A Castle, a Road Trip, and a Whole Lot of Nerves

 

Bishop Castle Adventure with my daughter, Emily

This summer, my daughter Emily (who turns 22 this September!) and I took a spontaneous little road trip to one of Colorado’s most eccentric landmarks—Bishop Castle. Nestled in the San Isabel National Forest, this towering stone fortress is a true one-man masterpiece, built by hand over decades by Jim Bishop.

With no admission fee and very few guardrails (literally and figuratively), Bishop Castle is a must-see if you love unique roadside attractions—but it’s definitely not for the faint of heart. The wrought iron staircases and sky-high walkways are beautiful, but terrifying. My legs definitely trembled a bit climbing those narrow stairs, and I may have gripped the railing like my life depended on it (because it kind of did!).

Inside, the castle has a gothic fairytale vibe—stone walls, arched windows, winding ironwork, and a dragon head perched boldly off the rooftop. Emily, of course, made the most of the trip—making faces, striking poses, and being her usual fun, spirited self. Whether peeking out of the tower or pretending to be grabbed by a sculpture, she brought the fun to every moment.

Bishop Castle isn’t just a quirky detour—it’s an inspiring story of one man’s vision and sheer determination. Jim Bishop began construction in 1969 and continued building nearly every stone and beam by hand. There are no official tours, and it’s open year-round, but caution is strongly advised—it’s very DIY in both style and safety.

I’m so glad we made the trip. It’s one of those places that reminds you how much adventure and weird wonder the world has to offer—especially with someone you love to share it with.

From Son to Screen: Capturing Shawn’s Movie-Ready Look

 My Handsome Movie Extra

This is my son Shawn, who just turned 19 and somehow managed to look both grown-up and completely himself all at once. He recently had the opportunity to be an extra in a movie and got all dressed up for the part. Lucky for me, he let me grab a few shots before he headed off.

As a photographer—and a mom—there’s nothing quite like capturing these in-between moments. Not quite a kid, not yet fully out in the world, but standing tall and steady in a suit that somehow fits more than just his frame. It fits who he’s becoming.

The black-and-white frame shows off his serious side (and maybe just a little movie-star mystery), while the color version brings back that familiar sparkle in his eye. I’ll always treasure these portraits—not just because I took them, but because they remind me how proud I am of the young man he’s becoming.

Exploring the South in Bloom: Our April 2025 Trip to Savannah & Charleston

Southern Charm and Timeless Stories: Exploring Savannah and Charleston in April 2025

Our spring getaway in April 2025 took us to two of the South’s most charming and historic cities: Savannah, Georgia, and Charleston, South Carolina. With the azaleas in bloom and the weather just right, we couldn’t have picked a better time to explore cobblestone streets, hidden gardens, and centuries-old stories.

Savannah Walking Tour & the Cathedral Basilica

We began our trip with a walking tour through Savannah’s historic district. The city’s layout, filled with shady squares and preserved architecture, made for a beautiful introduction. Along the way, we made a quick but unforgettable stop at the Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist. With its towering spires and intricate stained glass, it’s a true gem—even if you only have a few minutes to admire it.

A Bench with a Story: Forrest Gump’s Filming Location

No visit to Savannah is complete without a little movie magic. We paused at Chippewa Square, the filming location of the iconic bench scenes from Forrest Gump. The actual bench now lives in a museum, but standing where those famous lines were delivered gave us all the nostalgic feels.

Colonial Park Cemetery & Bonaventure Cemetery

We continued exploring Savannah’s layered past at Colonial Park Cemetery, where we learned about the city’s early residents and its role in the Revolutionary War. Later, we visited the hauntingly beautiful Bonaventure Cemetery, famous for its Spanish moss, ornate monuments, and notable figures like Johnny Mercer and Gracie Watson, whose life-sized statue still draws visitors.

Owens-Thomas House: A Walk Through History

One of the most powerful stops on our trip was the Owens-Thomas House. Touring the elegant mansion and preserved slave quarters gave us a deeper understanding of Savannah’s complex history. The museum doesn’t shy away from telling the full story—one that’s both beautiful and painful.

