Kelsey: Road trip stats

Number of miles driven: 2287

Number of Mcdonalds stops: 3

Number of healthy food Denis refuses to eat: 23

Number of Hippie sightings: 409

Number of people who have wandered in front of our car (pedestrians really have the right of way on Boulder): too many

Number of times we came within a mile of running out of gas in the middle of nowhere and I cried: Only 1, Thank God

Number of giant checks received: 1, who needs more than 1?

Number of times it has snowed: 4

Number of mountains seen: Tons! I love the mountains!

Amount of elatedness I feel at seeing my little sister: Unmeasurable. So happy. 



Here are some pics of the drive to Colorado.

Sarah: Happy Birthday!

This is one of my all-time favorite pictures of my mom. She looks happy and she's actually smiling in this picture! Something that is not easy for her to do. I don't know why! But it's at the level where if I want her to "smile for real, mom!" I need to like tickle her or say something super inappropriate for her to laugh. I don't know what made her smile in this picture...maybe it was that her favorite daughter was giving her some sugar. I kid, I kid. She doesn't have favorites. But if she did....

Anyways. The true reason I posted this photo of my mom is because look at how much she looks like a young Melissa Gilbert! You know, from Little House on the Prairie. Or LHOTP for you hard-core fans.

Mom & Sarah: Prom Night, May 2007

Rob Lowe & Laura Ingalls-oops, I meant Melissa Gilbert.
Circa 1980s. Did you know they were once engaged?

They could be sisters! Seriously! Especially when I remember pictures from when I was little. My mom had this beautiful, white porcelain skin & gorgeous wide-set eyes. I've always thought she could have totally been a model.

Also, Happy Birthday, Mom! You're the best.

If you want to see some more crazy, unknown celeb relationships this website is dedicated for your stalking pleasure!

Sarah: Sweater Love

Remember this post where I complained a lot about the things I missed in Elgin? Well, let me tell you something: It's beginning to feel a lot like Christmas here in San Diego! It's way cooler now (like 60-ish degrees!) and while we don't have snow, if I put on some good Christmas music and close my eyes, I can imagine the snow. Which is basically the same thing.

Saturday night, Husband and I went to this little shindig known as December Nights. It was fun! The museums are open all evening for free & there's tons of food. And while yes, we did have fun we left after about an hour and a half. Why? Two reasons: 

One: We only had 4 dollars in cash between the two of us and the ATMs there wanted to charge a fee of 4 dollars! On principle, we couldn't bring ourselves to do that. 

Two: It was freaking cold! And we parked like a mile away so that we could avoid paying a fee to park and crazy drivers. As we were walking the mile back to our car, I started to think how nice it'd be if I had a coat or sweater to bundle myself up. Hence, this list:

1). A coat with faux-fur just says class to me. Add a bow and you've got mega-class. Kind of like mega-desk.

2). This cozy little sweater just screams "Holidays!", don't you think?

3). I feel like the neckline of this pretty, feminine number would be universally flattering on all women. Do you think it'd look good on you?

4). Dainty, soft, & subtle. I love the blues.

5). Pretty simple & straightforward. But I like the buttons on the shoulder & multi-colored speckles throughout the oatmeal wool.

6). You know, 6 months ago I never ever would have worn something like this. But now, I think I'd live in it. Funny how things change, huh?

7). This jacket reminds of 1940s Germany (I've been watching a lot of German WWII films lately). I love the earthy tone, buttons, & the collar.

8). Since I was a kid, I've hated turtlenecks. They make me feel claustrophobic and trapped. And I admittedly, still don't own one to this day. But I'd be willing to give this one a try.

9). My obsession with mint green continues. This sweater just looks so comfy & versatile. Good for layering?

10). Just look at that lace collar. What an easy way to feminize any plain shirt. so. pretty.

Ok. Question: What's the difference between a jacket & a coat? 'Cause I have no idea...

Sarah: Oldies but Goodies

Look what I came across today! These pictures of Kels & I were taken by my good friend Margaret. She took them for her photography class my junior year (so about 3 years ago--wow! three years?! time flies...).

Look at Gordon! That picture captures him so well as a kitten who was incredibly playful, curious, & loved water. These photos were taken during the 9 month period Kels & I lived together & shared a room. Really, where our friendship was cemented. This is where we first got Gordon, battled a crazy roommate, & discovered our kindred spirits. As you can see, things have changed since then. Kels went to Uganda that January (and met Denis & is now engaged!), I got engaged that March & married in August, we both graduated college, Kels moved short/long term to UG, I moved to San Diego...I'm thankful to have these photos to look back & remember these times. Thanks, Marge.

Oh! By the way, Happy December! I love this time of year. I've been listening to Christmas music nonstop : )

Kelsey: Say it with me now

Engwa eri wa?

Where is the pidgin?

If I have to learn Luganda then we are all going to learn it. Its best to learn a foreign language one useful phrase at a time. This way if any of us is ever lost is Uganda we can at least get some pidgin to eat.

And this pidgin is in Colorado with us because we are on a road trip!