Rocky Mountain High

The girls and I had the opportunity to visit Dan's Aunt Cindy while he took a little time away with his Dad and brothers. Ah. Male bonding. So beautiful. Alas, I digress.
Cindy lives in Boulder Colorado. If you have never had the chance to visit, you really should. It is a beautiful place. And the best part? ANYTHING goes. Want to wear dreads? Go ahead. Want to play the piano and invite others for a sing along? Feel free. Feel like a little gelato? They got it.
All of this fun can be found on Pearl Street. The Pearl Street Mall is a charming four block long pedestrian mall. There are art galleries, restaurants, jewelry stores, sporting good stores - just about anything you can imagine can be found at the mall. My favorite part? They had some amazing Yoga stores. I was able to get some great music and books to share with my classes back home.
The highlight of the trip wasn't shopping though. It was getting to spend time with Cindy and her boys Nick and Zach. Cindy is one of my most favorite people in all of the world. You know those people who can keep their cool in the most volatile of situations? Cindy is the queen of calm. Need some advice on what the heck to do with your kids? Give her a call - she's a psychologist so she really knows what she is talking about! If I ever need someone to talk to about how much I miss my sweet mother-in-law, Cindy is the one. She always has a fun story to share about the two of them growing up that can put a smile on my face.
One of the things I love most about Cindy is that she genuinely, truly loves my girls. She gets right down on the floor and plays with them. Barbies, horses, dolls. Whatever they want to do she is right there with them. I love that she is independent, educated, strong and a wonderful role model. Of course the fact that she is a connection to the girls Italian roots is also a bonus!
Nick and Zach are so good with Maryn and Maddie and they had a blast playing with them. I would like to thank them for giving me a little time to have an adult conversation with Cindy! I must say though that next time I visit, Cindy and I are going on a retreat complete with massages, manicures, pedicures and facials. Oh, and big, strong men feeding us chocolate. I haven't talked with her about this but I am sure she will concur!
Thanks Cindy, Nick, Zach (and her husband Dan - even though I didn't get to see him much) for opening up your home and allowing us to share your lives with you.