In Honor of Rhonda

We all need to do our part... even small parts- reusable bags. Can you imagine how much one person will save? One Earth- that we will pass on to our kids. I never really thought about the simple things that we can do until Rhonda chatted with me about it. So she inspired me to do my part- i bought my bags and I think everyone should too!!! It is easy and responsible. Thank you Rhonda!!!

In the deepest moments. . .

I am sitting here in our living room- sipping on a perfect glass of red wine waiting for Brian to get home and I cannot help, but think about what happen a week ago. It has been on my mind all week. Last Friday evening, my parents neighbor, Bill, came home from a run and collapsed. Within 15 minutes he was gone.... Bill was only 58 years old, married to his wife, Donna for 38 years. My mind all week drifted toward her and her kids. Utter sadness has filled my heart, her whole life has changed in a matter of moments. They had the golden years ahead of them. Grandkids to spoil, a trip to Hawaii in Jan., a new winter home in AZ, retirement... and now she lives in a big house alone, waiting for Bill to come home. He was supposed to be in Washington D.C. this week and his suitcase is still sitting by their door. It has really hit home for me how precious life truly is and you never know when your last moments will be. Of course, we all hope to grow old and die peacefully in our sleep. But that is just not a reality for some of us. I love Brian more this week then I think I have. I cannot imagine my life without this man. He is my best friend, my hero, my strength, my lover, my shoulder to cry on. He is so giving, understanding and supportive. I cherish our quiet moments and still hours. I love my family more this week. I cherish Jami and who she is in my life more this week. She is my kindred spirit, my breath of fresh air, my solid ground and my best friend for all of my life. I cherish her honesty and her strenght. I cherish my parents and the love and support they have given Brian and I. Their gentleness, their prayers, and their advice; it has given so much life in my dark moments. They are one of my number 1 support while I am finishing my MBA program. Their encouragement and praise has spurred my spirit. I cherish Nick and the amazing brother and friend that he is. I cherish his gentle understanding and love. I appreciate his friendship and constant support. I cannot imagine my life without my family! I have 4 dear friends who read this blog, they are such dear friends of mine. They have gotten me through some of the hardest times in my life. They are true friends through and through. I want to live my life to the very fullest... and love the ones I cherish most. There is so much more to life..

We were able to sneak away this weekend with Jami and Dan to Breckenridge. Can you tell we enjoy each others company?? We are 4 best friends that love being together. I love sharing such fabulous memories with my awesome husband (he is just too cute!!) and my outstanding bff Jami and Dan. It is so fun. But it was stunning in Breck. The fall colors were in full bloom. The weather was awesome, a sunny 70 degrees. We were able to bring up Tobias and Kingstin Bear. Sadly, Guinness had to stay home. He is just a big boy and the car ride would be too much for him. Speaking of big- he is up to 95lbs!!! That is a big boy. But do not feel too bad for Guinness- he spent 3 full days at doggie daycare (his fave). To say the least- we have two very tried puppies tonight. I hope you enjoy the photos. We live in an awesome state!!!!



Up at Hoosier Pass... we stopped up here for a bit. We "hiked" around and just enjoyed being up there.


On our hike... Yes I know- I am a mtn gal with my fur vest!



My awesome husband!


Mr. Kingstin Bear himself!!! My cute kid!


Tobias loving his life and relaxing in our room!


We stopped at the Breckenridge Brewery for beers!


Jim and I!



Brian and Dan on our walk back up to the hotel...


Bear got a hold of the Pringles can... as you can see- there is nothing really left. He was quite happy and loved being under the bed!


Breck in her glory...


The BRIGHT fall colors!!!



More colors...




To end our trip we drove to Vail for lunch and a little shopping. It is just stunning!!!

Mexico... My dear Friend.

So... it has been a bit since our trip... a month today we left! I am SO sad... time goes so quickly- but nonetheless is was a simply amazing trip. Truly one of the best trip I have taken- we just needed a bit more time. 10 days is in store for next year! Nothing could have been better, the hotel was simply oustanding, the grounds- absolutely gorgeous, the drinks- the best, the beach- amazing, the food- to die for, the company- absolutely priceless! Life should be like this... Spent with the ones you love most! Here are just a few of my favorite photos! I hope you enjoy them..


Just landing! Kissing was a must!!!


Just arriving!!! We were beyond excited!


Our glorious resting spots! 4 perfect chairs! I wish I was still there!



Our hotel... So beautiful.

Jami and I chillen' in the ocean. They had created this awesome thing that you could sit on out in the middle of the ocean. It was so refreshing.


Mexico.... You are stunning!


Brian and Dan went deep sea fishing and caught a few treasures!


