Life is a highway....whew

To Everyone who has been waiting... ;)

***Sorry for the tiny pictures! I only have 2% of upload room left on Blogger! I need to order the blog in book form ASAP! Click on the pictures to make them viewable!***
ell, life's like a road that you travel on
There's one day here and the next day gone
Sometimes you bend, sometimes you stand
Sometimes you turn your back to the wind.."

(Thanks Cass for the neat-o treat! I thought it added a nice little touch!)

Since my last post - as usual - we have been on the go. I have also been dealing with an increased number of migraines over the past several months. Which makes a girl sad..however with a new neurologist, complete new diet (as in all I can safely eat is organic chicken and spinach), and a new plan of action the intensity and frequency has decreased! Super happy face! Anyway, we have transitioned twice with the first in north Texas (kinda near Canton/Tyler) and now onto Burkburnett (near Wichita Falls, TX) in hopes to be close to the lake for the summer. We are at the mercy of open rotations and keeping our fingers crossed. Daniel is also going to back to school (MBA here he comes) and is doing great! I am so proud! We transitioned pretty quickly without much notice and spent the last few days in Santa Fe as always cramming places and things into our schedule. We watch the pilgrimage to Santuario de Chimayo, took a trip to Taos, NM, the mountains to play in the snow one last time, toured the historic district, played with the dogs, viewed Camel Rock, hit up the casinos, and said our goodbyes.
Taos, NM and town squareWhile in Taos we hit up the Earthship World Headquarters and all things outdoors! Earthship is a community that lives completely off the grid and and they build their homes out of recyclable materials! It was really neat!
Snowy Mountains!
Camel RockDog Park We left Santa Fe to make the endless drive to TX and as always had an eventful time. Thank you thieves for breaking into the Sequoia! Luckily nothing was stolen...a dog kennel can't fit through a window! HA! It was frustrating and I just do not understand vandalism or theft. We enjoyed so much dealing with the broken glass, covering up the window, and driving 9 hrs with high winds and rain..it made my weekend! We were able to stay with some great friends while we got things in order! Thanks R and R we appreciate it more thank you even know and our babies loved playing with yours! Reb-I have to apologize as I completely forgot to wish you a happy birthday on the blog and I forgot to take a picture at dinner! Well you know I love you!!

The north TX rotation was great. It was short assignment and we packed in as much as possible. Daniel and I were able to see several friends who honored us with a "Welcome the Basham's back to TX" dinner! Jill and Jay we had such a great time seeing you and really appreciated the dinner. It was so much fun!!

We were also able to get in some time with Daniel's family and had a fun night at a Rangers Game. We enjoyed being close enough to travel to the city, yet in the country to enjoy the lake and dirt track races. While in north TX Daniel and I went with our new friends for an experience I will not forget! Dirt track races!! Not sure how to explain them besides, loud, dirty, and quite entertaining! We had quite a bit of fun people watching! I was lucky enough to catch a shirt so I am a true fan now..ha!We even made a trip over to the stockyards in Fort Worth and ended up going to Billy Bobs. We had not been in several years and had a blast with our new friends Lisa and Ralph! That area is always a fun time! Daniel and I were so excited on Memorial weekend to meet up with family at PK lake! Calvin, Casey, and Glenn and family met us for a weekend of fun in the sun! Daniel and I have really enjoyed being close to family and friends for the summer!We had a great time and even ventured over to Hells Gate on Monday before heading home. In typical fashion we left talking about the next trip to the lake!

