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Big Ol Holiday
  • Georgia Ohrdorf

Big Ol Holiday

USA, UK, EU bound over the course of 3 months.
Visiting the old and exploring the new! Read more
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  • Trip start
    May 21, 2023
    Georgia OhrdorfBig Ol HolidayTraveler
    1

    Made it to Denver!

    May 21, 2023 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 20 °C

    After 24 hours of travel I made it!
    Long flight was okay, exit row made the legs more comfortable but I think every single person on the plane came and stood next to me at some point. Sat with Rick, who may be a borderline alcoholic as he ordered about 8 gin and tonics but was friendly enough.
    LAX was a nightmare, it took 3 full hours from when I got off the plane to my next gate for the Denver flight. Luckily I had a long layover so made it.
    Second flight was fine, then I caught the light rail to Denver and walked to my accommodation.
    Went to the grocery store and ran into a lady who lost her cat. Tried to help, couldn't find "Spoons". Currently am sitting at the park 2 mins away from my accommodation trying to feel like a normal human. Pray for me sleeping tonight!    Read more

  • Georgia OhrdorfBig Ol HolidayTraveler
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    Movement day

    May 22, 2023 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 23 °C

    Today I woke up after a jet lagged anxious night and wanted to get moving, get into a normal routine again. Started the day with a jog to one of my old favourite spots, Sloan's Lake. Then decided to go to the closest mountains to Denver, a town called Golden. Caught the bus and drove past where I used to live! Went for a hike up a small hill (compared to the Rockies) and had a beautiful view of the whole city. Went and had lunch in the town. Then hit Colorado Mills, the mall. Can't buy much as I have no luggage space and everything is quite expensive with the exchange rate being crap, but I bought a puzzle for something to do while I'm solo!
    Headed home for a bit and might try hit a bar to watch the NBA finals as Denver is about to beat the Lakers!    Read more

  • Georgia OhrdorfBig Ol HolidayTraveler
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    *cue Downtown by Petulia Clark*

    May 23, 2023 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 21 °C

    Today started with a run back to the lake to allow me to feel less guilty about drinking beers later. I walked downtown, jumped on the free shuttle bus along the 16th Street mall which has now been diverted to 17th Street? Anyway, they are doing a 'revitalisation' of the mall leaving it chaotic, empty and loud. I'm not in a rush to head back that way...
    Paid a whole $6 to see guardians of the galaxy and get a small popcorn #deals. If you've not seen guardians, please go and see.
    Wandered back down the mall to Tony Ohrdorfs favourite shop, Ross for Less. They really have everything you could ever need there. Was stopped multiple times and asked for money, but one nice guy complimented me on my "fit and smile" which brightened my day.
    Hit Chipotle for a burrito the size of a small child. Next I met up with my old assistant coach at one of the many breweries. We shared a few bevs and stories which was so lovely.
    Finishing the day up back at the apartment, cooking and watching the Ed Sheeran doco. So a perfect night to end a solid, lovely day!    Read more

  • Georgia OhrdorfBig Ol HolidayTraveler
    1

    Catch up in Colorado

    May 24, 2023 in the United States

    Today I slept in and took my time getting going. I was picked up by Tanya, my former college coach and we went to Sam's No. 3, a diner downtown. It was great catching up with her and hearing all the stories from the past few years. I had the worlds biggest breakfast burrito, which thankfully I was able to bring the rest home for tomorrow. She took me to the athletic offices where we used to meet and it definitely brought back some memories.
    Next I got changed as it was storming, then headed up to catch the bus to meet my formed athletic trainer Drew. It was another classic bus journey, striking up a conversation with people about Australia and the Denver Nuggets winning streak.
    I stopped at a brewery in the south pearl district on the way and had an amazing watermelon sour and a great red ale on my tasting tray.
    Finally met up with Drew and went to his house for dinner. I got to meet his 6, 4 and 2 year old and see his awesome wife again. We played on the playground, had dinner, went for ice cream and watched Bluey. It was a perfect night, feeling very loved by those in Denver!    Read more

