Halloween 2013

2013 may go down in history as the year of the costumes.  Jackson loves to dress up.  If he's watching a spider man cartoon, he'll do so in full spider man costume.  If he's tossing the football around with his Dad he'll be wearing head to toe football gear.  If he's working in the yard he'll have on boots, gloves and a reflective construction vest.  Multiple wardrobe changes is a daily occurrence around here.

When Halloween came around getting him to commit to a costume was nearly impossible.  So, true to form, by the end of the festivities he had managed to wear three different costumes.

Costume #1 was the Power Ranger suit he and Nana picked out during a Costco trip.  This is what he chose for the costume parade at school a few days before Halloween.

Costume #2 was actually a set of batman pajamas that when paired with a mask made a great costume.  He wore this outfit to school on the day of Halloween.

Costume #3 was an oldie that he dug out from last Halloween and was an 11th hour choice for trick or treating through the neighborhood.

I guess you could say it was the super hero trifecta!

My favorite memory from Halloween 2013 was Jackson's reaction after ringing his first doorbell.  It was certainly not his first trick-or-treat experience; however, in Lawrence we always elected to participate in the downtown trick or treating where the kids just walked the blocks of Massachusetts Street and business owners would stand outside passing out candy.  We never went door-to-door for the more traditional trick-or-treating.  In Fort Collins our neighborhood is filled with young kids and a perfect opportunity to hit several houses all within a few blocks of home.  After explaining the process to him, Jack was a little reluctant to go up to a strangers house all by himself and ring their doorbell, but the promise of candy pushed his fears aside.  After the very first house (and a bag of fun-sized M&M's) he came sprinting down the driveway and shouted, "Mom!  This. Is. AWESOME!"

We walked up and down about 3 blocks before joining Drew back at the house where he was sitting on the front steps handing out candy and chatting with the neighbors as they came by with their kids.  Needless to say, the glowing KU pumpkin, a tradition of ours for several years now, was a great conversation starter!

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!

Father's Day

It's already been three weeks since Father's Day came and went, but it's never too late to give a shout out to the most important men in your life.

For the first time in I don't know how long, I got to spend Father's Day with my father.  Although, I sure never imagined it would be due to the fact I was living in his basement!  Here I am 36-years old and he's still coming to my rescue.

Of course, the other most important father in my world is the father of my son.  And what am amazing father he is.  All you have to do is read Jack's very own words to know what a special bond these guys have.

After all, they're best friends.  And football buddies.  And absolute spitting images of each other.

Nothing makes my heart swell quite like watching the two of them together or hearing their squeals and giggles as they play.

Happy Father's Day (a few weeks late) to two of the good ones very best.

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.

My Valentines

I think I hit the jackpot when it comes to handsome guys to celebrate Valentines Day with.  Although, with one of them being 600 miles away, celebrating might get a little tricky - at least the grown up celebrating.  Celebrating of the four-year-old variety, on the other hand, we've got covered!

Last night Jackson & I were busy prepping for his classroom party today.  We whipped up a batch of valentine M&M cookies.

Then we (meaning mostly me - someone wasn't in a cooperative kind of mood as you can probably tell from the picture below) assembled the valentines for his classmates.  Once again, pinterest came to the rescue with a super awesome free printable.  I had everything else we needed on hand so all we had to do was cut, label and assemble.

 

I absolutely love them.

This evening, Jack will open his valentine from Drew & I via facetime so Drew can participate as well.  At least that's the story I'm going to give Jack.  The truth is, I had to abort my original plan to give it to him this morning when I discovered the outfit he will undoubtedly INSIST on wearing with his gift was dirty.  Oops.  Rather than fight that epic battle (the dude has some very strong opinions about his attire), I stashed the gift in the closet for later this evening...after I've had a chance to do a load of laundry!

Jack will never know the difference and I'm pretty sure a day of sweets and treats at school and permission to sleep in Mommy & Daddy's bed tonight will make for a pretty great day for my "little" valentine.