A few weekends ago we headed to Little Rock,AR, for Wendi and Nick's wedding reception. They recently got married on the beach in beautiful Maui and we were honored to be part of celebrating their marriage. Wendi we had a great time at your reception and you looked gorgeous! We are so happy to see you so in love! We were also able to visit and catch up with the Lipsey's, Smith's, Changon's, and the Curreri's. I am always amazed at how much the kids have grown! ;)Daniel and I had a great time and hope we can see you all again soon! > While in town we were able to meet up with my high school friend Stacy and her husband Chip as well as, see my daddy who was in Hot Springs for legal continuing education. We had a lot of fun catching up Stacy and Chip. Daddy we will see you soon!
Before leaving AR on Sunday I took Daniel to see the sites. It was so hot we actually cut the day a little short, but were able to see Little Rock Central High School, Capitol, downtown, and the River Walk. Daniel and I made a trip back to the ballpark to watch the Astros take on the Rangers. The Astro's are Daniel's favorite team and we were able to get amazing seats. I adore how we both have a complete love for all things sports and outdoors! I will say however, it was so hot that weekend we both thought we were going to melt! After the game we went to a Reckless Kelly concert and had a great time together! I love you Daniel and will go to a game anytime!!!Since my last post I celebrated another year in the dirty thirty era! I am now a plus one ;) Saturday Ben, Ann, Connor, and Ann's mom came up from Austin and we met them at my grandparents house. We enjoyed catching up and playing with Connor. He is about to be on the move! We had a yummy dinner at Babe's Chicken and oh my word - love it! HA! Daniel and I enjoyed visiting and can't wait to see you again! My actual birthday was shared with father's day and was spent swmming, lunching with my peeps at Chuy's, and relaxing! Daniel made the day special with cookies from Society Bakery that spelled out Happy Birthday Sissy (my parents nickname)! It was great to see Reb, Jill and Jay and have a little time to catch up. I got some great fun stuff! I am a very lucky girl to have amazing friends and family! Blessed! Oh and don't fear - so far the plus one year of the dirty thirties its bad or painful! HA!
As I am sure you guessed we headed back to the lake for the 4th of July! Casey and Calvin joined us and we had a blast!! We enjoyed the long weekend - grilling, swimming, watching fire works, and laughing. We headed to Hells Gate to watch the fireworks and spent the rest of the time relaxing in the sun! The fireworks were amazing and were some of the best I have seen!Hershey girl also got in several hours of good practice time! We can't wait to go back! Whew this is long! Daniel and I have also transitioned another time..to Wichita Falls. We knew it would be hard to leave north TX as we made some amazing friends. Typical for us we didn't leave without having a project! We decided to do a little Extreme Makeover 5th wheel style. We took out our dinnet area (table and chairs) and had cabinets installed! It went great and I am loving the extra space! Never underestimate what you can do in 400 square feet!!! HA!
This past Friday we went to dinner with our friends from north TX and said our goodbyes. We had some amazing seafood and spent the rest of the night hanging out. Our new location was a fairly short drive in comparison to some of the transitions in the past. We got on the road and shortly after had a blow out on the 5th wheel. We knew the tires blew out like semis but I just wish someone would have warned us the extensive damage that would occur.
Oh well I guess that is part of traveling. Life goes on and we didn't get hurt!

So far Wichita Falls is great! Daniel is really enjoying this rotation at an outpatient clinic and I am working at the gym teaching classes and training soon! So far so good! We are not completely satisfied with the current park in as the power will not stay on! Something about the current not being stable in our spot...Um..yea kinda important! Our plan is to either move spots or switch parks. Daniel and I are willing to do whatever it takes to stop sweating! ;)
We are excited to be close to spend time with friends and family for the summer! Get ready for some fun - grilling, pool time, and lake fun! I promise to be a better blogger as we finally have the laptop in our possession! We have a lot coming up and should be in this location for 3 months!
Hugs to all and we miss ya!
Daniel and Melissa

So Much To Say....

Just not today! The laptop is back in our possession (again) and a new post is in the works! I know its hard to wait..like Christmas morning! HA!

So much to say..
- Last few weeks in Santa Fe
- Traveling
- New Location
- And Much Much More....

Just wait a few more days. Keep on following us..its worth it! ;)
Hugs!
Daniel and Melissa

Valentines, Snowboarding like the "Flying Tomato", Snow Camping in the Grand Canyon, Spring Break Visitors, and a Wedding...

So I know the teaser post was not nice..but I needed a few days (as we all know that turned into a month) to unpack, dry out, and make my way though the many many pictures from what has turned into our trips, visitors, and adventures! So picture overload get ready...click to make them bigger!

Rewind to Feb please - Valentines Day was a low key event with dinner at home a chance to relax! Daniel got me a new snowboard setup and some super cute earrings made locally. I got him a few snowboarding accessories as well as a t-shirt from his girlfriend Chelsey Handler! HA! We had a great evening and were so excited to go snowboarding again!

