AF Academy Prep School Graduation

Alex has spent the past year at the Air Force Academy Prep School with the ultimate goal of becoming part of the class of 2015 as an Air Force Falcon. We are very proud of all the hard work she has done and this weekend she received her reward, an appointment to the Academy.

There were several Prep School graduation events we were able to attend, including the graduation parade, an awards ceremony, and the actual graduation. Monday was the parade and awards ceremony. Following the evening event, we all went out to dinner at Biaggi's Italian Restaurant, the graduate's choice. It was nice to be able to have a nice dinner with everyone from both sides of the family.

Alex now has a few weeks off that she gets to enjoy before heading back at the end of June for basic training and the move up the hill to the Academy. She is very excited and we are obviously extremely proud.

Doing a little catching up

I figured I owe it to the blog to do some catching up and at least post some pictures of things we have done in the past few months.

Sidney took up volleyball this year and has really enjoyed it. It's awesome to see how much she has improved over the course of the season. The season will be wrapping up in the next couple weeks, just in time for us to move. Here are some pictures from earlier this season. Some of the pictures are a bit blurry, so I'll be sure to get a few more in the last couple games.

Angie and I have had a few outings with our good friends. We're truly going to miss them.

And this past weekend Alex came up from the Air Force Academy and joined us for a chilly night at Coors Field for a Rockies game.

From Rockies v. Pirates

The Graduate!

It's hard to believe Alex's graduation day has finally arrived. Eighteen short years have passed and she has reached that milestone we all remember looking forward to throughout our teenage years.

Debbie and Robert flew in from NC to attend the graduation and we all spent the night at a hotel in Greeley the night before the graduation since the ceremony was at 8AM. Taylor stayed with us at the hotel and we all enjoyed sitting by the pool after dinner. My sister Nancy and my mom stayed at a nearby hotel, so we all met up and headed to the high school the next morning.

It couldn't have been a more beautiful day for the ceremony. The sun was shining and the skies were blue. If anything it was a bit too warm considering there was no shelter from the sun. It could have been much worse if the graduation took place later in the day.

After the ceremony, Michelle and Troy held a graduation party at their home. They cooked most everything, including delicious BBQ. Alex was so excited to be finally done with high school, you could just see the glow on her face. All in all it was truly a great day and I have never been so proud.

Alex recently accepted an appointment to the Air Force Academy prep school and is awaiting to find out when she reports. This has been a long time goal for her and we are all very proud.

WAY TO GO ALEX!!!

Horse Show

Many of Taylor's favorite activities include anything that has anything do with horses. She has been active in 4H over the past few years, nearly always involved in a horse project. Fortunately she has 2 horses she gets to take care of and enjoy. Every time I see her around them, she truly shines and is completely responsible for them.

Today was one of her horse shows, so I went up to Kersey to spend the day attending the events. I didn't get to spend too much time with Taylor, as she was very busy tending to the horses and participating in various events. She did very well, winning several ribbons and even Reserve Grand Champion in one of them.

When the show took a break for lunch, Alex, Taylor and I went to Kersey Pizza and enjoyed lunch together. It was great to spend some time with the busy girls.

Nomination Reception with Betsy Markey

One of Alex's goals has been to attend the Air Force Academy, going back a couple years. Now in her Senior year of high school she is going through the very involved process to make that dream come true.

A while back she had interviewed with several panels for her Congresswoman, Betsy Marky, and both Colorado Senators. We recently found out that Alex received a nomination to the Air Force Academy, from Betsy Markey.

This past weekend, Betsy Markey held a reception to recognize all the students she nominated for the various military academies. The reception took place at the Kress Theater in Greeley. Several of the the board members attended the reception as did the Congresswoman herself.

Additionally, the Greeley Tribune sent a reporter to the occasion to interview all the recent nominees. Alex was interview and even quoted in the article published in the paper. The full article can be found here.

The process has been a long road, but she is nearing the end. She is now waiting to hear from the Air Force Academy to see if she has been accepted. We're very proud and are crossing our fingers for our cadet hopeful.

Senior Night

The time has come for Alex's last home game of her high school career. I can't believe how fast time flies. This year, more than ever, that has become evident. Seems like just yesterday she was being born. I know it sounds cliche, but it still holds true.

Angie, Sidney, Nancy, and I met at my office after work, stopped for dinner, then headed to Northridge High School for the festivities. Alex was amongst 5 seniors on her basketball team, all of which started the game for the Grizzlies. Prior to the game there was a short ceremony celebrating each of them.

The game was very one sided as you can see from the final score of 66-12 in favor of the home team and everyone had a great time.

As if this event didn't make for a big enough day for Alex, she learned that she had received a nomination to one of the military academies, most likely the Air Force. She has worked very hard to earn this and is very deserving. There is more to the process, but its starting to look like Alex will be in the Air Force cadet class of 2014.

