Let's Go to Durango, Colorado!

Thanks for popping in to Thinking Out Loud Thursday!  This is a time when I reflect on something I'm thinking about and invite you to link up and do the same.  Today I'm getting my memories from a short trip to Durango, Colorado into a post!

There’s something about a trip to the mountains that feels like an instant reset, and my summer getaway to Durango, Colorado was exactly that! This trip was a little different from some of our other vacations because there was actually a very specific reason I was headed to Colorado—I had babysitting duty! My brother, sister-in-law and older nephews and niece were planning to ride their motorcycles on the famous Million Dollar Highway, and while they were off tackling the twists, turns and incredible mountain scenery on two wheels, I was going to hang out with my younger niece and nephews. And I wasn't going alone! My adult son, Ian, came along with me to help with the kids, which made the trip even more fun. Between the two of us, we were ready to keep everyone entertained while the motorcycle crew had their adventure.

Honestly, it sounded like a pretty great deal to me. They got their motorcycle adventure, and Ian and I got some quality time with the kids and my mom in one of the most beautiful parts of Colorado! Of course, we managed to pack plenty of fun into our time there too—beautiful scenery, hiking, waterfalls, a memorable train ride and, at the very end, a travel adventure we definitely did not see coming.

We arrived in Durango late on Saturday.  Our home away from home for this trip was Purgatory Ski Resort in a condo we found on VRBO.  If you have kids to entertain, I highly recommend this location!  I'll show you the reasons further down in this post.

On Sunday morning, we met up with the rest of my family at their rental and had breakfast.  My mom had come along with them and it was great to all sit around a big table and share a meal together.  After breakfast, we headed to a nearby waterfall hike to Cascade Falls.  

The hike to get to the falls is short with moderately tough terrain.  We made several stops along the way but eventually made it to the falls.  The kids loved playing in the pool of water!

You can't plan a trip to Durango without hearing about the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, and riding it was high on our list.  Ian and I headed out Monday morning to ride the train.  We chose the option to take the bus from Durango to Silverton, then ride the train back into Durango.  The bus driver was full of interesting facts about the area and train so I was glad we decided to take the bus one way.  We even stopped at an overlook for pictures!  The train ride was definitely one of those vacation experiences I'm glad we checked off the list!

The historic train ride through the mountains is truly an experience. The scenery along the way is spectacular, and there were so many moments when I was mesmerized taking it all in. Mountains, rushing water, steep cliffs and views that seemed to go on forever—it was exactly the kind of Colorado scenery I had hoped to see.  We even had the bonus of seeing bears two times!  We chose to sit in the open air car and I believe that was a great decision.  The seats were facing out, so the views were literally right in front of you.  

And thankfully, I had packed my Bonine! Motion sickness and winding mountain transportation aren't always the best combination for me, so I was happy to have one of my favorite travel staples along for the ride.

When the bus dropped us off in Silverton, we had a couple hours to grab lunch and check out the old mining town that's tucked high in the mountains.  It's one of those places that feels like you've stepped back in time. We had fun exploring before it was time to make our way back.

The train ride was definitely one of those vacation experiences I'm glad we checked off the list! The scenery was stunning!  It was a memory Ian and I will always treasure.

While some of my family headed out Tuesday morning on their motorcycles to experience the Million Dollar Highway, Ian and I happily settled into our roles as the babysitting crew. If you're not familiar with the Million Dollar Highway, it's a spectacular stretch of road through the San Juan Mountains known for its breathtaking views, steep drop-offs and winding curves.

Having Ian there made the trip extra special for not only me, but for the kiddos too.  Ian did a lot of chess playing and catching the kids at the bottom of the slide in the pool.  It was priceless to make so many fun memories with my niece and nephews.

Purgatory Ski Resort had a lot of activities the kids loved!  We got each of them a day pass and they enjoyed riding the ski lift, zooming down the mountain on the alpine slide and experiencing the alpine coaster.  The pool, with an exceptionally fast slide, was also a huge hit.  The day went by way too fast and we were reunited at the end of the day for another family dinner.  Listening to the tales of the day while sitting around the fire was a favorite!

We were flying home Wednesday afternoon.  One of my favorite moments of the entire trip happened on our last morning in the mountains. The sunrise was absolutely beautiful.  I remember thinking what a beautiful way it was to end our time in Colorado.  

Before heading to the airport, we decided to use the morning to drive the Million Dollar Highway.  The hype is real - there really are hairpin turns and steep drop-offs!