We headed to the mountain on Tuesday so I could try out my new board and I love it!! We had another great day together and as I said in the title....just like the Flying Tomato..hahahah NOT! When we officially decided to head to the Grand Canyon for a few days..I checked the weather and it did call for a slight chance of snow with cooler temperatures. I say this so you can understand what was to come... When we left Santa Fe the temperature was 3 degrees..that should have been our first hint. However, the Canyon is 5-6 hours from us so we both knew the weather would be different! We stopped at the Continental Divide along the way for a few photo oportunities. We arrived at the park with only an idea of what was to come and no snow in sight. As we entered into the park all this snow appeared- and not just a little 18 inches! We found the camp ground and couldn't believe how much snow was on the actual ground. We kept driving around almost expecting to find a cleared area - but alas nothing appeared before us. We were both in complete shock but decided we had no choice but to set up on top of the deep snow. The temperature was at freezing while setting up camp and again I was excited to be at the Grand Canyon. Dinner was the gourmet consistency of turkey dogs and nothing else- it was too cold to actually cook! We headed over to the Canyon to watch the sunset and it became something I can only describe as breath taking! It was gorgeous. We stayed until it got dark and then headed back to camp where I made a fire. Daniel weenied out and got in the tent early!! I realized at this moment I maybe a stronger woman than he is! HA! All he kept saying is that he was freezing. I tried to convince Daniel that growing up tent camping that body heat would keep us warm during the night and we really needed to zip our -20 degree sleeping bags together. He didn't agree and realized I was right as we both hardly slept from being so cold! We heard the next day it was into the single digits that night.

We awoke early the next morning to crows calling us to get outside and play. It started snowing shortly after we got up and cooked a quick breakfast. We decided to head to the quarter showers and it quickly became the best shower of my entire life. We made the decision that since we were in the Grand Canyon we were not going to let the weather get us down. We bundled up more than normal- packed our backpacks for hiking down into the canyon and headed out for a day of hiking. We started at the far end of the Canyon and worked our way to the plaza. We kept the dogs with us for half of the day and then headed down into the canyon just the two of us. We got a kick out of asking everyone day if the snow was supposed to stop. The Forest Rangers kept telling us the snow wasn't going to stick..hmm really because it clearly was! It snowed all day and added at least another 6 inches to the 18 on the ground! We actually had a lot of fun hiking in the snow - although it was not easy and certainly tiring. Thankfully I had packed for extreme weather camping and hiking. We used our hot hands and every bit of warm items we had on that hike. The Canyon was difficult to see on the way out so we decided to get hot chocolate and warm up. We were so cold we even participated in the night events and attended a yodeling and cowboy rope twirling demonstration. Hey..I know you are laughing..but it was warm! It was still snowing that night and had no signs of letting up so we slept in the back of the Sequoia- mainly just so Daniel would not freeze to death! ;) I knew it was going to be warmer and also talked D into zipping the sleeping bags together. He listened and we both slept better.
The next morning we woke up at sunrise to see the Canyon in a different light. It was amazing as well! I completely agree with what people say - you must see the Canyon at sunrise, during the day, and sunset. All three times have a different but amazing look, color, etc. It is even beautiful at night. We packed up our things - which was an adventure in itself as everything we took as frozen and/or covered with snow. Our wet clothes were frozen..lovely! A bird flew away my new pairing knife, drank a coke, and the dogs loved burring the balls in the snow. HA! We laughed as we packed our things. We decided to do a little more hiking and sightseeing before we left. This day the weather was absolutely clear and perfect for viewing the Canyon. We had a great trip and are making plans to try and go back before we leave this part of the country. I truly believe the Grand Canyon is a must take trip and see for anyone. FYI -they have cabins and many free planned activities as well as restaurants ranging from fine dining to buffet and guided hikes. The website is an amazing tool for anyone planning a trip although they need a better weather section! HA! We always like to do things on the adventurous side but could be a great family trip with kids as well!