Ah... cool???! It is sorta gross because it is so huge! But Dan was pretty stoked!


I love this photo of Jim and I...


Jami and I taking a quick photo opt at our hotel! I never really realize how much we look alike- but I think we really do in this photo!


We headed into Playa del Carmen and stopped off at Senior Frogs. It was a great time. The sign seem to fit us perfectly! Yep- both are very true. Well- not for Jami anymore but her glory days in college. And yes mine is still true.. Sorry Mom.. I know you hate it. ;op


Some good looken boys smoken Cubans in the evening...


My amazing husband and I before dinner. He is so handsome!

Can you guess what song was playing?? I will give you 4 hints!


"Y"

"M"

"C"

"A"

Needless to say... we had so much fun during the day and at night!

The Mexico crew! Dan... I think you forgot your fanny pack!

Sadly... All good things come to an end.

Have another Beer In Mexico...

Well all... The time has officially come and we (Jami, Dan, Brian and I) are leaving on a jet plane for the blue ocean on Monday. I seriously could come out of my skin with excitement!!! We have been waiting months for this trip; it is going to be the time of our lives! What fun. It is going to be SO fun- spending it with 3 of my most favorite people. Not to worry- there will be millions of photos to follow. But sadly, I go back to no life with grad school starting back up the moment we get back. This 9 week break from school has been the medicine I needed. I will ask for forgiveness in advance.. I have gotten approval from the Lead Faculty of our MBA program to double up my classes so I can officially graduate in May of 2009. SO... what that means is I will literally have no life at least until December when I get a short break for the holidays. God bless Brian- because school makes me grumpy! :) Mexico is a much needed break... I send my love to all who read. Chat with you soon.

Love.
Brooke

Lake Tahoe!

We went to Tahoe this past week and it was outstanding. We had so much fun. The photos I took barely do any justice for how breathtaking this area is. We had perfect weather, lots of laughter, awesome company. We met up with much of my mom's side of the family. (I did not take very many photos.. Jami took most of the family photos. I was bummed about that!!) It was great to see them. They are loud, funny, love to drink- we sound like family! ;op The trip went by fast but it was just wonderful to get away. I guess we cannot complain too much with Mexico less then 4 weeks away! But- I missed Brian, but we hope to go back sometime in the near future. It was so great to spend some quality time with Jami; since she moved to Denver we just do not get that chance very often! Here are a few of my favorite pics!

Lake Tahoe in her glory. The lake is 22 miles long, 12 miles wide and at it's deepest point it is 1600ft deep. It is truly blue as well- not your tradition lake water. Sad to say, but this lake puts Lake Dillon and Grand Lake to shame. It is just stunning.

Coming into Tahoe!


Jami and I.. We stopped at nearly every pull off to see the view!


Yep... you can see to the bottom. It is awesome.

Jami and I at GarWoods... It was gorgeous stop on the North Shore.

And yes you can imagine the fabulous boats that call Tahoe 'home'.

I loved the giant trees...



Me and Dad on Ms. Dixie Dinner Cruise.

Some cousins!

A fun photo that Dad took! And yes those are my new True Religion jeans! I *heart* them!

Mom and Dad on the Ms!

Jami enjoying the Ms. Dixie!!!

A bit of heaven at Tahoe..

Jim and I enjoying live music at a fabulous beach bar!

A few of the Campbell gals!



And I cannot resist putting a photo of my cute boys laying together! As you can tell they truly love each other! Gosh- they are so dang cute!

The Accident

The Fourth of July turned out to be more eventful then we had planned, as well as an unplanned trip to the ER. (Which most I think are unplanned trips. ;op) But long story short Brian ended up going head first into the pool 5ft deep at my brother's condo. The impact was so severe that he split his head open to the skull and ended up with nearly 100 stitches. The cut is nearly 5 inches long. The accident has been very sobering for myself and Brian. You never think this will happen to you. We are so grateful that Brian's injury was only a massive cut. All of his doctors kept telling us he should have broken his neck and it is a miracle he did not. Our lives would have changed forever. It makes me cry just writing about it. I do not know what I would do without Brian in my life. He is such an amazing man and has been pretty tough through the whole situation. He has been off work all week; resting and taking it easy. The C Scan came back perfect and his healing has been another story. His swelling has gone done almost completely, his black eyes are nearly gone and his stitches are out- the cut looks outstanding. Thank you everyone who has been praying for Brian. Especially- thank you to Jami, Dan, Nick and my parents who have been so concerned and helpful during the accident. In closing, love the ones you love most everyday. Do not let the sun go down on anger, because you will never know what tomorrow may bring and you could be left wishing for the past.

PS... I will not post a photo of his head- it may make someone weak in the stomach.