I love hearing from parents who appreciate the stories about my kids I share in these blogs.  Here’s part of the secret to finding balance:  Get away once in a while! 

    Maybe you’re like me and can’t stand being away from your kids for too too long, but here’s my advice: when they are in capable hands at “Camp Grandma,” and you have a rock band inviting you to join them for a weekend tour in the mountains of Evergreen, Colorado - don’t feel guilty.  Just go. 

        We just got back home to Indy Monday from our little getaway.  Here’s Ian (my hubby) and Mike (Nadas singer/guitarist) with the tour bus named “Meat Loaf” - which allegedly used to belong to the rock band by that name.  The bus is really cool most of the time, except this time that someone forgot a box of Chinese food in there for a few days.  OOPS. We let the bus air out and an extra 6 people or so crashed in the cabin instead of the bus bunks. Kind of like summer camp, except the hot cocoa had quite a kick.

Ian had told me a lot about the cool, quaint saloon they’d be playing in. He mentioned how everyone at the Little Bear carves their names into the wood. 

(Here he is adding to the ambience.)

What he failed to mention was the other “collectibles” decorating the stage and ceiling. 

I guess lots of women must want to show their support for the musicians who play there.

Luckily I had a couple of very cool - and supportive - ladies to hang out with - fellow band wives and girlfriends.  (Jamie, left, and Allie, right)  It’s a strange little world we’re all connected to, and in many ways it really feels like family.

The room was unforgettable, the music sounded great, and I took lots of photos to show Mike and Jason’s biggest fans  (my own kids.)

I will spare you photos of everyone in the morning.  Not so appealing, trust me.

  We managed to find time to enjoy the serene scenery, and I’m proud to say I snuck away several times to stick my toes in this heavenly mountain stream.

  While our kids were o-d’ing on ice cream, splashing in the pool, playing with their cousins and watching the Cubs at Wrigley,  Ian and I were remembering what made us such great friends in the first place.

I’d call that a win-win.

May you all enjoy whatever adventures you manage to sneak in - however great or small!

Trish