  • Georgia OhrdorfBig Ol HolidayTraveler
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    We love a tourist day

    May 25, 2023 in the United States ⋅ 🌧 17 °C

    Today was another slow start, I walked downtown and tried to get tickets to the tour of the Mint. They were all sold out when I got there sadly. So I walked around to the City Building and Capitol Building. I went into the Capitol and had a look at the Colorado Senate, House of Representatives and saw where all the offices are. It was a gorgeous building inside and out. There were no tours sadly though 😞
    Then I didn't know what to do, so after a quick google I decided to head to the History Colorado Centre. It was a great choice, I spent 4 hours learning about Colorado natives - Utes, Sand Creek massacre, climate of Colorado and all about the events in history that have shaped the state. Peep the video of my epically failing on the ski jump, all my days of Wii fit have not paid off.
    By this time it was 3pm and I was starving, so I took a trip to the one and only Cheesecake Factory. I had a delicious meal, got a slice of cheesecake and had the nicest waitress who gave me a discount. I find myself more open to having conversations with people, as I don't have anyone with me - definitely the community worker in me craving the chats!
    I then walked home in a wonderful summer storm, completely soaked and concerned I was going to be hit by lightning. Made it back unscathed. I was going to go back out but got really sleepy, so I am laying on the lounge eating leftovers. A perfect night really!    Read more

  • Georgia OhrdorfBig Ol HolidayTraveler
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    Back to Metro

    May 26, 2023 in the United States ⋅ 🌧 17 °C

    Today I started the day with a walking tour beginning at the Capitol building. The guides name was Anthony (I cannot escape Toni/ys it seems) and people from Texas, Pittsburgh, New England, Old England, New York, Minnesota. It was actually so nice to chat with people and find out where they were from. We toured around Denver for over 2 hours. It was nice to hear some stories and facts about all the main spots which I'd seen before. One cool story at the Mint was seeing how each US coin has a tiny letter so you can see where in the country it was minted. There was also a story about the eagle on top of the Denver city building looking like it was "pooping" as a protest of the government by its creator. This was such a widely spread story that the city commissioned an ecologist to watch eagles poop to see if it was the same as the sculpture. Turns out they were just paranoid, the eagle isn't in a "pooping" stance.
    After that I walked back to visit the University I went to, Metro State. I walked past the old courts I trained on and through the building we used to spend heaps of time in. Interestingly, I felt a sense of dread and anxiety being back. I guess the good, the bad and the ugly memories came flooding back!
    I had lunch at the brewery, the Tivoli which is on campus. I had this massive burger and a beer which students from the Uni have helped brew. I then caught up with Eric, who is the media guy at Metro and has interviewed me countless times. It was great to see what he is up to and talk about life.
    Then I came home and started to pack my stuff up as I leave on Sunday to go with Kendra for her wedding week!
    Being a tightass, I bought a microwaved meal and will eat leftover cheesecake for dessert!
    I'm very excited to be able to watch the Formula One in a decent time zone tomorrow and Sunday as well!    Read more

  • Georgia OhrdorfBig Ol HolidayTraveler
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    Kendra's HERE

    May 27, 2023 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 16 °C

    Today I woke up and was able to watch formula one qualifying at a decent time. It's the small things in life haha. I then went on a walk downtown, along the river and up to the Santa Fe art district which has some gorgeous Spanish inspired buildings. I walked back through the old stretch of Metro where I would spend my breaks and past the old church as well. I started packing all my things as today is my last full day on Denver! I read my book in the park and worked on my tan as it was 27c today.
    Then Kendra arrived! We spent the afternoon chatting, then met up with my former assistant coach Jazz, her girlfriend and her best friend. We went to a super loud pizza place which was fun. Kendra and I stopped at a brewery on the way home, then both agreed on an early bed time. It is the absolute best chatting to her about life and all the plans for the wedding.    Read more