Little did we know, Colorado wasn't quite finished giving us memories! You know how sometimes the part of a vacation you talk about the most afterward is the part you never planned?  Well, this trip definitely gave us one of those stories.  When Ian and I were ready to fly home from Durango, our flight was canceled.  That flight had been canceled for a couple of days in a row, and there weren't any flights available for days.  Okay. No problem. We'd rent a car, drive to an airport where we could get a flight and figure it out. Except...the rental car company wouldn't honor our reservation because it was made less than 24 hours before we were picking up the car, and there wasn't a rental car anywhere to be had.  

We needed to get to Albuquerque so we could catch a flight home the next morning. With no traditional rental cars available, we had to get creative.  And that's how our lovely Colorado mountain vacation ended with Ian and me renting a U-Haul truck and driving to Albuquerque, New Mexico!  Yes. A U-Haul.  Because apparently sometimes your vacation transportation goes from a historic narrow-gauge railroad to a moving truck!

It certainly wasn't how we pictured the end of our trip, but we loaded ourselves into that U-Haul and hit the road. At that point, all you can really do is laugh and add it to the list of travel stories you'll be telling for years.

We made it to Albuquerque and crossed our fingers that our 7:00 a.m. flight the next morning would actually take off.  Thankfully, it did!  We even got to see some hot air balloons in flight as we took off.

Some of my favorite vacation memories aren't necessarily the big attractions. They're the moments when we're all together, walking a trail, laughing about something silly, and stopping every few minutes because someone sees another view that needs to be photographed.  What started as a trip to help my brother by babysitting my niece and nephews while the older crew had their motorcycle adventure turned into a pretty wonderful Colorado getaway for Ian and me too.  We saw gorgeous scenery, rode the train to Silverton, hiked to a waterfall, spent lots of time with family, and watched a beautiful mountain sunrise. Most importantly, we got to make some pretty special memories together. 

Durango, you were beautiful, memorable, and definitely an adventure. I'm so glad Ian and I got to experience it together!

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Thinking Out Loud Thursday - July 30, 2026

Hello and thanks for stopping by Thinking Out Loud Thursday!  This is a time when I share something on my mind and invite you to link up and do the same.

My post is a little different than I thought it would be today.  My son Ian and I were supposed to fly home today and I thought I would have time to put together a post for tonight's linky party.   Well...how the day turned out wasn't exactly how we planned.

Our flight out of Durango was canceled, and after discovering there were zero rental cars available, we did what any determined travelers would do... we rented a U-Haul truck! 

So off we went on an unexpected road trip to Albuquerque, where we're hoping our 7:00 a.m. flight tomorrow morning gets us home.

It's definitely a travel story we'll be laughing about for years. Here's hoping tomorrow's adventure involves an actual airplane! I'll be sharing more about our fun trip soon.

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A Whirlwind 24 Hours in Nashville

Hi!  Welcome to Thinking Out Loud Thursday.  This is a time when I share something I'm thinking about and invite you to link up and do the same.  Today I'm reflecting on our recent trip to Nashville.  We had roughly 24 hours in the Music City and made the most of it!

My friend Debbie and I are both huge Ed Sheeran fans, so the minute he announced his Loop Tour, we started looking at the schedule to figure out which city would work best for us. After comparing dates and locations, Nashville quickly rose to the top of the list. We decided it would be even more fun to turn it into a little getaway, so we invited our husbands to come along. Before long, all the pieces had fallen into place, and our 24-hour Nashville adventure was officially on the calendar!

Nashville is only about a four-and-a-half-hour drive from our house, making it the perfect destination for a quick weekend getaway. The plan was simple: hit the road Saturday morning, enjoy everything we could fit into our time in Music City, and head home Sunday afternoon. With just about 24 hours to explore, eat, laugh, and soak it all in, we were determined to make every minute count!

Our first stop was the iconic Loveless Cafe, a Nashville landmark that's been serving Southern comfort food since 1951. Famous for its made-from-scratch biscuits, homemade preserves, and legendary fried chicken, it's one of those places that's worth visiting for the experience alone. We couldn't pass up the fried chicken, and it absolutely lived up to its reputation. Crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and paired with all the classic Southern sides, it was a meal to remember. Of course, no visit to Loveless is complete without one of their warm, buttery biscuits slathered with homemade jam. It was the perfect way to begin our 24 hours in Music City.

After lunch, we headed to the hotel to get checked in and fresh up before the main event - the concert!  We stayed at the Motto Hotel by Hilton,  a boutique hotel right in the heart of downtown Nashville. One of the biggest perks was its location; we were able to walk to the stadium, which made getting to and from the concert incredibly easy.

The rooms were definitely on the smaller side, but they were thoughtfully designed and had everything we needed for a one-night stay. Since hotel prices in downtown Nashville can be pretty steep, we felt like we found a great value. The combination of a clean, comfortable room and such a convenient location made it the perfect home base for our quick 24-hour Nashville adventure.

