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Puttputt, Pikes Peak, and Weez’s 30th bday

It’s been a wondrous, albiet very go-go-go, past two weeks. Hense the lack of blogging. I aim to fill you all in on all the good stuff today!

My Mama and Papa Dubs (aka best inlaws ever.) were in town for the past two weeks for both (Dr.!) Weez’s Ph.D. defense as well as his 30th birthday over the weekend. They just left town yesterday. Boo.

They spectated our Bolder Boulder 10K (yikes, I should get that recap up sometime. Spoiler: we goofed off, ate jello shots, did the slip-n-slide, and danced our way to the finish line and had a BLAST)….

We grilled out at our condo; we grilled out at their trailer/campground…

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IMG_5147Cabo and Mocha (Weez’s family dog!) got lots and lots of lovin’. When you’re with 4 huge dog-lovers, the pups are bound to be spoiled a lot :)
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We wine and dined around town… We played puttputt (Mama Dubs got a hole-in-one, Papa Dubs is a semi-pro, and I was the clear champion comin’ in with 15+ more strokes than everyone else. Higher score is better in golf, right?!)…
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We took the super fun, oldschool Cog Railway up to the top of Pike’s Peak – elevation: 14,110ft!
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Then the craziest thing happened…. we ran into our bffs and godson on the top of Pike’s Peak! Completely unplanned! They – like us – made the spontaneous last minute decision to experience the Cog Railway Train and we just so happened to be on the same train on the same day.
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Weez’s folks’ vacay came to a close on Sunday when we celebrated Weez’s 30th birthday (check #15 off my list of 27-before-27!). Complete with his favorite homecooked-meal (Chicken and Rice) and dessert (Apple Cake). We polished off the night with a bottle of champagne and Weez’s big surprise birthday present.
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For his present, I surprised Weez with plane tickets to fly back home to Michigan (this Friday!) and his wristband for the 2-day, Orion Music Festival, where Metallica, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Rise Against (and more!) are playing. He totally didn’t see it coming. He freaked. #wifepoints.

It’s been a glorious 2 weeks, but I’m not quite ready to settle back into routine :P Did I mention our bffs/godson’s parents are living with us this week? I lovelovelove it. We should be permanent roomies. You don’t need to move back to Missouri next week! Don’t leave us! :)

Life is great.

Dr. Weez!!!

Is there a docta in the house?!

You bet there is!

Weez defended his Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry on Tuesday and passed with flying colors. Weez’s 6 years of graduate research focused on the design and synthesis of novel polymeric membranes for water purification and desalination.

The number of friends and family, coworkers and collaborators that filled the auditorium was a true testament as to how well respected and loved Weez truly is (in life, as well as in the department). I am one proud wife!

After his defense, we hosted a huge party/BBQ at our place, complete with celebratory cake and coolers of the Dr.’s favorite brews.

A wonderful day it was!
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I’m married to a Dr. now! Oh snap! :)

Darn Tough Vermont Hiking Socks Review

A while back, I was contacted by a rep at Darn Tough Vermont. They asked me if I’d be willing to test out and write an honest review on a pair of their hiking socks. I said, sure! I love to hike/camp/backpack, so I knew I’d give these Micro Crew Trek Socks a fair trial.
Darn Tough Vermont Socks

I was a pinch leery at first because 1. I had actually never heard of Darn Tough before (I must be living under a rock though, because everyone else I know has) and 2. I was loyal to another brand of hiking socks (Smart Wool) at the time.

There’s nothing worse than the wrong socks when you’re on a multiday backpacking trip. But so far, I’ve worn these socks on 3 separate trips, in various climates (snow, wet/rain, and summer heat). AND LOVED THEM.
Darn Tough Vermont Trek Micro Crew Socks

I was worried my toes would get cold on our snowy backpacking trip because the sock is a little thinner (not thin, just thinner than my thick Smart Wool ones). But I was pleasantly surprised! My toes stay nice and warm! (*Bonus, how sweet is the design/color?!)
Darn Tough Vermont Trek Micro Crew Socks

On the wet or warmer hikes I’ve gone on, my feet stayed dry and comfortable. I’ve yet to experience any hot spots, aka, I’ve had ZERO blisters when wearing these socks! Anyone who goes hiking a bunch knows how rare that it.

I know it sounds overly dramatic, but the right socks can make a world of difference on the trails. These are those kind of socks for me.
Darn Tough Vermont Trek Micro Crew Socks

I’m a complete convert now. I love these socks, and my fatter, thicker non-Darn Tough brand socks will definitely come second to my Darn Tough Vermont Trek Socks from now on!

They only cost $15-19 depending on where you buy them (comparable to Smart Wool socks, if not cheaper), and you can find where to order them HERE. Definitely worth the investment. Your feet will thank you!

Thanks again, Darn Tough, for sending me this pair to test out!

*Disclaimer: Darn Tough sent me these Trek Series Micro Crew women’s size medium socks free of charge, but these opinions are strictly my own.