeing any in person.  When M and I read about a food truck "festival" on a Saturday, we knew we wanted to check it out.

The Grilled Cheeserie was one I'd heard about many times and knew I wanted to try.  We quickly agreed on an option to share and loved every gooey bite. 

Next up was the Latin Wagon where we ordered a barbeque pork taco and some grilled jalepenos (I didn't share those!).  The pork was delicious and had me wishing I had ordered my own taco.

At this point we were nearly frozen so we decided hot soup was the perfect option.  Blackbird Heritage is a truck specializing in "farm to table."  All meat is "humanely raised on their own farm" and certified organic.  All dairy, cheese, and vegetables come from other local farms.

At this point, the lines were long so we opted to enjoy our soup in the car and head home.  We didn't sample as many trucks as we intended but our few selections were excellent and I hope to try more soon.

Chimney Tops Hike

A few weeks back, Mike and I headed east to the Smoky Mountains to take advantage of the cabin and meet up with A and T.  The weekend was a perfect getaway.  We spent our time exploring Gatlinburg, playing laser tag and mini-golf, spinning out in driving go-carts, playing pool and hold'em, eating yummy food, running on my favorite wooded trail, and, of course, hiking.

Our hike brought us to a trail M and I had done on a previous trip: Chimney Tops.  The hike is only about 4.5 miles round trip but climbs 1400 feet and is rated strenuous.  It definitely gets your heart pumping!

After you finally make it up the challenging trail, you come to a giant rock formation.  Walking ceases to be an option and your hands become completely necessary to help you climb up the rocks.  It's actually pretty terrifying.

Somehow my memories of my fear from our first climb were forgotten and I again found myself halfway up and super scared.  Unfortunately, crawling back down is more intimidating that continuing to the top so I was committed.  Mike hopped around with no fear and took pictures :)

so steep!

We snapped a few quick pictures at the top (yay tripod and self timer) and made our way back down.

I absolutely love hiking in the Smokies.  There are a million trails with awesome views and I can't wait to get back and try some new ones.

Six.

I'll always remember when Ryan and Milissa first called me to tell me I'd be an aunt.  I was so excited for a baby in the family but I didn't know just how hard I'd fall for that little girl.  It's hard to believe that same little girl that first made me an aunt is turning six years old today.  I've loved watching her grow up (even if I wish she'd slow it down a bit).  Happy Birthday to my most favorite little girl in the world, Lauren Elisabeth!