We spent the next week getting ready for our Spring Break visitors. We decided one of the days Daniel was off to check out Los Alamos where we discovered the Los Alamos National Scientific Laboratory (national security focus), historic land marks, and another place to snowboard. The drive was gorgeous but made us miss trees! Its amazing how they look when you have been away from them! We also took a day and headed to famous Santaurio de Chimayo a place where thousands of people make the annual pilgrimage to this church on Good Friday. People go to give thanks to prayers answered or to ask for them to be answered. The dirt is also thought to be healing and can solve problems from financial to health. Chimayo is also home to several famous weaving families, shops, and galleries. Side note- The past few days have been amazing to see people walking for days. The park we are staying at is directly along the route from Santa Fe and anywhere in southern or central New Mexico. I heard on the news a couple walked from Las Cruces, NM around 300miles!
On an exciting note...As we are so close to Albuquerque I have had the opportunity to spend some time with my sweet friend Laura. Laura and I became friends while in Austin and she is so much fun! We have similar backgrounds, worked for the same gym, and have kept in touch over the years. We saw Laura and Anthony last September when Hershey jumped in the New Mexico state fair. After our visit Laura and Anthony learned they were expecting a bundle of joy! I was so honored when she asked me to attend her shower. She has some great friends in the Albuquerque area and they welcomed me with open arms. Laura received super cute "little man" things and she is set up! Laura you are a great person and I know are going to be an outstanding mama! I had so much fun at your shower and can't wait to get back so see you again. The little man will be here before you know it. I am sad to say I forgot my camera ;( So here is a pic from last summer!
We were were more than excited when Daniel's mother Mary, sister Melissa, husband Ryan, kids Gage and Little D came into town for spring break. We immediately started searching for things to do, places to go, and fun times to experience. We ultimately settled on snowboarding, sledding, and playing in the vast outdoor areas surrounding Santa Fe. They arrived on Sunday just in time for the big snow! They were so lucky while in town it snowed the day they arrived and we got almost 8 inches. They were so excited to see that much snow. The first day we kept things a little low key as we got them settled in and ready for the week ahead. Monday we headed up the mountain into the Santa Fe National Forest for their first ever sledding experience. I know they really enjoyed playing in the deep snow , sledding, and making snow angles. It snowed while we were on the mountain and later learned the area had about a 12ft base of snow! WOW!! After- we headed to the Santa Fe Plaza that is lined with museums, churches, and all things artistic and Santa Fe-ish (is that a word) to see. We went the Loretto Chapel known for the miraculous staircase that is suspended from the ceiling to the floor. It has no support beams and is architecturally a masterpiece. We walked around the art district admiring all the jewelry and pottery. Dinner was at the always yummy Tortilla Flats.
The next morning we started off with a breakfast made for snowboarders. HA! We headed to the mountain this time to teach Gage how to ski. He and his daddy Ryan were so excited. Every time Daniel and I have been to this particular mountain it has not been packed, well on this day, it was - it was spring break in TX. So many TX folks that I may or may not have downed the horns..Ok I did! Anyway, we had the best time teaching Gage how to ski. He did really good considering it was his first time to ever put on skis! It took a few tries for him to understand to pizza his feet and that you must angle your legs to turn not just your arms. He was so cute and wanted to keep trying again and again!
By the end of the day he was confident enough to ski down a little without anyone below to catch him. So cute!
We had a great day snowboarding as well and I got more adventurous and tried more blacks. Daniel was successful in completing the jump he had been trying the last several times. Look at the AIR!
We know Ryan had fun skiing for the first time in I believe 8 yrs. I hope Melissa, Little D, and Mary had fun watching all of us and were able to relax and play in the snow. The lodge was packed but I think we all had fun! Gage we enjoyed teaching you to ski and someday will teach you to snowboard!