The concert started early and had three opening acts.  We made our way to the stadium and had plenty of time to both enjoy two of the three openers and scope out the concessions and souvenirs.  There's always something fun about the atmosphere before a big concert. Thousands of fans wearing Ed Sheeran T-shirts filled the stadium, everyone buzzing with anticipation and counting down the minutes until the main event. It was the perfect chance to grab a snack, snap a few photos, and take it all in before the lights dimmed and the real show began.

Before long, the lights dimmed, the crowd leaped to its feet, and Ed Sheeran appeared on stage. The stadium instantly erupted with cheers as thousands of fans sang, screamed, and welcomed him with deafening applause. It was one of those moments that gives you goosebumps.

He was everything we had hoped for and more. With just his guitar, his incredible loop pedal, and an endless amount of talent and energy, he captivated the entire stadium from the very first song. His vocals were flawless, his storytelling between songs felt genuine and personal, and he had a way of making a stadium full of people feel like an intimate performance. Every song had the crowd singing at the top of their lungs, and it was impossible not to smile while taking it all in. It was one of those concerts that reminds you why live music is such a special experience.

After an incredible three-hour performance, we walked out of the stadium even bigger Ed Sheeran fans than when we walked in. Every minute of the show was packed with hit after hit, and his energy never seemed to fade. It's amazing to watch one person command a stadium with nothing more than extraordinary talent, a guitar, and a loop pedal.

As we joined the sea of happy concertgoers making their way through downtown Nashville, we couldn't stop talking about our favorite moments and songs. The entire trip had been worth it for those three unforgettable hours. If Ed ever announces another tour within driving distance, you can bet we'll be trying to get tickets again. It was a concert we'll be talking about for years to come.

We kicked off Sunday morning with breakfast at another one of our Nashville favorites—Puckett's. Whenever we're in town, it's one of those places we always hope to visit. The welcoming atmosphere, Southern hospitality, and hearty comfort food make it the perfect way to start the day.  After the excitement of the concert the night before, it was nice to slow down, enjoy a leisurely breakfast, and relive all our favorite moments from the show. 

After breakfast, we made our way to the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. We'd walked past it countless times on previous trips to Nashville but had never taken the time to go inside. This visit finally gave us the perfect opportunity, and we're so glad we did.

The museum is a dream for anyone who loves country music. We spent our time wandering through the exhibits, taking in the incredible collection of memorabilia, stage costumes, handwritten lyrics, instruments, awards, and artifacts that tell the story of country music through the decades. It was fascinating to see pieces connected to so many legendary artists, as well as today's biggest stars. Every turn seemed to reveal another display that made us stop, read, and reminisce about songs and performers we've loved over the years.

If you've never been inside, I highly recommend adding it to your Nashville itinerary. Even if you're only a casual country music fan, the museum does an excellent job of showcasing the history, artistry, and impact of the genre.

Before heading home, we made one final stop in Nashville's charming 12South District for a little retail therapy. With its locally owned boutiques, colorful murals, and inviting atmosphere, it's one of my favorite neighborhoods to stroll. Even if you don't buy a thing, it's a fun place to wander and soak up the Nashville vibe.

Sometimes you don't need a week-long vacation to make wonderful memories. Our 24 hours in Nashville were packed with delicious food, great shopping, incredible music, and lots of laughter, but the very best part was getting to share it all with dear friends. From singing along at the top of our lungs during the Ed Sheeran concert to chatting over breakfast and exploring the city together, every moment reminded me that it's the people you're with who make a trip truly special. Nashville gave us another unforgettable weekend, and I'm already looking forward to the next adventure we can take together!

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Let's Go to Belgium - Day 6 in Brussels!

Hello, and thanks for stopping by for Thinking Out Loud Thursday! This is my little corner of the internet where I share what's been on my mind and invite you to link up and do the same. Today, I'm wrapping up my Belgium adventure with my son, Ian, by sharing highlights from Day 6 of our trip. If you missed any of the earlier recaps, you can catch up on them here ~

Day 1     |     Day 2     |     Day 3     |     Day 4     |     Day 5

Day 6 was our final full day in Belgium. We had originally considered taking a day trip to Ghent, but with reports of a possible train strike, we decided not to risk transportation headaches on our last day. After our busy and exciting adventure in Paris on Day 5, we were also feeling a little tired and ready for a slower pace. Instead, we chose to spend the day exploring more of Brussels and checking out a few sights we hadn't had a chance to visit yet. As an added bonus, Day 6 was also Ian's birthday, making it the perfect day to relax, celebrate, and enjoy our remaining time in Belgium.

One of the attractions at the top of Ian's Brussels wish list was the EU Parliament museum. He was completely fascinated by it and thoroughly enjoyed exploring the exhibits. As for me, I was content to relax on a nearby bench and do a little people-watching. Needless to say, I didn't take a single photo during this stop!