I'm not usually the emotional type as nearly everyone will tell you, but on this day, I couldn't hide the tears in my eyes or my beaming pride. Even now, I get teary eyed everytime I think about it.

Way to go Alex!!!

First Post of 2010

This year started with a last minute business trip to California for me. I spent 10 days in Mountain View. I'm sure Angie was glad to get rid of me after spending so much time through the holidays.

While I was gone, Angie and Sid had a girls day, where they went out for lunch and shopping together. They really enjoy their one on one time when I am out of town, even if they do miss me. Sidney was able to spend some of her gift cards she received for Christmas.

I came back from California on Alex's 18th birthday. It's hard to believe she is already 18 years old. Seems like just yesterday we were welcoming her into the world. She has grown into such an amazing young lady and is a short 4 months away from graduating high school. How did the time pass so quickly?

Merry Christmas!!!

Christmas again, can you believe it? Kitty sure can!

It seems like it was just New Years' 2009, but here we are again with another holiday season. This year we again had Christmas dinner at our home, on Christmas Eve. My parents, sister, and both Alex and Taylor were here to help us celebrate. It was great to have the girls down for a few days over the holidays.

We opened presents as a family on the night of the 23rd so there wouldn't be any rushing around on Christmas Eve with the other going ons. Angie and I also did all the prep work for dinner. Angie's menu included a big salad, lasagna, spaghetti, meatballs, and kielbasa.

Christmas morning, I got up early to take Alex and Taylor home. Once I got back we relaxed by the fire and watched movies the rest of the day.

Happy holidays!

Lunch Date

Today I met Alex for an afternoon date. She is such a busy girl, getting our schedules to coordinate is sometimes a challenge. We've been going back and forth for a couple weeks.

I drove up to Greeley and met Alex for lunch at Rock Bottom, a place we seem to migrate to when we meet up. We took our time with lunch and had a great visit. Since she wasn't scheduled to work and her only plans were to babysit later, we then decided to go to a movie at the Metrolux theater near the restaurant.

We weren't sure which movie we wanted to see, but decided on Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs when we checked the schedule. We opted to see the 3D version which was worth the little bit extra we had to pay. The movie was pretty cute and one I likely would not have had the chance to see if Alex had not picked it out.

I'm looking forward to our next date in a couple weeks.

Northridge High School Awards

May 6th was Northridge High Schools "A Night of Honors for Excellence". Alex called me a few days prior to tell me she was receiving an award but didn't know what it was for and asked if I would attend. Of course I was going to attend!

Taylor was sweet enough to save me a seat next to her in the audience which was great as I arrived about 5 minutes late due to traffic coming from Denver. Alex ended up receiving 2 awards during the ceremony. The first one was recognition by her Social Studies teacher for her outstanding accomplishments in the class. The other award was for Alex's community involvement through 4H and other initiatives.

Alex, we are so very proud of you. Keep up the good work.

Honey Do and Other Randomness

Angie gave me a new 4 piece DeWalt power tool kit as a wedding gift. I'd have been complaining about my old cordless drill needing a new battery which cost nearly what a new drill would cost so she decided I could get more use out of a combo kit. Does anyone else see a honey do list coming? Actually, we have both discussed some projects we'd like to get done and these tools are going to come in handy!

Now for a week in review:

Alex and Taylor were in a car accident on their way to school a couple weeks ago. Thankfully both are OK. I started this week out by taking Alex, Taylor, and Sidney out to lunch in Greeley. It was great to spend time with all 3 girls and I know they like getting together too.

After lunch, Sidney and I drove home, where here dad picked up for an overnight visit. She had Monday off so she was able to get some extra time with him which she and Jay both love. Friday night, Sidney spent the night at her friend Allie's and we returned the favor on Saturday night because the girls wanted to go to Rec and Rock at our area rec center.

This week our house is looking forward to so many things. Angie's cousin Mark is graduating CU this weekend so Roxann and Donaldo are coming to celebrate, as are Marvin and Taylor. Since our families have never met, we are planning a small gathering at our house for formal introductions. Looks like a busy week!

Alex's 17th

I find it hard to believe my girl is 17 years old! Time flies! Alex's birthday was Thursday (1/15) so we celebrated this weekend when the girls visited. Alex put in a request for crab legs, I think partly because she was left out on the New Year's Eve feast. Of course we obliged. Who are we to reject the birthday girl's request, besides, it's crab legs and we get to eat them too.


I went to Greeley on Friday evening for the Northridge High School girl's basketball games because Alex is on the team. She has a lingering shoulder injury which prevented her from playing this night, but she hopes to be back on the court soon. Following the game we returned to Denver and spent part of the evening at DJ and Danielle's visiting. My sister Nancy took Alex out for a birthday lunch at Gunther Toody's. Saturday evening's dinner was the requested crab legs and birthday present opening. Since Alex is such a huge CU Buff fan, she got yet another t-shirt and some pajamas.

