Aunt Patsy

So grateful to have Aunt Patsy in our lives.  She has been around our entire lives and has never missed a birthday.  In an age where many have moved to the digital realm, Aunt Patsy continues with her hand-written cards and letters. 

Aunt Patsy knows all.  She is the information hub for Dad's side of the family and we love her for that.  I'm sure I haven't told her enough how much we love and appreciate her, but we do.

Beautiful Colorado

July 4th

Nothing much was planned for the 4th this year so we spontaneously decided to go to the pool and then had a BBQ at our house. 

Kailei’s Name in Chinese

After-Christmas Shopping

Always enjoy my after Christmas shopping and movie with my friend Judith.  We buy each other a Hannakuh and Christmas gift, get our yearly calendars, search for bargins, have lunch and grab a movie. I've lost track how many years we have been doing it, but I hope the tradition continues.

Archer Christmas

There aren't a lot of Christmas pictures this year as Tracie requested we not take them  It was a hard Christmas for her and her family. Late last night they came home to a sick dog.  They ended up in the emergency room and sadly had to put her favorite dog down.  With no sleep and lots of tears they made it over to Grammy's and we made the best of the day.  It is always hard to lose a pet and this was unexpected.  I felt horrible, but I was glad we were all together.  We missed having Caroline and Mark there as they spent Christmas in Scotland and we missed Kevin's crew, but hope they will all be there next year.

Keara’s Homemade Gifts

Keara shared her talents with us yet again this Christmas.
From puzzles to knitted scarves to picture boxes to books
about the meaning of Christmas, coasters and gnomes... we loved them all.

Kailei’s Homemade Gifts

Kailei is following her sister's footsteps making Christmas gifts. This year she did a lot with paint. Painting ornaments, pillow boxes, records, and keepsake boxes. She surprised us all.

Christmas Morning

We all had a great Christmas morning.  I woke the girls and made sure to film them coming down the stairs.  While the excitment is tempered with teenage attitude I think they secretly like the tradition.

Kailei was excited to get a label maker this year.  Pretty soon you will walk into her room and see labels on everything I fear.  She got some boots, wax seals and a wacom drawing pad.  Keara got a comforter, a laptop, a pet carrier, and of course some books. Zeb got a ring camera system and a firecube.  I got an Apple watch.  It was a good Christmas for everyone. Of course, our favorite gifts were the ones the girls made for us. 

Christmas Eve

It was my turn to host Christmas Eve so that meant early church at Ave Maria.  We got there at 3pm for the 4pm mass and it was already full.  Mom and I had a seat, the girls went to the overflow room and the guys stood in the back.  Not quite what we wanted, but what can you do?  I will say that it was bloody hot and I didn't think I was going to make it through the mass. 

Everyone came over after church for our usual party fair.  Mitch and his family joined us as well. 

Cookie Day

Another cookie day in the books.  The girls were in charge of the sugar cookies.  Lynn and I did everything else.  We made way to many and with Mark gone there were lots of leftovers. 

Camp Christmas

They had a new event this year called Camp Christmas which basically is a historical look at how the holiday has been celebrated over the years.  A friend recommended we go and I managed to get tickets.  It was fun, but crowded and the girls didn't last too long.  I had planned on having a nice dinner after, but the teenagers were grumpy and hangry so I had to get them dinner fast.  Sonic it was.  Topped the evening off watching Elf. 

CATS

Years ago Lynn and I celebrated our high school graduation with a trip to New York City.  We saw our first Broadway show there.  It was CATS.  Today the movie CATS came out so I made sure we had a date to see it together.  It is kind of a different show, but we love the music and the memories. 

A Little Static Electricity in the Air

Furbo

On Black Friday I gifted myself a Furbo and I'm having so much fun with it.  It is basically a camera and treat dispenser for the dogs.  I can talk to them and throw them treats from any location.  It was strange for them at first, but they have the hang of it now and know what is coming when they hear my voice.  Gotta love the night vision with Nala's one eye.  :)

Kailei-ism's

My Esports Team

As if I didn't already have enough to do I decided to start an esports team at CT.  Esports is competitive pc gaming and while I know nothing about it, I do know that kids love it. The team plays League of Legends and I have four teams and two subs.  Fortunately I have a colleague that actually understands the game and can coach them as essentially I am really Coach Mom.  It has been a HUGE learning curve, but I've agreed to do it again next semester. 

DGMC

Went to see the Denver Gay Men's Chorus this afternoon.  It was their Christmas show and a good friend of mine was singing in it so I got tickets for the whole family.  I wasn't sure what the girls would think but they loved it. 

Davison Christmas

Hosted the Davison Christmas today.  Made lasagna and spinach pasta for everyone.  Amy is getting famous for her rice krispie creations.  Kids were spoiled as usual.  Everyone loved the girls handmade gifts and the kids were especially excited that one of their gifts was a weekend getaway with their Aunt and Uncle.  Love this family!