Sunday, May 24, 2009

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...

13 comments:

Susan said...

Fun documentation for sure! But I will have to say that if that is what I look like in the "relaxing mode", it's a darn good thing I don't do that very often!!

Cute photos of all and it was fun to review those times once again. I too, am having a difficult time getting back in the swing of things. Tomorrow is another day, for tonight, I'll just enjoy the memories.

Cecilia said...

Sounds like a great trip! The pictures are just to die for! Good job documenting everything!!!!!!

crystal said...

Heehee! LOVE that photo of you on your No-Doz! That says it all.

And wowza--I sure love Denise's red & pink combo in that photo!!!! I do so love red & pink together. Sigh.

I cry every time my mother & i part.

You look just like your mom--JUST exactly. So pretty, both of you.

Jill said...

There's nothing wrong with wanting to buy every yarn in green if it speaks to you.

I've never seen a stick fence like that, how charming.

I'm surprised Eva would brave the something as terrifying as a see-saw, that doesn't seem very Eva-like.

I always feel bad when someone offers to take a picture when a self-portrait is going on because it seems like such kindness should be rewarded. Perhaps we could let them take the picture, and then we could take a self-portrait as well.

I love the red windows!

I am so glad your mom actually let herself relax and enjoy her vacation!

sista # 2 said...

If I didn't live in the HEAT, I would live on a farm & raise alpacas. Seriously. I love them :)

Barb said...

Love the frog prince, love the pond with the fence, love Anne with and e, love all the family time. What a great location for a vacation!

Kim Sue said...

wonderful...all of it!

emily said...

Your yarn pic makes me so happy. =) When I was at Joann and Hancock's today with Mom, I made stops to the yarn aisles, and enjoyed feeling them all. I didn't get anything, but it made for a great fiber therapy session.

Rebekah said...

i like to stick my fingers into skeins of yarn and wiggle them around.

i wish i could have someone help me, in person, with my knitting. it's more frustrating than fun at this point because i can't seem to move past the basic-basics through self-taught instruction.

shannon said...

that yarn inspires me enough to learn how to knit!

I had no idea that your mom was an Idol fan! Mile's comment was very funny...

I love seeing Eva with your dad...she looks totally thrilled to be in his arms...

Your photography never ceases to dissapoint...

I totally "get" that dreaded feeling of returning to reality...

Hopefully you came home to a dry house...no flooding incidents, I hope!

Anonymous said...

I don't think I have ever seen a picture of your brother- how can that be?!?! The picture of you two is so cute! And I sighed when I saw the picture of the yarn up top! I love that you have just taken off full speed with the hobby!

Your NoDoze pic at the end is cracking me up. So glad there were no surprises on the way home!

Robyn said...

Looks amazing- all of it- the company, the food, the house, the food, the scenery, the food, etc! I am SO jealous. I hope our Girls' trip to Park City is just like this(except it will be around 9,500 square feet smaller!)

Bond Girl 007 said...

how fun, how fun, I just love get togethers...and going places it sounds like you guys just had a wonderful time together and there is nothing like seeing family not that often when you don't live nearby.....

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...