Insider Families

28/11/2024

Happy Thanksgiving! We are grateful to be enjoying a week off with lots of fun family activities. The week kicked off with a night at Christmas at Ga***rd Rockies. It was a really fun way to get into the holiday spirit. Read on to find out more and get a discount code!

Christmas lovers can again experience the magic of the festive season at the Ga***rd Rockies Resort with the annual Christmas celebration.

25/09/2024

When I read this announcement this morning, I definitely questioned whether it Was April Fools. But it is September, not April. Ice Castles coming to my little hometown!

Colorado is a known as a winter wonderland, renowned for its snow-covered ski slopes and breathtaking landscapes. But beyond skiing, the Colorado Rockies offer a magical winter experience that captivates both kids and adults alike.

25/02/2024

Sometimes vacation doesn’t begin as you expected. But best just to go with the flow. Can’t complain about a view like this or the relaxing day I’ve had mostly laying by the pool or in a hammock reading a book.

25/09/2023

I am generally a fan of travel that broadens your horizons through immersion in different cultures. So I have not been to Riviera Maya in Mexico in two decades. My husband & I just spent a long weekend for our anniversary and it was just what we needed — a break from reality where someone else took care of us. It is a great reminder that there are many different reasons to travel. And, if you, as I did, thought that all inclusives lack in dining experiences, this place will prove you wrong. Now back to reality.
🇲🇽

17/09/2023

Today I discovered that goats purr. It is true. Google it.
Only one week left for operations. We hustled and made it up for goat happy hour at 11 am. Weird time for a happy hour. But the goats feasted and then were ready to cuddle up for a nap. And, I discovered purring. Pretty cool. And, relaxing. And, beautiful.

20/08/2023

In June I had the opportunity to take a trip to explore the most incredible country that I previously knew next to nothing about. At the time I shared photos. Now I have articles to share. https://www.insiderfamilies.com/an-almaty-kazakhstan-adventure/

Take a look and ask me any burning questions you may have about the incredibly diverse and beautiful country of Kazakhstan!

If Almaty Kazakhstan isn't yet on your travel bucket list, it should be. Trees, mountains as a backdrop, diverse architecture & deep history.

07/07/2023

Have you checked out Threads yet? Just getting our feet wet over there at https://www.threads.net/ Say hello if you are there too!

12/06/2023

This is a bit how I feel about our recent visit to Kazakhstan. I am still processing it all.

06/06/2023

Today is the last day of our trip to . But I hope that you aren’t yet tired of seeing this beautiful country and people because I have over 1000 photos to still sort through.
This is a scene from a horseback ride at Oi-Karagay mountain resort.
The resort is incredibly family-friendly. Certainly one place I wished my family had been able to experience with me.
As beautiful as this country is, what really stands out is the people. I don’t know that I have ever encountered people so genuinely welcoming. From inviting you to their home to the greetings in English on the street here, I can only say that Kazakh people are friends in the true meaning of the word.
Now off to a press conference I go.
🇰🇿 .kazakhstan

05/06/2023

Honored to be a part of this experience and looking forward to sharing all about our adventures!

02/06/2023

Day two of our .kazakhstan trip was a whirlwind. It began with a visit to Zenkof Cathedral, the second largest wooden structure in the world, and an ornate beautiful one at that. We were able to go in and experience a service. Then a walk through Panfilov Park. (Amlaty is full of beautiful green parks and fountains.)
Next we headed to the Green Baazar to experience the sights and sounds of fresh fruits (Almaty is the home of wild apple trees), meats spices and more. The Green Bazaar sits on the Silk Road. Just a couple of blocks over we shopped at a chocolate factory founded during Soviet times.
Then we headed up the Kok Tobe gondola to a fun amusement park where I joined and for a fun alpine coaster ride.
Next up was a tradition Russian lunch at Noodles. I do have to say that the decor in all of the restaurants we’ve visited has been really fun, in addition to experiencing flavors and very different to what we are used to.
Then we headed to the mountains. One of the largest ski resorts in this part of the world is located just outside of Almaty. Medley-Shymbulak has some majestic ski peaks with an incredible 20 minutes gondola ride to the base of the mountain. The views are stunning.
Then back to the city for a traditional Kazakh dinner. Traditional Kazakh food includes a variety of meats. But they seem to talk less about their breads which are really delicious.
🇰🇿

22/05/2023

My plans for an annual hike to Hanging Lake today were foiled. Spring run off closed the temporary trail. One of the most beautiful places in Colorado has been plagued with closures after the Grizzly Creek Fire. We are looking forward to a wet & green summer here.
So we headed to Rifle Falls State Park instead. It isn’t quite as much of a workout. But it is beautiful. And a place that holds special memories of where I first eased my family into hiking.
This time of the year in is one of my favorites. It is quiet with mostly locals. Weather is hit or miss. But today was a hit.
Hanging Lake will have to wait for another day. But I am grateful to have had time at this special place today with my family.
What do you do to fill your bucket?