Our family got to spend Spring Break in Colorado at a retreat for the college students that Robbie works with. We had an amazing time, and I wanted to post some pictures--way too many for one blog post, but I don't know how to make those nifty slide shows that everyone has, so this will have to do. Robbie removed the captain seats from our van and moved the bench to the middle, so all 3 kids were up close to us--they loved it and looked so cozy together--not even too many fights, which was amazing!
All of the staff families were at the retreat, so the kids had a blast eating almost every meal with their close friends. Here's part of the "girl table"...
...and the boys...
...and more boys...
Robbie took Levi and Sarah on a hike way up to this shelter/repelling station at the top of this picture. I had no idea that they were going so high, or I would've been a nervous wreck! However, it was their favorite memory from our trip. Robbie loved it, too, and got some fun pics of them on the hike.
After we left the retreat, we went to Colorado Springs for a day with just our family. We so enjoyed Ch*yenne Mtn Zoo--our favorite zoo trip ever--the kids were so excited--it was magical! Check out how long this giraffe's tongue is--shocked the kids when they fed him crackers!
Isn't he cute? I couldn't stop staring at him!
...stopped for a PB&J lunch...
...let the kids play at the playground a bit...
Here's our climber! He loved how "glowing" he looks in this picture.
...a little tortoise holding...
...and pony riding...this was Sarah's biggest dream of what to do at the zoo. I didn't think they'd have them, but "her wish came true!"
They thought this was pretty cool.
Too cute not to share...
We rented a stroller, thinking Jas might need to nap in the afternoon--oh, no--he wasn't in there more than 5 minutes of the 5 hrs or so we were at the zoo. "I wanna run!" L and S enjoyed the break from walking, though.
Levi's favorite Kom*do dragon
The hippos were the absolute favorites for our kids--we probably watched them for 45 minutes, and had to return to them after visiting the gorillas! What a great trip--we need to get away more often! Our kids have so many great memories, and we feel refreshed and excited to be home.
Heat 3 Tbsp oil over medium heat. Add onions, carrots, chicken, 4 cloves garlic, and 1 tsp ginger paste. (I LOVE the smell of ginger! Always reminds me of China.) Stir for 3 minutes, then add water to cover 1 inch above veggies. Add 2 bay leaves. (Is it disgusting that I'm still using the same bay leaves that I got at a shower before my wedding, 11 yrs ago?!?) Bring to boil--boil 10 minutes. Add potatoes and boil 10 minutes more. Add this curry roux (not sure how to spell that word) You can buy G*lden Curry roux cubes at W*lmart in the int'l aisle--I use 6-8 cubes--you have to stir quite a bit to dissolve the cubes. 
The result is simply delicious! 
