A Little Peace and Quiet

Well, since the kids were away the parents decided to play. Nothing too exciting but Zeb and I did enjoy some quality time together. We got to see a couple of movies, go out to dinner, go to the theatre and even played hookie from work and headed to Estes Park one day. While we miss the girls it is great to experience a clean house, enjoy uninterupped conversations, taste something besides a mcdonald's hamburger and sleep in.

Our lives are very hectic around here and while I know I married a great guy, I also know that I can take him for granted. How nice it was to be reminded of all the many reasons I married this guy. I think I'll keep him. :)

Camp Walsh

Well, the girls headed to Camp Walsh (Zeb's parent's house) for the week and just got back today. While we talked with them over the week, we weren't able to find out much until tonight. Apparently they had a great time. They baked, they sewed, they swam, they played, they crocheted, they gardened, they met new friends and I'm sure they ran their grandparents ragged.

Keara came back having sewed two sundresses and two bags for herself and Kailei. I was absolutely floored. She did a terrific job (so much so that I thought they had bought the dresses). She is now asking for a sewing machine and Santa just might have to provide. I have a lot of hemming this girl can do me if I play my cards right.

Kailei said she was a little too young for the sewing machine but apparently she played a lot outside as she has quite a few owies on her face from running into things.

We only had one homesick phone call and then they rallied and made it through. Keara said her worst was missing us but her best was having fun down there. Guess we can't ask for more.

We hope they didn't wear Grandpa and Grandma down to much. We know the girls had a great time and appreciate all the love, time and talent that their grandparents provide.

Going to Camp Walsh is a great opportunity for the kids and we love that they get to experience a slice of small town living while getting spoiled by their grandparents.

Thanks Merle and Phyllis! We look forward to seeing you soon.

2009 MWCC Annual Mother/Daughter Weekend

This past weekend we rounded up our daughters and headed to the mountains for our annual mwcc mother/daughter weekend. I must admit that it is often a highlight for me during the summer. This year we headed to Grand Lake. Of course, when I told Keara we were going to the mountains she stated, "Again? Can't we go to Paris or London for the mother/daughter weekend?" I'm thinking you know the answer I gave her.

Anyway, we headed up Friday night. We enjoyed our drive up there, stopped at a park for a short time and then continued on our way. The Merwin's and Rickett's were already there so together we grabbed some dinner and spent some time playing in the park. Everyone managed to arrive safely by 8pm or so.

On Saturday, we went into the town of Grand Lake. I really liked it. I've actually been there before but it was a while ago so I don't remember anything. The girls played in the park, we ate lunch outside and then walked down by the lake. Since most of the girls had their hearts set on swimming in the pool, we had to head back to the condo so we could beat any rain that might have been heading our way. The girls quickly put their swimming suits on and in no time we managed to dominate the pool. The girls loved it and enjoyed going between the hot tub and pool.

Later that night was the infamous "slumber party" where we dress up and do makeup, hair, tattoo's, nails and body glitter. The girls LOVE this part of the weekend and it is fun to see them so excited. Of course, getting them to bed afterwards is not easy but it is worth it.

Sunday morning saw some people leave and some of us decided to go to the park again. The weather was a little cool so we didn't stay too long and we wanted to beat the traffic home. The girls and I had lunch with the Rickett's and Trautman's and then headed out.

We missed having the Wyman's there this year but had a great time nonetheless. We decided we would probably head back to Grand Lake again next year (unless we win the lottery and can head to Paris).

Thanks moms and daughters. It was another wonderful memory for the books.

New York Comes to Colorado

So my Aunt Bernice and Uncle Jack ventured out west from New York this past week. It is always great to have family visit and as usual we had a good time.

The first weekend they went over to Tracie's for the 4th of July and then everyone came over hear on Sunday to celebrate Dad's birthday. Kevin sent Dad some fish from Alaska so we enjoyed a great meal.

Mom and Dad took Bernice and Jack down to Sante Fe and Taos for most of their visit. From what I understand they had a great time and it was very relaxing for everyone.

Upon their return it was time for the Irish Festival so we spent Saturday watching Mark play football and hurling. He took a nasty whack to his arm during hurling but they won they game. We walked around the festival listening to music and looking at the vendors in between games. Luckily we were not rained out and had a great day.

On Sunday we went to the pool for a short time before the lightening came. We had a birthday party to attend for a short time but ended the day back at Mom and Dad's. Bernice and Jack got the Riverdance DVD for the girls so they are now hooked on Irish dance even more.

We so loved having them here and can't wait until the next time they come to visit. (Actually the Colorado clan is all wanting to head to NY. It's been too long so I guess we have to start saving.)

Family Day(s)

Each year we remember when Kailei joined us and completed our family. It was a magical day and one that we will never forget. We try to honor that special time by spending the day together. This year we decided to spend our time in Colorado Springs. There is so much to do and see down there.

We kicked off the morning with breakfast at Village Inn and then headed down to the Springs. Making our way to Cave of the Winds we scheduled a tour around 10am. While both girls have been before, they forgot quite a bit and really enjoyed walking through the cave.

After a nice lunch in Old Colorado Springs, we decided to head for the Royal Gorge. We figured the girls could take a nap along the way. It was just amazing. Zeb and I had been years before with Mark and while the price has certainly gone up, it was really worth it. We had a great time. We walked over the bridge, took an ariel tram across the Gorge and then took and incline tram down the Gorge to the river. Each experience was just breathtaking and we all just loved it.

