The Chou Life

Earlier this month we had the privilege of seeing my brother, sis-in-law, her brother, and our cutie pie nephew as they visited us here in Colorado for 11 days (which was approximately 10 days longer than their last visit)!  We had some good times, and one of the highlights was our trip to Guffey Gorge.  Well, aside from the 1 1/2 hour detour we took unnecessarily due to our confused informant.  (The Gorge was actually only a 15-ish minute drive away).

Guffey Gorge is a hidden swimming hole about a mile’s hike off the main road.  The water was FREEZING, so of course I refrained from swimming.   But Eric and Calla had a good time…I think…

Daniel, Brittany, and Eric were brave enough to scramble up the mini-waterfall…

Hudson couldn’t have been happier just chillin’ next the water, eating dirt and grass…

Eric brought along his homemade water gun, which he created several years ago when we were serving as youth leaders at our church in Albuquerque.  His invention has provided many, many hours of entertainment…

Getting our families together makes me happy.  Especially when we have moments like this…

-Abby

Two weekends ago was Woodland Park’s “Mainstreet Makeover” celebration. Over the last several weeks, Woodland Park has been renovating their main street.  Many buildings have received new facades, paint and other improvements.  To celebrate, an entire Saturday was set aside for businesses to show off their makeovers and participate with food, free entertainment, music and a variety of family activities and exhibits.

We had some yummy barbecue for lunch, then made our way over to the Blue Bell ice cream trolley.  Calla surprised us by warming up to the Blue Bell mascot.  We expected her to run away screaming!

At the firefighters’ booth, Calla tried out the beanbag toss.  After approximately 27 tries (inching her way closer each time) she got the beanbag through the window!

I looked like a tourist in my own town!  Big camera around my neck, half-eaten hot dog in my hand…

Calla goes crazy over these jumpy bouncy thingies…

We stopped to lounge in the grass and listen to the blues before the afternoon storm forced us back to our car (see those clouds rolling in?)…

What a great way to spend a Saturday afternoon!

-Abby

We have a new family member.  Say hello to 8-week-old Earl.  As in Earl Grey…

Yes, the self-proclaimed cat hater (that would be me, Abby) is now a cat owner.  During a quick trip to City Market on Saturday morning, we noticed a girl with a “free kittens” sign on our way into the store.  We stopped by on our way out and ten minutes later drove away with Earl.  We’re suckers for anything that’s free.  And cute.

Calla is totally smitten with our kitty.  We’ve only had him for two days and they’re already best buds.  At least Calla thinks so…

Fortunately, Keuma loves the little furball as well.  How long do you think this sweetness will last??

Any tips from cat owners out there would be much appreciated, as we’ve always only been dog people.  We need help!

-Abby

Yesterday’s Wordless Wednesday photo was taken in front of Bishop’s Castle.  Ever heard of it?  Many Coloradoans are not even aware of this incredible masterpiece that sits in the Middle of Nowhere, Southern Colorado.

For 40 years, Jim Bishop–who is now in his mid-sixties–has been building his castle.  Every year since 1969, Bishop has single-handedly gathered and set over 1000 tons of rock to create this fortress in Custer County.  Bishop calls it “a monument to hardworking people.”

Along with my visiting brother Daniel and his fam, Brit’s brother, and my parents and “little” brothers (they’ll always be little in my mind, although one is several inches taller than me and still growing), we took the beautiful drive south last week to explore this amazing piece of architecture.

Apparently, this fireplace is often used to produce smoke that vents through the dragon’s nostrils…

Seeing this picture makes my heart stop for a split second…but Calla wasn’t afraid in the least!  She had Baba to protect her…

Notice the perilously perched ladder in the background, with the thin yellow rope blocking the way.  Safety isn’t Mr. Bishop’s number one concern.

The totally random, brightly colored, rickety swing was a nice diversion for tired kiddos…

Eric snapped a pic of Mr. Bishop heading back to continue work on his moat.  He plans to surround his castle with a moat and a drawbridge.  That’s determination, folks!

My brothers took turns flying through the air, with Eric capturing the moments…

I highly recommend visiting Bishop’s Castle for anyone who may be in the area.  In Bishop’s hand-painted words, it “ain’t no commercial tourist trap,” as everyone is welcome on a donation basis.  Bishop’s belief in America being a free country made up of free people has fueled his zeal to represent the American Dream in a very tangible and awe-inspiring form.

-Abby

explanation coming soon…

Just a couple of reasons (out of the 5 million) why I love my kids SO MUCH…

Calla munches on tomatoes like they’re apples.  When she’s done with one, she asks for another:

Hudson can sit for an hour in his high chair with only a plastic spoon for entertainment.  He probably could sit there for 2 hours, but then I would start to feel guilty:

-Abby

This movie sounds interesting…

Don’t you think?  Meryl Streep plays the part of Julia Child, and Amy Adams is a modern day journalist who decides to cook her way through a Julia Child cookbook.  The movie comes out August 7.

Read my article about Meryl Streep’s weight gain and slowing metabolism here.

-Abby

One of my favorite things to cook is soup.  And I love to eat it.  However, my hubby’s response to soup for our evening meal is usually something like…”We’re having liquid for dinner?”  BUT, earlier this week, after eating my new concoction of a chicken tortilla soup, his reaction was “This could win awards, babe!”  Success.

Chicken Tortilla Soup

• 2 tablespoons coconut (or vegetable) oil
• 6 corn tortillas, torn into small pieces
• 3 cloves garlic, minced (or 1/2 tsp. garlic powder)
• 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes
• 1 (15 oz) can beans (kidney, black, or pinto are best)
• 1 tsp. ground cumin
• 2 tsp. chili powder
• 5 or 6 cups chicken broth (depending on how thick you’d like it)
• 1/2 tsp. salt
• 1/2 c. salsa
• 4 boneless chicken breast halves, cooked and shredded
• 1 c. shredded cheddar cheese

In a large stock pot heat oil over medium heat.  Add tortillas, garlic, onion and cilantro.  Saute for a few minutes.  Stir in tomatoes and beans and bring to a boil.  Add cumin, chili powder, chicken broth, salt and salsa.  Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer 30 minutes.  Stir in chicken and cheese.  Heat through and serve with extra shredded cheese and/or sour cream.  Excellent with cornbread too (especially if it’s Trader Joe’s mix!)

-Abby