Happy 4th of July

Believe it or not, our first 4th of July in Colorado did not involve fireworks.  But it was a fabulous day none the less.  I mean, how bad can it be when your day starts like this?

There were quite a few festivities planned in the village and we took full advantage, starting with a morning parade that happened to go right down Mom & Dad's street.  I picked up some flags and streamers and let Jack go to town on his bike, tied a bow around Ruby's collar and off we went with about 200 others from the neighborhood.  We had so much fun!

Jack & Ruby found a tiny patch of shade while we waited for the parade.

Drew was waiting to take a few pictures and joined us for the rest of the walk.

After the parade Dad and Drew headed to the golf course while Mom, Jack and I went to the park where the neighborhood association hosted a bbq lunch, DJ at the pool and children's entertainer.

Jack & Nana being entertained.

My sister hung out with us at the house that afternoon until we all headed to the golf course to meet the guys for a drink after their round.  Jack was thrilled to join his Dad and Papa on the 18th green.  The kid loves the golf course.

It's slightly off subject, but I can not say enough about how wonderful the weather in Colorado is.  I've eaten more meals and spent more time outdoors in the 3 months we've been here than I did the entire 17 years I spent in Kansas.  And while I won't say I have a tan (not sure that's possible on my fair skin), I am definitely a shade I don't recall ever being as an adult!  The humidity is a non-factor so while it gets plenty hot (the sun really is more intense at higher altitude), you are not instantly dripping with sweat and gasping for air when you walk outside.  The dry air means the bugs are almost non-existent; as opposed to being eaten alive by mosquitoes in mere minutes. Best of all, when the sun sets behind the mountains it cools down to the 50's and you get a reprieve overnight; so much better than the summertime lows of 75 degrees that we are used to.

So, we spent the entire evening of the 4th outside.  We grilled steaks and potatoes, made an apple pie and ate in the courtyard where it was perfectly comfortable and bug free.

But there is a downside to all of the dry air.  Fires.  Holy cow I could write a whole post on the Colorado wildfires.  I've done tornadoes and ice storms.  I can understand hurricanes and earthquakes.  But these wildfires are like nothing I've ever experienced and, quite frankly, totally freak me out.  As a result of some fire bans in the area all of the professional firework shows near us were cancelled and of course any personal fireworks were strictly prohibited.  We had plans to drive north about 40 minutes to watch a show in Littleton; however, by the time we were done with dinner everyone was pretty well exhausted.  With work and school on the agenda for the next day we called it a night and skipped the explosives - as well as the 90 minutes of drive time to see them.

Even without a grand finale of fireworks, we had a wonderful day celebrating the USA!

Three Day Weekend

We need more of these in our lives!

It's safe to say our first official holiday as residents of Colorado was a success.  The perfect mix of food, friends, family and relaxation.  (Update:  Third holiday.  We were here for Easter, but it was moving weekend so I think I've permanently blocked it from my mind!  And Mother's Day doesn't really count because Jack & I were in Iowa most of the day.  Anyway...)

I should have known we were in for good things when I got a Facebook alert from Jack's school on Friday that the Kona Ice Truck would be on site that afternoon to help the kids kick off summer.  To add to the excitement, Nana & Papa made a surprise appearance.

Can't beat a sno cone with your grandparents on a hot Friday afternoon!

That evening we took advantage of living just a short walk from the Castle Pines Village and took a stroll (as Jack rode his bike) to Anthony's for pizza and pasta on the patio.  It's so awesome to be able to sit outside and eat with no bugs, no humidity and mountain views...I'm sure getting used to this!

The main event for the weekend was on Saturday.  Drew & Dad were playing in a golf tournament that morning while Mom & I took Jack to Epic (I give it 3 out of 5 stars), but then we had plans to head north to Fort Collins for the Realities Ride & Rally.  We were meeting friends in Old Town Square where bands, beer gardens, food vendors and fireworks were planned. 

Poor Drew has to endure the 90 mile trek up I-25 every day so spending another 3-4 hours on the road was not exactly high on his priority list, but he sucked it up for Jack & I and we were so grateful that he did.  We had a blast!

Jack & Brody climbing on the sculptures and making silly faces.

All the kiddos getting ready to bust a move.  (Gavin, Jack, Reagan, Brody, Riley)

Playing a tune.  Pianos are decorated by local artists and displayed all over town during the summer months.  Reminds me of the "Jayhawks on Parade" in Lawrence.

Big Buddies holding Little Buddies.

If this was the show for a weekend rally I can hardly wait to see the display on the 4th of July!

Sunday turned into a lazy day.  My Aunt Deb & Uncle Terry are recent transplants to Colorado as well so they were visiting for the day.  The guys played golf, girls went shopping and Jack & I baked cookies and made homemade ice cream.  We had planned on a sunset picnic in Daniel's Park that evening but the cloudy skies convinced us to postpone.  Plus, we were all pretty pooped and totally content just hanging out at home.

On Monday Mom & I took Jackson to the opening weekend pool party in the village. 

Turns out we have quite a little fish on our hands!  We've already been back once and Jackson is now officially signed up for private swim lessons.  With a pool walking distance away in Castle Rock and a stone's throw from our new house in Fort Collins I have a feeling we're going to log some serious hours at the pool this summer!

Somewhere in there we managed to fit in some laundry, grocery shopping and other chores.  As well as a bike ride, TV time and lounging around.  Pretty much perfect in my book.

If only there were another three day weekend on the horizon.

Second Cousins

This year over Mother's Day weekend, Jackson & I made a quick trip to Iowa to celebrate my cousin Morgan's high school graduation.  Before everyone went separate ways we managed to gather the 5 second-cousins and their great grandparents.