St Patricks day fell during spring break so we headed to see Taos, Rio Grande Gorge Bridge, and to the Village of Eagles Nest, NM. We made a day of it. We started the day in Taos an headed to the Rio Grande Gorge Bridge. We walked across the bridge... 650 feet above the Rio Grande that's winding through the rough rock gorge on each side. The bridge was built in the cantilever truss style and is the second highest bridge of its construction in the country.
Next we headed to the Village of Eagles Nest known was the "Gateway to the Enchanted Circle of Northern New Mexico." Part of the town is an old western area with shops and restaurants. The other big attraction to the area is the lake. In the winter it is known for ice fishing. We walked out on the lake and talked to a few fisherman. We learned from the locals that the village is situated in a way so it stays cool all year even in the summer. That conversation lead us to finding a shop that sells wood burning stoves and furnaces from the 1800s and apparently we will own one when we settle and build a home. :) Eagles Nest is so close to 2 ski resorts...I know we will be back!
We had a great time with our Spring Breakers. We hope this becomes a tradition and get to see you guys again soon. You are welcome anytime! The afternoon our visitors left, Daniel and I headed to the Jackalope for some shopping fun. I had been asking Daniel to go with me for 2 months but it just didn't happen. We enjoyed the cool afternoon walking around, watching glass blowing, seeing the animals, and shopping surrounded by (as they say here) New Mexican made things!
We also recently took a fantastic trip to FL for Jill and Jason's wedding in Clearwater Beach. We had a blast and the weather could not be more perfect. They are great friends, are the cutest couple, and are so excited to be married! Friday was full of meeting new people and relaxing. It started by breakfast with the couple and the day perfectly relaxing by the pool and on the beach.
The beach rehearsal:
Friday night, after the rehearsal the couple hosted a get-together at a local restaurant- complete with a trombonist DJ, who was fantastic.Saturday the weather was gorgeous for a wedding and the girls spent the day relaxing in the hotel and getting ready for the events. We enjoyed a day of doing "girl stuff!" You all know what I mean, movies, mimosas, snacks, stories, laughing..lots of fun!
The wedding was on the beach and could not have more perfect! The bride looked stunning and the reception was a blast!
Jill and Jason we are so honored you asked us to be part of your special day. We enjoyed so much getting to see you both so happy and in love! You both looked amazing, we had a weekend of memories, and made some great new friends. Remember *Hope your road goes on forever and your party never ends!* We love you both and hope to see you again soon!

Sunday we got together will Sue and her husband and some of their Tampa friends for lunch and then headed to a museum to view an exhibit on Leonardo da Vinci
and the Mona Lisa. It was a great exhibit and we learned so much. We had a low key evening and relaxed from all the events of our trip. Monday we met up with Sue again and she took us all over the city- touring the port of Tampa, Landing Area, Yabor City, Harbour Island, and Davis Island. We got to see their place and it is super cute (yes it is!) as well as just spend some good quality time together. D and Sue had not seen each other since our wedding. I had the opportunity last year to go to Sue's Law School graduation but had not seen her since. Sue is one of those friends that you can just pick up with like you saw her yesterday. I love you pretty lady and am so glad we were able to see you and spend some great time together. Hopefully it will be sooner than later!
We got home late on Monday night and on Tuesday I believe the babies are happy to have us home...

Daniel has been very busy with work before our trip to Fl and after as well. We have 2-3 weeks left on this rotation and are currently in the process of either extending our contract or looking for a new rotation. Only time will tell!

Happy Easter everyone! Just this morning...a reality of how lucky we really are and how life will stop you in your tracks. While walking the dogs this morning, in the park, I saw a mother hiding rocks. After we exchanged a quick friendly hello in passing, she started talking to her kids and said the Easter bunny didn't have any money this year. I noticed she was literally hiding large rocks for her 2 young kids to find. I brought the dogs home, got in my car and stopped to talk to her again. With tears filling her eyes she told me they barely had enough fuel to get to the next job that hopefully would last for a few days, and I told her not to worry. The Easter Bunny did come bringing cookies, candy, dyed eggs, and lots of food. It was a touching moment with the parents when I handed over the Easter goodness. An Easter to remember!

We miss each and everyone of you and hope we can see you soon! Much much love and many hugs! Now its your turn..what is going on with you?
Daniel and Melissa

I have a really good reason...

So since I have been asked a few times this week about a new blog post...I feel the need to explain. The hinge on our laptop broke and what was promised as a quick easy fix by the computer repair place ended up taking a month. Boo I know! I was stuck with our other computer who I lovingly refer to as "Slow Moe" and she just doesn't like to upload anything to the blog! No not even text..Andrea and Jill! Good news- today I picked up the laptop and got an apology that I accepted because they said something like "I wouldn't be able to last as long as you did!" It made me smile! Anyway, I am working on a post and have so much to catch up on. We had company for spring break: sledding, snowboarding, Eagles Nest, a sleep over, Rio Grande Gorge Bridge, and of course the Grand Canyon...so next week get ready for catch up posts. Who knows one might even come as early as tomorrow! Ok- well I won't get to over confident!

I will leave you with this...
Can you tell how excited they are for a new blog post!