  • Georgia OhrdorfBig Ol HolidayTraveler
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    Welcome to Cañon City

    May 28, 2023 in the United States ⋅ 🌙 16 °C

    Today I woke up for the last time in Denver. Kendra and I had breakfast then got in the car and drove about 2 hours to her home in Cañon City. The drive is always gorgeous, alongside the Rocky Mountains. We listened to a wedding playlist as she and her partner still need to pick their first dance song!!
    We arrived at their gorgeous house, a 2 bedroom with a huge backyard and I got to meet Onyx and Duke, the two doggos. Had lunch and then I got to meet Kendra's fiance Mitch for the first time! He was also with his sister Makayla who is going to be in the wedding party too. They were both so lovely, and Mitch immediately made me feel welcome. We watched the formula one together and instantly bonded. Kendra was not surprised. We stopped by Sonic, which was always our favourite place to get slushies and ice cream.
    Next we went to home depot and the grocery store to pick up some things. I sat in the backyard playing with the dogs while Mitch and Kendra worked on the house. Finally I helped cook dinner and Mitch made this incredible salad and pesto pasta for us. We then watched a stand-up comedy special by Iliza which was hilarious. I'm so happy to be here and getting to stay with Mitch and Kendra this week.    Read more

  • Georgia OhrdorfBig Ol HolidayTraveler
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    Best city in America

    May 29, 2023 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 24 °C

    Today I woke up and we did some wedding planning stuff. Making lots of lists of jobs to do in the next few days. Kendra and Mitch are prepared but there is definitely a lot of tension, things going on with them so I'm trying to give them space as well. Mitch made a delicious breakfast though. We then went to exercise, Mitch and Kendra rode their bikes and I ran along a beautiful trail right by their house. We then drove up to Kendra's parents house in Pueblo, we took Duke and Onyx the two dogs up with us. They were excited to see Buck and Sadie, the 2 dogs of Kendra's family.
    I sat outside and talked with mom and dad. It was so lovely catching up with them both, they haven't changed a bit. Mom and I went to Walmart and I just loved being back inside with all the things.
    Then we had a bbq lunch, complete with Pueblo green chili's. Even finished with cake. I was definitely spoilt. Kendra tried on her wedding dress which looked amazing! Then I sat with Kendra's mom again!
    Now I'm just watching tv with all the dogs while Mitch and Kendra are chatting, fingers crossed everything is talked out tonight!!    Read more

  • Georgia OhrdorfBig Ol HolidayTraveler
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    Can do Cañon

    May 30, 2023 in the United States ⋅ 🌙 16 °C

    Today I woke up and chilled out with the dogs while Kendra and Mitch did some more wedding stuff. Did some weeding to help them out and tried on my dress to make sure it still fit.
    Kendra and I then went to a local coffee shop. We got some drinks and a chocolate pumpkin muffin cause #murica. Kendra then wrote some thank you letters and her vows while I read. Eventually it was time for a beer as well.
    Then we walked the main street seeing all the art work and beautiful old buildings.
    Going home, Kendra and Mitch spoke to the DJ about the events on the day which got me so excited for the day! I told Mitch about the men in Australia at weddings dancing to Eagle Rock with their pants down, in their boxers and now he wants to participate in this tradition.
    Finished the day up with a hike near the Royal Gorge with the dogs. Kendra and I had a good time catching up but we forgot to bring leashes for the dogs... So we walked them on ski poles... Mitch went for a mountain bike! We then went to a Mexican restaurant for dinner, I had a chimichanga and a margarita which were delicious.    Read more

  • Georgia OhrdorfBig Ol HolidayTraveler

    Bachelorette Party!

