Tuesday, March 29, 2022

Noonday in the Rockies


As our family’s summer plans took shape, I quickly realized that my plan to head to Peru for my earned trip with Noonday was going to be challenging. And that did not appeal. So, in a joint decision with my friend Sarah, and knowing that we would also be with other friends, I pivoted to the first-ever Noonday trip to Lost Valley Ranch! 

The trip kicked off in Denver, which meant I got to catch up with Breen! So awesome. We had drinks Friday night and then breakfast on Saturday, where I got to see her house and visit with Colin.



Around lunchtime it was time to board the bus and head to the ranch, which I would say surpassed our lofty expectations! Stunning scenery and fantastic accommodations.



On arrival, we enjoyed a scenic happy hour at the home of the current managers (Brooke is also a Noonday ambassador!), then ate the first of many delicious meals in the dining room. From there we just enjoyed each other’s company, and Sarah and I closed the evening with a glass of wine in our cabin - before hitting the hay in preparation for our sunrise hike!



It was early, but waking before the sun for the hike was 100% worth it! I especially love that I only knew about half of these women before we started hiking, but wound up loving each and every one. Probably the highlight of the weekend!



After lunch, a few of us decided to give archery a try. MANY laughs, and another great crew of women!




Before dinner, we obviously needed a photo shoot - that’s what we ambassadors do! (And laughing together is what Sarah and I specialize in.)

Obligatory, if awkward, photo with Jessica!

Lots of memorable moments went unphotographed, like our line dances, jazzercise, and so many conversations that dug deep. It was a brief but powerful trip, as is always the case with Noonday!

I absolutely look forward to the next opportunity to travel internationally with Noonday - but I’m so glad I went on this trip!

Monday, March 21, 2022

Beed Visits Clare at ND


On the same weekend of Sadie Hawkins, I jetted off to spend the weekend with Clare! It was so fun to see her in her element, get to know her friends better, and enjoy a room in The Morris Inn all by myself!

We caught up Friday afternoon after her last class and chatted over lattes on God Quad - then made our way to Duncan Student Center to watch the Irish win an exciting basketball game in the NCAA tournament! We followed this with a delicious dinner at a local Indian restaurant with Katherine, Rebecca and Fernanda. So fun to share my ND stories and more!



Driving back, we saw Hesburgh Library lit up in support of Ukraine, and then I made a Grotto visit after dropping off the girls. One of my favorite spots on Earth!



Saturday we met for bagels (after a beautiful morning walk by me), shopped, then caught up with Rebecca for a study session. It was fun to observe their collaboration over physics - impressive, too! That night I took Clare and roommate Abby to dinner before Clare headed off to the Swim Club formal - and I went to bed!

We finished the weekend with Sunday brunch at the Morris Inn. It was a truly delightful weekend, and reinforced that Clare is truly at home under the Dome.



Sunday, March 20, 2022

Danny’s 9th Grade Sadie


This year Marist kids got to enjoy the return of Sadie Hawkins after a two-year, pandemic-induced hiatus - and Mother Nature blessed them with a lovely evening for it!



Danny’s date was another long-time friend from CKS days, Lilah (also another fellow soccer player). It’s so fun to see these kids grow up together!



But hanging with the boys (Ken’s Kidz) always brings Danny the most joy! Not pictured: the mosh pit at the dance where Danny earned props from his fellow Varsity soccer players. These guys know how to enjoy themselves, for sure!