Vail -- part 2

On Monday, Emily and I looked up Vail yarn shops and found The Yarn Studio in a nearby town. We found it easily and it was a lovely, though tiny, shop. We wandered for about an hour, feeling the different fibers and delighting in all the colors. It was hard to narrow down the choices for sure! (Incidentally, I thought this was my first visit to an actual yarn shop, but when Denise was talking to Grandma, she found out that Grandma used to come to this very shop and that I accompanied her there when I was young!)

Eva enjoyed finding all of the pink yarns and exclaiming over the softest ones, saying things like, "Grandma! You've gotta come feel this one!" She also loved the owner's dog who was resting on a bench near some knitters.

My favorite purchases: soft merino wool, cotton, alpaca silk, and a cashmere blend. I can't wait to use them! (is it wrong that I want to buy every yarn in green? I have to restrain myself.)

We walked to this great little park. It has a playground for small kids, a playground for big kids, and a pond to walk around. This charming little stick fence goes around the entire perimeter. On our last evening, we met a woman with two dogs who was throwing balls into the pond for the dogs to fetch. They were absolutely entrancing. Again, I love other people's dogs.

Eva's first time on a see-saw. Max carefully let himself down slowly so that she wouldn't fall off or get scared.

Lucas helped.

On Tuesday, we went into Vail Village to walk around. I was curious to find out if it was anything like I remembered when I went there as a child. (I think I was about 12 the last time I went there.) The verdict: nope! I didn't recognize a single thing. I don't know if it's due to massive change or just faulty memory. In any case, it was fun.

We went in several cute shops, but the Cos Bar (cosmetics bar) was definitely my favorite. Eva's as well. I ended up buying some Bobbi Brown silver lipgloss. It sounds scary, but it's really neutral and pretty. Mom also bought me some B.B. super-sparkly silver eyeshadow, which Eva gave her stamp of approval.

Charlotte cozying up to William Shakespeare.

Many self-portraits were taken (Denise and Sarah here), and many strangers offered to take our picture. It's hard to explain that you actually want to take the picture yourself! Some people just don't get it.

Eva met a frog prince.

I took a picture of this manhole cover for you, Kristi!

I was just taken with these red-paned windows, shutters, and awnings!

We had hamburgers one night with Grandma's homemade buns! Delish. Poor Uncle Mark singed some of his facial hair and took one for the team when he did battle with the soaring flames of the grill. We also had our favorite black bean/tomato/corn/avocado/lime salad, but I forgot to take a picture.


We all watched the American Idol finale. Not a great picture, but I wanted proof that my mom did actually just sit and relax! A lot. It was amazing and, I'm sure, much-needed. Also, take note of Emily's knitting -- her first time trying double-pointed needles and in colors that matched her outfit!

Ryan and Miles aren't A.I. fans, but they watched with us anyway. Miles said, "I can see why Grandma likes American Idol -- it's stylish!" and, when there was a close-up of Adam, "He's wearing eyeliner. And he has elongated eyelashes!" He's only eight, but he has always had a way of cracking us all up with his repartée.

Eva was thrilled to have so many people around that she could cajole into playing with her. She colored with Dad and Ryan, played dinosaurs with Mom and Sarah, and threw rocks in the creek with Miles. Nothing could be better for this very non-independent girl.

We took a bunch of family pictures before leaving on Wednesday. Of course, that was the day I decided not to do my hair...!

It's been far too long since I've seen my brother. I think Ryan looks so cute with his head shaved!

My mom is so darling. I hope I look like her when I grow up!

Dad actually elicited a rare smile from Eva. She refused to pose or smile for any pictures, but I guess she couldn't resist when she got one of his bear hugs.

It was hard to leave the beautiful mountain setting and my fun family. I was feeling my characteristic weepiness whenever we part for the first hour or two.

I also stopped to buy some No-Doz, just in case. It worked! No drowsiness on the way home.


I was sure hoping Eva would sleep longer than the 1/2 hour nap she took. But at least no one got carsick!

Crystal hit it on the money when she asked if I was feeling that week-after hangover. Why do I always feel like I need a vacation after coming home from vacation? Ah well, back to real life...