    May 31, 2023 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 9 °C

    Today was an early start as we were off on Kendra's hens! We all met at a coffee shop and I got to meet Taylor, Cassie and Dani for the first time. Cassie and Dani are in the wedding party with me and they all work at the school with Kendra. Then I got to see Em for the first time in 5 years which was great. We all jumped in the car and headed to a trailhead just outside Salida. We grabbed some drinks and snacks, beginning the walk to a waterfall. It was great to chat with the others and it was especially wonderful to talk with Em as she is married, a firefighter and travelling to Costa Rica after the wedding.
    We got to the top and it was beautiful! We took some pictures and stopped for a beer together. It was a tough hike and my legs are quite dead now!!
    We headed back down and drive to Salida, where we went to a great pizza place and got ice cream. Drove back to Cañon, then we hung out with Em at Kendra's house.
    We had another late dinner and sorted out some more wedding stuff as the days are flying by!    Read more

  • Georgia OhrdorfBig Ol HolidayTraveler
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    Wedding Prep!

    June 1, 2023 in the United States ⋅ 🌙 9 °C

    Today I woke up and slowly got ready for the day. We packed the truck and the dogs to drive to the wedding venue. We got caught for 30 minutes in road works which set everyone's mood to poor, however we arrived and got set to prepping the venue. It is a beautiful centre called Preseren that was opened by some Slovenians in 1928 and is member only club which Kendra's dad is a member of. It is in a town called Rye which is surrounded by stunning mountains. We set up tables, taped tablecloths, Mitch set up lights, we cleaned and decided where things are going to go. It is going to be a beautiful day! We drove home through Pueblo (favourite town) and got Chick-fil-A for dinner. Tonight we have been packing things as we are staying away in Rye for a couple of days after the wedding, sorting things out for the wedding. Mitch just burnt some sage to clear the bad juju in the house which was hilarious. It's all happening in less than 2 days!!Read more

  • Georgia OhrdorfBig Ol HolidayTraveler
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    Day before the wedding!

    June 2, 2023 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 22 °C

    Today we woke up and gathered some last stuff to take up to the venue. Mitch brought us back the best breakfast burrito I've had in a while. We drove up and met Kendra and Mitchs parents as well as some of the other relatives. We quickly got everything completed to satisfaction which was good to reduce stress. We drove back and met Mitchs sister Allie, brother in law Evan and Grandma Lettie. They were making bouquets and there were flowers everywhere. I got ready and then started helping make them as well. Making bouquets was the most stressed I've been all week but it was so nice getting to know Mitch's family. We then headed to the church to rehearse. Mitch and Kendra were running late because they had to take Duke to the vet as he had an infected paw, so we arrived about 15 minutes late.
    The church was absolutely beautiful but we had to rush in and run straight to the front row. The lady leading the rehearsal was Joyce and she was low key scary, she was very strict in what we were supposed to be doing. We walked down the aisle and the men were all stressing out about how quickly we were walking. Kendra and Mitch basically got married as they read through their vows.
    We then headed to Mitch's familys restaurant for a dinner together. It was so fun to get to meet and get to know more of the bridal party, family and other friends. People made speeches and I ended up getting up to talk and finished with a shoey. Kendra and I drunk a bit too much red wine and headed home. Mitch was staying with his grandma and Kendra and I watched the parent trap.
    It was a big day but it'll be an even bigger one tomorrow.    Read more

  • Georgia OhrdorfBig Ol HolidayTraveler
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    Nice day for a white wedding

