Boise Day #2

Today we decided to explore some areas away from downtown Boise.  We had breakfast at Moe Joe's in Meridian and looked at some housing in both Meridian and Eagle.  We then drove through a snow storm up to Bogus Basin to find sunny skies and picture-perfect scenery at the ski resort.  

 We didn't want to spend a half day skiing with so many other things to explore in the area, but we walked around enjoying the views and brisk weather.

 We stopped in Hyde Park to get a coffee and pastry before going back to the hotel.

Right across the street from our hotel was this brand-new, super innovative meeting space called JUMP.  We explored it a bit, however a lot of areas were closed for the winter.

 This tunnel slide was 4 stories high!

 Matt climbed to the top of this super tall play structure.  

 We continued walking around town and stumbled upon Boise Brewing Co

 and Idaho Candy Co.

 I convinced Matt to celebrate his birthday again...this time at a festive Brazilian steakhouse called Barbacoa.

We had tasty drinks, made-at-your-table guacamole, delicious steak dinners

and fun strawberry cotton candy for the birthday boy!

Birthday in Boise

I attempted to surprise Matt with a birthday weekend in Boise.  Let's just say he was surprised I had booked it, but learned about weeks before we headed out.

We checked into our downtown hotel and headed out on a walk to explore the city.

Freak Alley Gallery is a long alleyway with eclectic artwork lining the brick buildings.

The Capitol Building sits right in the heart of downtown.

It was quite grand and had snowy mountains displayed in its backdrop.

We walked inside and the entire main level was covered in marble!

 The converge mentioned that Hyde Park was a cute area to tour.  Not much to hit, but a cute coffee shop, a few restaurants and lots of historical housing.

 We celebrated the birthday boy at an Irish pub, had drinks at a few different bars and watched some college basketball to finish the day.  Happy 48th Matthew!

1st Game at Allen Fieldhouse

Matt, Allie and I flew to Kansas for a chilly weekend to see Taylor and watch our first KU basketball game at Allen Fieldhouse.  Our original flight was cancelled due to a winter storm, but after a few stressful hours on the phone with Southwest, we were able to get in after the storm had passed...leaving snow all over for us to enjoy!

 We picked up Taylor, Andrew, Cody and Carter and hit Mass. St for a late dinner at the Burger Stand.

 It was a chilly 10 degrees, but so beautiful!

Saturday morning, we ate brunch our one of our favorite spots, Milton's!

 Some of the best coffee drinks and delicious breakfast and perfect to fill us up before the game.

 We made a quick trip up to the top of the Oread to see the snowy views of campus.

Now I've seen this place in every season and love them all!

 I knew Devonte Graham was signing autographs at the Student Union before the game so I convinced the family to stop in.  I didn't wait in the long line, but snapped a picture right as he looked directly at me...LOL!

The lawn at Allen Fieldhouse is absolutely gorgeous, but it was just as pretty covered in snow for game day!

I swear you can feel the magic of this place from the moment you get in line with Jayhawk fans.

 You enter right into the sports museum and make your way through the tunnel and onto the court.

 I was just so excited to cross this off of my bucket list

 and got there plenty early to take it all in.  I sat in the bleachers to watch warm up,

admired all of the banners and traditions that fill the arena

 visited with Taylor and Hannah Gail before the game

and was in awe of all of the pre-game events that make Allen Fieldhouse so special!  

KU dominated from the start and beat West Virginia!

It was awesome from start to finish and I am so jealous that Taylor gets to go to EVERY home game!

Sitting at the James Naismith statue...the man who invented basketball.  A day I won't soon forget!

Mom's Disney Day

We switched it up a bit and did Mom's Disney Day in February instead of October.  

 We were efficient as ever using our fast passes and got everything we wanted at least once.  

It's just a nice day to catch up and just play hooky from all our normal responsibilities!

All smiles on the carousel

and full bellies with lots of treats throughout the day.  So happy we keep this tradition going!