Next, we headed to Cinquantenaire Park to relax for a while. Spring was just starting to make its appearance, with colorful flowers beginning to bloom, and the weather couldn't have been more beautiful. We had both brought along something to read, but instead spent our time talking and enjoying each other's company. It was such a special way to spend the day, and I treasured the opportunity to celebrate his birthday with him.

For dinner, we had reservations at The Lobster House.  We hadn't had mussels yet and doesn't everyone need to have them in Brussels?!?  They were divine!

Instead of birthday cake, we decided chocolate-covered strawberries would be better!

We enjoyed our dessert as we wandered through the beautiful Grand Place. Although we had passed through the square several times earlier in the day, seeing it illuminated at night was an entirely different experience. The historic guildhalls and ornate buildings seemed to glow against the dark sky, creating a truly breathtaking scene. We strolled slowly, savoring every bite of our treat while taking in the stunning architecture and lively atmosphere around us. It was the perfect way to end the evening and one of those moments that made us pause and appreciate just how magical Brussels can be after sunset.

Day 7 was our journey home, bringing an unforgettable week to a close. As we left the hotel that morning, a steady rain was falling, and it seemed to mirror exactly how we were feeling. Neither of us was quite ready for the adventure to end. We had spent the past week making memories, exploring beautiful places, and enjoying time together, and it was hard to say goodbye to it all.

As much as I was looking forward to being back home, I found myself reflecting on all the wonderful experiences we had shared throughout the trip. I feel incredibly blessed that Ian was able to travel with me and that we had the opportunity to create so many special memories together. It was a fantastic vacation from beginning to end, and one that I know we'll both remember and cherish for years to come.

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Let's Go To Belgium - Day 5 in Paris!

Hi and thanks for popping in to Thinking Out Loud Thursday!  This is a time when I share something on my mind and invite you to link up and do the same.  Today I'm continuing to recap our trip to Belgium.  I'm up to Day 5 and you are never going to guess where we spent it - PARIS!  If you've missed the first part of our trip, you can catch up here ~

Day 1     |     Day 2     |     Day 3     |     Day 4

We hadn’t completely decided where we wanted to spend Day 5 of our trip before we left. We tossed around several ideas, including Amsterdam, Rotterdam, and Luxembourg. But once I discovered that Paris was only about an hour and a half away by train, the choice became easy. Paris, here we come!

Since we only had one day to see as much of Paris as possible, I decided to splurge on both the Paris Museum Pass and a Big Bus pass. The Museum Pass allowed us to skip the long lines at several attractions, helping us make the most of our limited time.

When Eric and I visited Paris several years ago, we absolutely loved the Big Bus hop on hop off experience. We've tried similar buses in other cities since then, but none have compared to Paris. I knew it would be the perfect way to see the city's highlights while giving us a break from navigating the subway system or spending the entire day on foot.

As soon as we got off the train from Brussels, we headed straight to the du Louvre.  If you've ever visited this museum, you know you could spend days there!  We had a plan and moved fast!  

Located near the Louvre is the D'Orsay.  We hit that next!

There was a Big Bus stop right outside the Musée d'Orsay, so we climbed aboard and set off to explore the city. As we rode through the streets of Paris, we soaked in the sights and sounds all around us, trying to take in every detail and capture as many memories as possible.  Our hopping off spot was the Eiffel Tower!

After walking around the tower a bit, back on the bus we went to go the Notre Dame.  Before entering the cathedral, we stopped for lunch across the street at Cafe Panis and got so incredibly lucky to have an amazing view from our window seat.   

Eric and I had visited Notre Dame before the fire, so I was anxious to see it since it reopened.  I swear I could still smell the smoke!  It is so beautiful and seems brighter than before.

After Notre Dame, we loaded up on the bus for another spin around the city.  Paris has so many beautiful things to see!

To close out our day in Paris, we boarded a sunset cruise on the Seine River. It was the perfect way to sit back, relax, and soak in the beauty of the city one last time. As we drifted past some of Paris's most iconic landmarks, we reflected on all we had seen and experienced during our whirlwind visit. 

As the boat docked, the twinkling lights on the Eiffel Tower put on their show!

We had just enough time to stop at Breizh Cafe for a crepe on the way to the train station.  It was as delicious as the reviews said it was!

I had visited Paris once before, but it was Ian's first time experiencing the City of Light. To be honest, Paris wasn't very high on his list of places to visit, and I was hoping our day there might change his mind. Mission accomplished!

He fell in love with the city and, shortly after we returned home, booked a trip to come back with his wife, Kayla. While one day is certainly not enough time to do Paris justice, it was enough to leave a lasting impression. I'll gladly take any amount of time I can get in this incredible city!

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