    June 3, 2023 in the United States ⋅ 🌧 13 °C

    Today was finally the day. Kendra and I woke up early, cooked breakfast and drank some coffee. We packed last minute things and went to get our hair done. Kendra was nervous as to be expected and we were both a little dusty from the night before. We sat and chatted at the salon, the hairdresser Kerri Jo was so lovely. There was a spare spot for hair, so I got light curls done to save some time at the church. We loaded up Emily and Hannah's car and headed to the church. All the bridesmaids met up in this little room attached to the church to get ready, we had some mimosas and snacks before getting changed. The photographers came and Kendra gave us little gifts with letters in them which was so sweet.
    Finally it was time to head to the church. We all lined up as rehearsed and it was time. All the wedding party looked amazing, Mitch looked great. No one fell over and made good timing down the aisle. Kendra walked in with her parents and she looked so beautiful. I obviously cried. The service was a long Catholic service but lovely.
    Then it was photo time. Both Mitch and Kendra gave big families so it took some time to get photos. We then did bridal party photos which were very fun, there were a few photos where they made us do serious faces that will turn out good.
    I drove with Emily and her wife Hannah to the reception which was an hour away and it was nice to chat and catch up.
    At the reception, Mitch and Kendra made their entrance then the wedding party made our entrance before the first dance. Kendra and Mitch were hilarious, then Kendra and her dad danced which was super sweet. Mitch and his mum danced as well. They then cut the cake, we took traditional Slivo shots and they played a game on the dance floor.
    We ate burgers, hot dogs, beans, salad and chips while people played games like cornhole and horseshoes. The dancefloor was popping and they played Horses by Darryl, I dragged Kendra to the dance floor.
    The rest of the night was fun, chatting to people, dancing, a bunch of people did shoeys with me which was hilarious.
    We then headed back to a cabin in the mountains with a few of the wedding party and just continued having fun.
    It was such a wonderful day!    Read more

  • Georgia OhrdorfBig Ol HolidayTraveler
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    Wedding recovery

    June 4, 2023 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 9 °C

    Today was a recovery and chill day after the week of the wedding. Everyone slowly woke up, drank coffee and then we put the formula one race on. No-one else beside Mitch and I were too keen to watch but they all allowed it. We took forever to figure out how to get it on the tv but we succeeded! It was a great race actually. We waited for Mitch's family to bring us breakfast, everyone was starving and they brought so much food.
    After breakfast, everyone cleaned up and we headed out to Lake Isabel. Mitch and a few of the others attempted fly fishing with varying results. Kendra, Mitch's sister and I went for a walk around the lake but then it started pouring rain, so we headed to the car. The fishers weren't far behind us. We said bye to everyone and headed back to the cabin.
    After some lunch, we started the fire and had drinks around the fire just chatting with was so welcome after a wild week. Mitch's mum and stepdad came up to take some of the spare wedding food as we had about 4 trays filled with meat, pasta salad, toppings and beans. They brought their dogs up, who were menaces. It was an interesting time but nice to say goodbye to them.
    Ended the day the same way, sitting by the fire with Kendra and Mitch opening wedding cards. Such a good recovery day with such good humans.    Read more

  • Georgia OhrdorfBig Ol HolidayTraveler

    Last full day with Kendra

    June 5, 2023 in the United States ⋅ 🌧 12 °C

    Today I woke up still up in Rye in the party cabin. We sat on the couch and drank coffee, slowly getting ready to leave. Once the place was clean and the truck was loaded we headed off. I think for Kendra and Mitch it was the first real day of them being married and it hit them that we were headed back to reality. The drive was squishy, I was loaded up with both the doggos but it was good. There were 2 fairly full kegs left over so we took the longer but gentler route home. We stopped to pick up lunch with were Asada Fries, literally steak, guac, sour cream, salsa and cheese on top of chips. Honestly changed my life. We unloaded the truck, then binged the whole season of "the summer I turned pretty" as we were all wrecked. Kendra and Mitch had to go to see Mitch's mum but I stayed home and did my puzzle book. Safe to say everyone was wrecked from the weekend, including the dogs.
    All my bags are packed as I fly out to Iowa tomorrow! I feel ready to go in a way, so I can give Mitch and Kendra space but I'm so sad to be leaving again. I love being here!    Read more

  • Georgia OhrdorfBig Ol HolidayTraveler
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    See ya soon Colorado