With 2-year-old twins Blake & Brody, 3-year-old Karly, 4-year-old Jack and 6-year-old Nathan in the mix, there were bound to be some outtakes.

And here was the winning shot.

Thanksgiving 2012

Tomorrow is birthday party day.  Closely followed by Jack's actual birthday.  And then Drew's.  And then mine.  And then Christmas.  And somewhere in there I'm heading to San Diego for a couple of days.  So yeah, lots of stuff going on here.  Which is why I need to hurry up and tell you all about our Thanksgiving trip to California.  Was that already two weeks ago?

Without further adieu...Thanksgiving 2012!

Somewhat unexpectedly, we received an invitation from my Uncle Matt in Los Angeles to join the entire Wagner family for a California Thanksgiving.  It took about 2.5 seconds for Drew & I to respond with a resounding "yes!"  And just like that we were off.

Jack has flown once before but it was just shy of his 2nd birthday so he has no memory of it.  This time, he was absolutely stoked to be flying "in a jet".  And fortunately, he looked (and behaved) like a seasoned traveler.

Our family gathering included 14 adults and 4 kids under age 10.  Needless to say, perfect California weather and a pool in the backyard was enough to keep all 4 kids entertained for the entire visit.

Jack, Sidney, Ian, Charlie

 

 

I was so proud of those kiddos.  They were instant friends and behaved so well.  Every last one of them.

Of course, the main event was Thanksgiving.  A pool-side Thanksgiving dinner?  Yes please!

In addition to the 18 members of our family, Matt & Lynelle hosted several of their California friends for the meal for a total of 30 people.  If anyone can execute a dinner for 30 flawlessly, it's Lynelle Wagner.  I bow to you my dear!

Heather, Lynelle, Matt...prepping

 

This was both Drew & Jack's first trip to LA so we managed to fit in a bit of sightseeing as well. 

Drew had an incredible time with my Dad, Uncle Matt and Cousin Mark playing golf at Bel Air Country Club.

We took a drive down Rodeo and through the Hollywood Hills.

We made a stop at a legendary West Coast fine dining establishment.

 

We introduced Jackson to the Pacific Ocean.

 

 

He loved the beach and walking out to the water...until the waves came crashing.  At which time he turned and ran away.

Every. Single. Time.

 It was pretty hilarious!

Of course, the best part was spending time with our family.  Unfortunately, I was too busy having fun to take many photos of our clan.

Mom, Heather, Drew, Steve, Meredit, Mark

Mother and Son

Steve, Nana Gwen, Mom, Drew, Hal, Meredith

As usual, we left wishing we all lived closer and these visits weren't so few and far between.

A million thanks to Matt & Lynelle for hosting the whole crew.  It was absolutely lovely in every way.

Summer Wrap Up

For weeks months now I've been meaning to get caught up on a few end of summer trips and activities that haven't made the blog yet.  Since I kind of missed the boat on those, I thought I'd just tell the story in (mostly) pictures instead of words this time.

Douglas County Fair
This year's fair fell right over the weekend that Jackson was scheduled to spend at Gram's house.  We had exactly one night between me getting home from a business trip and Jackson heading west to Gram's to take advantage of the petting zoo, rides, carnival and fair food.  We gave Daddy the night off (since he had been on solo duty all week while I was in St. Louis) and hit the fairgrounds!


Pony rides

Motorcycle - His Favorite

SUV

 

Bugs

Spaceship

Ferris Wheel with Mom

Aerial View

Colorado
Just a week or so later we loaded up in the truck and headed to Colorado for a vacation at Nana & Papa's house.  Drew & I got to do lots of grown up things while we had grandparents, aunts and uncles available to watch the little man.  Like a trip to Matt's bar and dinner at Del's with Mom & Dad, visits to Drew and my favorite stores, and an overnight trip to Vail.  Of course, there were lots of family activities too from golf (both real and miniature glow-in-the-dark) to swimming to movies to cook outs to dinner at Castle Cafe and lots of courtyard time. My kind of vacation!

Road Trip - I don't know how kids can stand that!

Little dude was pretty good at air hockey!

Skee Ball

The very scary animated tree that sent us running off the miniature golf course in fear never to return.

Vail

This cracks me up.  3 people.  3 iPads.

Our first ever trip to a photo booth.  I made him do it.

Lake Okoboji
Finally, our last trip of the summer took us to Lake Okoboji, IA for my cousin Todd's wedding.  Drew had to sit this one out so Jack and I made our way to Omaha where we connected with Mom and Dad.  What a great weekend!  Of course, the bride and groom were stunning (how do I not have pictures of them?!) and the wedding was beautiful.  But the best part was having the whole family together.

Doing the heavy lifting.

Morning coffee (or water)

Handsome in his new tie, but not thrilled about the photo op

I wish I had my fancy camera to zoom in on this moment.  Papa was fixing Jack's tie.

Blue-eyed Jack and his biggest fan

Me and my guy

The Fabulous Diers Girls - Nancy, Mary, Deb, Lori, Carol - Can you tell they're sisters?

 

My Nana & Papa.  Can you believe they raised 5 daughters and still look that good?!

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Remember the 2012 Summer Bucket List we started way back in June?  I'd say we did pretty darn good!  Originally, there were 17clothespins on the bucket and only 6 remain. 

As luck would have it, many of the activities we didn't get to are indoors so we can easily check them off the list this winter when we're fighting a case of cabin fever and looking for something to do.

And now we can officially put Summer to bed!