We spent the night in Colorado Springs hoping to extend our Family Day celebration to two days but Kailei woke up with a stomach ache. It didn't seem to leave her and I didn't want to risk any more sight seeing so we packed up and headed home.

Naturally, after a good nap in the car she woke up and felt much better. Ugh! Nothing we could do now but extend the fun so we decided to see the movie "Up". We all really enjoyed it and ended our celebration at Mt. Fugi where the kids enjoyed dinner being grilled on the hibachi.

Family day was great. The kids were perfect and we all just had a fabulous time. Our family is truly blessed and it is nice to take some time out of our busy schedule and remember all that we have been graced with.

Big News for Our Friends!

Well, it's not our news but I just had to share that our friends the Wyman's just got matched with their baby boy. He is just adorable and we are thrilled to death for them. He is 2 1/2 and from Henan province. He is one lucky little boy to have such a great family that already love him to pieces.

Our 4th of July Celebration

We enjoyed a great 4th of July by kicking it off at the neighborhood bike parade. I didn't think we were actually going to go so I failed to get bike decorations but what can you do. Kailei said it was "super duper fun" so I know she had a good time. Keara didn't want to ride her bike without it being decorated but seemed to enjoy walking around nonetheless. They had donuts, snowcones, jumped in the blowup castles and stood in a marathon line to get their faces painted. Naturally we hooked up with the Wymans which made it even more fun.

Later that afternoon we headed over to the Wyman's for dinner. We ate yummy steaks, all kinds of deserts and lit sparklers. Luckily Scott is a fireman so we were well taken care of. We often smoked ourselves out but the girls and us grownups had a pretty darn good time.

Mommy/Daughter Dates

Occasionally I try and schedule some special time with each of the girls. Thursday was just such a day.

Kailei and I headed out in the morning. She decided she wanted to go play mini-golf for her date so we headed out. I was loving it because my first shot was a hole in one. About 12 holes into the game it got hot and Kailei was losing interest quickly but we managed to complete the course give or take a few holes.

After golf, we got a slushy to quench our thirst and went to Target to get Kailei's back-to-school supplies for her first year of kindergarden. It is so hard for me to believe she is almost five years old and ready for school. She had a great time picking out her Ni Hao Kai Lin backpack, purse and notebook. It was too cute.

I asked her if she wanted to go to Grammy's or go out to lunch and she chose Grammy's so we headed back to her house.

The afternoon was spent with Keara. She wanted to go to the mall. The girl has a major shopping gene (not sure where she picked it up from). Armed with some gift cards from her birthday she was off and running. We enjoyed a Pizza Hut lunch, shared a cookie and we walked that mall a few times over. Keara bought a new bathing suit (a bikini), a "K" pillow, and an outfit. I think she really enjoyed herself.

Keara gently held my hand the whole afternoon and Kailei was so sweet in telling me that "she wished every day was mommy/daughter day". I love my time with each of the girls. They really are such great kids.

Our Camping Adventure

Well, unfortunately I have no pictures to share because I somehow deleted them but we went camping last weekend (at least for a little while). The MWCC group headed to Golden Gate Park for our annual camping trip. Last year was miserable in terms of weather but this year was setting up to be much nicer.

I was at a technology conference last week so scrambled home Thursday evening in hopes we could head up the mountain Friday afternoon. Naturally, things didn't go as planned. For some weird reason, I just wanted to sleep all day...and I did. I just didn't have the energy to do much else. That should have been my first clue but the girls had their hearts set on this so we really wanted to make it happen. As we were attempting to get ready, Zeb showed me his eye which looked suspiciously red. I decided he needed to go to the doctor in case it was pink eye and told him we couldn't leave until that was done. At 4pm the doctor confirmed it was pink eye but said he was fine to go camping. Zeb picked up his medicine and I managed to gather enough energy to get things packed and off we went. We didn't get to leave the house until about 7pm but we made it up there in time to pitch our tent and hit the hay.

The night was cold but not as cold as I remember last year being. We woke up and our friend Scott organized a morning hike. It was just beautiful. The girls did a great job going down the mountain. Going back up was, shall we say, more difficult.

Mid-afternoon I got a horrible headache and started to feel sick. I thought it would go away. I thought maybe I just needed a nap. I thought with enough advil I could certainly make it through one more night. Alas, that was not to be. I tried. I really did but I just couldn't shake things. I decided we needed to go home. The girls were very understanding however and just requested to stay for samores. I couldn't deny them that so we stayed and headed down the mountain around 8pm.

It got worse. I got sick. I felt awful. I was happy to be in my own bed but I ached all over. I can't imagine having to deal with being sick in a tent so it was really the best decision.

The girls got to play with their friends and really had a great 24 hours.

I remained on the couch Sunday. Felt like I was recovering on Monday and was back to normal by Tuesday.

I'm not sure camping agrees with me. I remember I didn't feel well last year either. Hmmm....

Mini-golf Anyone?

Gotta love mini-golf. I know I do. Headed out for a quick game of golf and a little ice cream. Kailei wasn't so sure about hitting the ball but Keara was a great sister and helped her overcome her fear. Basically it just required Kailei being able to putt a foot from the hole and all was well. Still it was nice to see Keara being so helpful with her sister. Really the two of them get along great (most of the time).

After golf we make a stop at Baskin Robbins (I just love the fact they have 31 flavors). Anyhoo, we had a great evening.

(Zeb won at golf by the way. He is competitive and needed to keep track of our scores.)

Our Chinese Bathing Beauties