    June 6, 2023 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 25 °C

    Today I woke up for the last time in Colorado. Watched Mitch play video games while I drank coffee. I finished packing and Mitch made us breakfast. It was so nice to finish the stay like that, it was sad saying goodbye to Mitch. Kendra drove me to the airport and we had a really good final chat. She dropped me off and it was time to navigate Denver airport. It was easy dropping off my bags and security actually wasn't too bad. Then I headed back on the self driving train (still scares me), and we boarded right on time. I flew Southwest who don't allocate seats but boarding position, so it was weird just getting to pick whatever seat. It was a good chance to catch up on some Netflix really.
    I landed in Iowa and met Coach Wells. It was so so great to see him. We went and got tacos before we drove 2 hours back to the house. It was so good catching up with Wells and just being with him again. We got back to the house and all 4 kiddos were still awake. They were excited to see me and it was amazing to see how much they had grown. I caught up with Stacy (his wife) and we went to bed super late. I'm so happy to be here!    Read more

  • Georgia OhrdorfBig Ol HolidayTraveler
    31

    Children are great, but exhausting

    June 7, 2023 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 28 °C

    Today I woke up and ventured upstairs as I could hear 3 active children running around. I wandered upstairs and grabbed a bowl of lucky charms to eat with the kiddos. The kids were still a bit unsure of me but we went to the park and then I was a hit. I played basketball with Kai and Hudson, then we went back to the main park and I played many games with all the kids that were there. It was very fun. We came back and I sat with the older boys while they did some summer school work. They crushed it. We played some more indoor basketball, then soccer outside, pirates, golf. Hudson and I did a puzzle together #apprentice Then it was time to go to Kai's baseball game. I was requested to sit in the back between Kai and Hudson which was squishy but so nice that they wanted me too. At the game, we met with Stacy's parents which was nice to see them again. Hudson and I sat together on a chair and watched Kai play so well. He got the ball great and covered the field so well! We all sat and ate our PB&J's together which was fun. We headed back, Walker did a puzzle and the boys got ready for bed. Hudson and Walker wanted me to do bedtime which was such an honour!! Then we watched the NBA while Stacy made a cake because it's Hudson's birthday tomorrow.
    I honestly don't know how Stacy does it all, the kids are the best but never seem to get tired!!    Read more

  • Georgia OhrdorfBig Ol HolidayTraveler
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    Hudsons 6th Birthday 🎈

    June 8, 2023 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 20 °C

    Today I woke up and came upstairs to birthday excitement. We had decorated the main space with Batman decorations as Hudson wanted a Batman themed day. We ate cinnamon rolls for breakfast, then I played downstairs with the boys for a bit. Walker clung to me this morning, we danced in the kitchen which was lovely. We came back up in time for Grandma and Grandpa on Stacy's side to arrive. We had some snacks, then had a pinata, then Wells cooked some steak for lunch. We also played pass the parcel!!! This isn't an American game but the boys requested it after seeing it on Bluey which was so funny. The boys are so active, especially Kai. He is constantly asking to play basketball on the small hoop behind the door. Wells accidentally broke it today and there were tears. It was then time for presents, Hudson got a really cool Batcave and Bat mobile which he loved so much. The boys all got bubble guns of some sort too which we used in the afternoon. Hudson also got a big boy bike and it was so cool to watch him push himself ride it even though he was scared. We then played Mario kart and I crushed Kai, he was not happy. Wells then almost beat me too. I played a bunch of games with the boys to wind down the afternoon. Wells, Stacy and I squeezed a card game in as well. Then it was time for dinner and chill, we all watched a show and l am once again exhausted from a day with the kiddos!!Read more

  • Georgia OhrdorfBig Ol HolidayTraveler
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    Sioux City day trip

    June 9, 2023 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 22 °C

    Today I woke up early, helped Stacy get the kiddos brekky and ready for a day out. We all piled in the car and headed to Sioux City. It was about a 90 minute drive, the boys watched a DVD in the car and poor Alora screamed for a solid 20 minutes. She eventually calmed down for the last part of the journey. We got out of the car and it was raining, which supposedly is a rarity here so I must have brought it from home and Colorado. We ran into Launchpad which is like an educational children's indoor play centre. Inside there were places to pretend to be police officers, bankers, builders, doctors, chefs, actors, farmers, shoppers and other activities around science and just having fun. All the adults rotated between the 3 boys which was hectic but fun. It was so nice watching the boys do things they initially weren't confident in, especially around climbing things at a height. We spent about 2 hours there, then went to eat Chinese food. I got orange chicken and the boys did so well at being patient and polite. We then stopped at Palmer's chocolate factory for some treats.
    The whole car, except wells and I fell asleep on the way home. When we got home, I played with the boys some more and we had pizza for dinner.
    Walker lay on the couch with me, which David and Stacy said is unusual for him. He clung to me like a koala which was so lovely. Now we are watching the NBA playoff game #letsgonuggs    Read more