Boat Tour of the Port of Savannah

Switching gears, we took a boat tour of the Port of Savannah—one of the busiest in the nation. Watching massive cargo ships glide down the river offered a striking contrast to the slower pace of the historic district and showed how the city continues to thrive in the modern era.

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Day Trip to Cypress Gardens & Charleston, SC

On our last day of the trip, we headed to South Carolina for a day filled with stunning scenery and rich history. First stop: Cypress Gardens. We took a peaceful self-guided boat tour through its reflective blackwater swamp (yes, where The Notebook was filmed!). It was magical—and yes, we saw a few alligators sunning themselves just off our path.

Later that afternoon, we explored Charleston on foot. A guided walking tour led us through the city's hidden alleyways, where we learned about its impressive historic preservation efforts. From earthquake bolts to original brickwork, Charleston’s dedication to preserving its past was evident around every corner.

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Final Thoughts

Traveling to Savannah and Charleston in April 2025 was the perfect way to experience the beauty, history, and culture of the South. With spring in full bloom, each stop felt like walking through a living storybook. Whether you’re a history buff, architecture lover, or just looking for a scenic escape, these two cities offer an unforgettable journey into the heart of the South.

Here are some snapshots from our trip.

Horses, Rodeos & Memories: Our Dude Ranch Vacation

10 Years Later – Back at the Majestic Dude Ranch

This summer, we had the incredible opportunity to return to the Majestic Dude Ranch – a place we first visited 10 years ago. For part of our group, this was their very first time experiencing the magic of the ranch, while for my family, it was a much-anticipated reunion with a place we’ve held close to our hearts for a decade. The week was just as unforgettable as we remembered – packed with adventure, laughter, and memories old and new.

The Adventure Begins

Our first day kicked off with check-in and orientation, setting the tone for a week of nonstop fun. I also had an “unplanned” adventure – an unexpected dismount from a very spirited horse! Despite walking away with a sprained wrist and a serious bruise, I got back in the saddle and rode the rest of the week. 💪🐴

Daily Fun & Action-Packed Schedule

Every day offered something new: horseback riding through stunning landscapes, ATV tours, archery, skeet shooting, and BB gun tournaments. The family enjoyed human foosball and playground games, while adults enjoyed happy hours and featured appetizers.

Unique games like barrel racing (not what you think – we rolled barrels instead of riding around them!) and hilarious potato sack races had everyone laughing. Rodeo Day was a highlight, complete with face painting, cheering crowds, and even cows to round out the fun. Evenings often ended with outdoor movies under the stars or s’mores by the fire.

Water Adventures & Paintball Battles

Midweek, we enjoyed a trip to Jackson Lake State Park for paddleboarding, kayaking, and fishing – a serene break before the adrenaline of the paintball championships at the neighboring property. Both activities brought out our competitive (and adventurous) sides.

The Mechanical Bull & Softball Showdown

Riding the mechanical bull was a blast, testing our balance and bravery! The Majestic Baseball Game – kids vs. adults – became an instant favorite with playful rivalries and lots of laughs.

Amazing Food & Special Touches

The food was outstanding all week. Every meal was thoughtfully prepared, and the ranch went the extra mile to create gluten-free options for my father-in-law, who has celiac disease. This special care made the dining experience even more memorable.

Closing Out an Incredible Week

We wrapped up our time with a Margarita Party, karaoke night, and a heartfelt kids’ award ceremony. On the final morning, we said goodbye over breakfast and grabbed a few last souvenirs from the Trading Post before heading home.

Why This Trip Was Extra Special

Returning 10 years later felt like coming home to an old friend, while also seeing it through the fresh eyes of those experiencing it for the first time. The Majestic Dude Ranch delivered a perfect blend of nostalgia and new adventures, giving us stories and memories to treasure for another decade (and beyond!).

📸 Pictures from our trip are posted below – capturing every amazing moment!

From horses and rodeo fun to paintball battles and kayaking, these photos tell the story of an unforgettable week.

Capturing the Chapters: Love, Marriage, Baby

Remember that childhood rhyme?

“So-and-so, sitting in a tree…
First comes love,
Then comes marriage,
Then comes a baby in the baby carriage!”

Life moves through such sweet stages, and one of my favorite things is watching a new love grow into a beautiful, thriving family. It’s a joy to capture those moments along the way.