Unfortunately, I really dropped the ball when it comes to my "big" valentine.  With all of the travel and craziness of the past few weeks I totally neglected to put any plan in motion for Drew.  Of course, the discovery of a red enveloped tucked secretly in my suitcase upon arriving home this week made me feel even more guilty about my oversight (not to mention a little teary for both the words he wrote and trouble he went to in sneaking one past me).  Since 1-800-FLOWERS isn't really Drew's speed, and I'm not aware of a service called 1-800-BEER, I guess I'll just have to make it up to him later.  But for now...

Happy Valentine's Day, Babe.  If the last several weeks have taught me anything it's that home has nothing to do with the walls around you and the possessions you fill them with.  You are my home.  I miss you like crazy and can't wait for the next step in this journey, but I am grateful for the reminder.  I know now, more than ever, wherever life takes us, with you by my side I will always be home.  I love you!

xoxo

Princeton's Winter Program

We got to check another first off the list this year...Jackson's first winter program.  The kids at Princeton put on a little show for their parents followed by hot cocoa and cookies in the multi-purpose room.

A four-year-old Christmas Concert?  That's right up my alley!

Warning:  The video below is nearly 5 minutes long.  Unless you answer to the names Nana or Gram it could be a painful 5 minutes.  No hard feelings if you can't quite make it to the end!

 

2012 Holiday Card

For memory's sake mostly, but also to send belated wishes to those near and far. 

 

From our family to yours...

 

Spirit of the Season

A couple of weeks ago I shared some of our advent calendar activities as we counted down the days to Christmas.  Well, the fun didn't stop there.  Through the month of December we filled our days with all sorts of projects and special treats to get us into the spirit of the season.

Christmas Craft
Styrofoam floral cones can easily become a festive tree.  We chose peppermints and pom poms as this year's decoration.

Toys for Tots Donation

Santa!

Ice Cream Treat
As the organizer of the calendar, I made sure this activity fell on my birthday!  Jack chose "The Grinch" while I enjoyed "Winter Wonderland". 

Hot Cocoa Sticks
These were our teacher/co-worker treats this year.

Wrapping Presents

Hand Print Ornaments

Gingerbread House
Cousin Attia was over on gingerbread house night so she got in on the action too.

We also drove by the holiday lights set to music, opened two new Christmas books and watched Christmas movies.  This year's favorite was The Grinch which may or may not have been viewed in excess of 30 times this season.

December can be a crazy and, let's be honest, stressful time of year.  Especially when you're fitting 3 birthdays and an amped up work schedule into the holiday mix.  Our Countdown to Christmas Calendar is a perfect reminder for me to slow down and celebrate the true spirit of the season.

And a blessed season it was!

More on Turning Four

Jackson is too young to grasp the awesomeness of turning four years old on 12-12-12, but I think it's safe to say he still had a pretty fantastic day.

It started with a surprise from his buddy, Elf.

He didn't get to skip school completely, but he did get to come home early after enjoying some pretty special cookies with his classmates during afternoon snack time.  (Shout out to Cami at Cami's Cake Co. for being my go-to-gal for cookies, cupcakes and cake!)

Then he waited with his best friend for Dad, Gram & Grump to arrive so the real celebrating could begin.

Celebrating in the form of presents!

I'm not sure which of these Elser boys was most impressed with the Playmobil ship.  They've come a long way since Drew's collection back in the day!

In keeping with tradition from my childhood, dinner was the birthday boy's choice.  He chose spaghetti.  Then we dug into a Spiderman cake - the theme of the day if you haven't noticed.

After dinner and dessert we took advantage of technology and Jackson opened his presents from Nana & Papa via facetime.  It wasn't long after that all the fun, excitement and sugar came to a head and the birthday boy hit a wall.

Despite the near meltdown come bedtime, it sure was a happy birthday.  And I still find it hard to believe my little guy has turned into this big four-year-old!

Happy Birthday, Jackson.  I hope all your wishes come true!