  • Georgia OhrdorfBig Ol HolidayTraveler
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    The children won the day

    June 10, 2023 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 23 °C

    This morning I woke up, grabbed a quick breakfast and I headed with Wells to the college where he coaches. It was orientation for 3 of his new players. The campus was beautiful, the town sits right across from a lake and felt like classic small town America. The building was very modern and it was filled with stalls, music and cheering everytime someone new walked in. I had forgotten the whole theatrics and sell of college, it just felt so over the top and I honestly was glad that this chapter in life is done. I met all of the new players, with mixed reviews. They all seem lovely but bless they don't have a clue about what they are in for. I met a lot of other faculty and coaches who were all lovely. What shocked me was that most of them were from Iowa and many had actually gone to the college themselves. Just small town vibes forever, which made me kinda sad. I met Emerson who is Wells new assistant this year, she seems really lovely and hopefully they work well together.
    I then came back home. Stacy and I wrangled the kids for the rest of the day. Today was the first day the kids have been fully rowdy, fighting, complaining, not following instructions so I tried to be as helpful as possible. Alora has finally come around to me and she will smile, let me hold her without crying now which is nice.
    After the younger 2 took a nap, we headed to the World's largest popcorn ball in the neighbouring city. It was pretty big and around 4000kg of popcorn, syrup and sugar. A very random thing in a random town. It was hilarious. We then went to the park and the boys played for a while. Then it was time for dinner and bed. I honestly don't know how Stacy does this when Wells is away, there's so much going on always and not having another adult around must drive her crazy. She did so well though.    Read more

  • Georgia OhrdorfBig Ol HolidayTraveler

    Sunday Funday

    June 11, 2023 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 20 °C

    Today I woke up and Stacy made waffles which were so good. The boys played for a while and Wells showed me videos of different fireworks he is considering buying for the 4th of July. Literally 2 hours of watching and learning about fireworks, listening to the funny names which make them more appealing to the American market - between party bus, freedom flyers, wild wild willows and more it was crazy. We ate lunch and went to the fireworks shop. Entering the fireworks shop was a whole new world. There was stuff everywhere from small to big. Literally unicorns, tanks, turrets, boxes shaped like pizza, taco trucks anything and everything. We scoped out fireworks available this year and the owners told wells about the fireworks "off the shelf" which they aren't fully sure they are allowed to sell. We went home with a sword shaped sparkler and a small hamburger shaped box of fireworks.
    At home, Hudson practiced for t-ball while I sat outside and got some sun. I tried a twin Bing which is a classic chocolate bar in Iowa. It was like a chocolate, peanuts and cherry which was actually quite nice. Then it was time to go to t-ball which was a home game so just down the road. We sat and enjoyed the home crowd, I got all the tea from Wells about the locals while Stacy coached Hudson's team. They range from 4-7, so the kiddos were all at different levels. Hudson played awesome though and Kai had fun playing with some friends from school. We came home, had dinner and are now just chilling.    Read more

  • Georgia OhrdorfBig Ol HolidayTraveler

    Storm Lake tour

    June 12, 2023 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 23 °C

    Today I woke up and had breakfast then we got ready to go to visit Wells at the college. We all packed in the van and drove the 20 mins to get there. We walked through the 'fieldhouse' which is the name of the athletic facility to his office which was small but enough space for him and his assistant. We then went up to the court which was a very nice space with a great floor. We saw the weight room and the indoor track then headed to the science building. The science building had skeletons, taxidermy animals and live frogs which were cool to look at. We walked to the chapel and back to the space I had seen on Saturday as well. It was a really nice campus! We went back to the office then I played basketball against Kai and with Hudson. I may have gone a bit too hard against Kai as he told me he wanted to crush me... He ended up in tears but learnt a lesson not to be too cocky. Stacy and Wells were fine with it luckily... We then did some jobs around the town of Storm Lake as it is the biggest around like groceries and pharmacy visits. It really is rural living.
    After that, the boys did more of their school work books, played their tablets and I took them outside to ride their bikes. Then it was time for Kai's baseball game. It was local so we didn't have to go far. He played really well, hitting and fielding was better than last week. At home, we ate and then watched the Nuggets win the NBA championship which was so fun to do all together. I went to bed early as I wasn't feeling great.    Read more

  • Georgia OhrdorfBig Ol HolidayTraveler
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    11

    Last day with the fam 😪

    June 13, 2023 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 26 °C

    Today I woke up and was not feeling the best. I stayed in bed a little longer and packed up my stuff. I finally emerged and watched some TV with the boys. We then played a collaborative game together which was nice, we won and the whole family got involved even Alora. I helped the boys with more school work after lunch. The task was making up a game outside which both Kai and Hudson loved, we ended up throwing rocks in the field! We then played noughts and crosses with rocks and sticks. The boys played on their tablets and requested I watch them which was sweet. Walker woke up from his nap and then we all played outside for one last time. The boys rode their bikes, played bubbles and Kai played some golf. Then it was time to say goodbye which was sad, the kiddos didn't want me to go, neither did the adults I think. We took some final photos together and then Wells and I headed to Des Moines. The trip was good, we caught up again, talked about the familys future plans. Now I'm hanging in a hotel room, prepping to go to Houston tomorrow!Read more

  • Georgia OhrdorfBig Ol HolidayTraveler
    1

    It's HOT in Houston

    June 14, 2023 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 34 °C

    This morning I was up bright and early for my flight to Houston. Headed down to free breakfast to test out the stomach after not being too well. Able to eat yoghurt and a banana, I jumped on the airport shuttle and got to the airport early. The first flight was back to Denver as that is where Southwest Airlines hub is. In the airport, an older guy sparked up a conversation when he heard my accent. He told me his daughter was headed to USYD to study, so we were chatting about that. The flight was easy, only had about 40 minute layover so had a bagel and a coffee also called Stacy as the boys wanted to talk to me which was so sweet. The next flight was longer but went quickly as well.
    Then finally I was in Houston! Got my bags and walked outside... Well it was about 37 degrees and humid, a bit of a change from the other stops...
    Hannah, my former UK teammate picked me up and it was so lovely to see them. We drove to their house and it is such a cute open space. They have decorated it so well. I met their two cats, Hops and Simcoe (the type of hops they use for their beer). Simcoe is super friendly but Hops is a bit more standoffish.
    We then headed to the Post which was a former post office building, but now it is a food court. There were so many places to eat, from South African, South American, Indian, Mexican and everything in between. Hannah and I split some chicken/rice dish and a fatti (an Indian taco) which went down well. We then headed to Frost Town Brewery which is the brewery that John and Hannah own. The space was MASSIVE with indoor and outdoor areas. They showed me where they brew, can and work in the space. It's honestly incredible what they have built in less than a year! I then got to try their award winning Frostbier - a Kolsch, which was great. I sat at the bar while Hannah and John worked, chatting with their bar tenders, Jacob and Clara who were awesome. There was a baseball game so it got quite busy for a Wednesday, it was fun to watch all the people come by.
    It was then time for trivia, I sat with a bunch of regulars some of whom are Hannah's friends. They were such a clever bunch and all really friendly. Trivia was insanely hard, John runs it with a friend and I knew little to nothing. The night went quickly and I found myself exhausted from a long day. We finally went home and I fell asleep very quickly.    Read more

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