Happy Birthday Alex!

Christmas 2008

Christmas time has arrived again!!! It's hard to believe. It seems like just a few days ago I was putting up the Christmas lights and thinking it may be too early. But time flew by and Christmas is here.

Angie and I spent a quiet Christmas Eve alone and exchanged gifts. My girls came over Christmas day and they joined Angie and myself for a fried turkey Christmas dinner at my parents house with my family. Sidney spent all of Christmas at her dad's.


Alex spent a few additional days at our house before heading back to her mom's for physical therapy on her shoulder, but Taylor is staying through New Years. Sidney came back Saturday evening which allowed us to exchange gifts with the girls and to open Santa presents.

I want thank everyone who sent gifts, we are truly blessed. I kept looking under our tree in disbelief, we literally ran out of room! I think everyone got exactly what they wanted...and then some.

We promised the girls we would take them to a movie on Sunday, so we all went to see Marley and Me. It was such a great movie, but if you are pet lover, especially a dog lover, expect your eyes to well up with tears. On the other hand, Marley reminded me of another terror Lab, my parents dog Dixie. She is very sweet, but is quite the handful

Thanksgiving 2008

 

This year Angie and I took over hosting Thanksgiving from my mom. OK, so it took a little prodding from mom, but we were very excited to do so. Actually, there wasn't much prodding. We felt mom deserved to be able to relax at Thanksgiving after slaving away for all of us all these years. Besides, it really makes sense since we are closest to being in the middle of everyone.

I think Angie was ultimately surprised at how relaxed she was throughout the entire festivities. I like to think I helped out in that area. I probably didn't, but like I said, I like to think so. Angie prepared a delicious turkey which she brined from a recipe her mom gave her. Nancy brought over deviled eggs (it isn't Thanksgiving without them) and we had all the traditional Thanksgiving sides of mashed potatoes, stuffing, and green bean casserole. Alex and Taylor were able to make the trip down from Greeley so it was the first time we have been all together for some time.

It looks like 2008 is a year of starting new traditions at the zoo. I like it!

Lunch Date

Taylor came for a visit this weekend, giving Angie's mom the chance to meet her. Earlier in the week, I had made arrangements to meet Alex for lunch at Rock Bottom Brewery in Loveland. Since this is close to their home, I brought Taylor along for the late lunch. Alex took her home from there.

It was nice to be able to visit with both the girls and spend time with them alone, but we all missed Angie, who was working, and Sid, who was home playing. I don't blame Sid, what 10 year old wants to spend half her day in the car when she could be outside playing. Alex, Taylor, and I had a very casual lunch and caught up on school goings ons, Alex's jobs (she works at Dairy Queen and also at a corn maze for Halloween), and Taylor's horse.

With Alex and Taylor being so busy, more frequent lunches will have to happen so I can keep up with their important stuff!

Weekend Fun Pics

Some weekend photos....

Breakfast at the Zoo

This weekend both Alex and Taylor were able to come down to spend time with us. Since my family doesn't get to see the girls very often, Angie came up with the idea of making everyone breakfast at our house today. I swear she lives for this kind of stuff. She made blueberry pancakes, chocolate chip pancakes, eggs, hash browns, and of course bacon. It was delicious. Angie also made sure we got a family photo, the first one in a long time!!!

After breakfast everyone received gifts from Nancy, my sister. She recently returned from a long trip to Europe which included a cruise and brought souvenirs back for all. We then got to see numerous pictures of her trip. She visited some very beautiful places like Spain, Greece, Italy, France, and Croatia.

License to Drive

Alex has not been able to come down all summer so we were very excited to have her this weekend. She's been busy working at Dairy Queen, attending basketball camps, 4H, and of course has all kinds of new found freedom from getting her driver's license. Look out for that Nissan Sentra if you're driving in Northern Colorado!!!!


Check it out, she's all grown up, driver's license, ATM card, cash....what more could a teenage girl want!

BBQs, Parties and Movies

This past week was a busy one at the zoo. Tuesday, Sidney had yet another sleepover. This time she spent the night at her friend Sedona and V's so Angie and I got a quiet evening alone. The sleepover worked out perfectly because on Wednesday I flew to Mountain View back to the Google mothership for a training class. I hadn't been back to the Mountain View campus for nearly 18 months, which was my 2nd week at Google. The campus is very different than working in an office outside of Mountain View serving a much larger variety of food and all 3 meals. I got my wheatgrass everyday!

Angie picked Taylor up on Friday because I didn't get home until nearly midnight. Saturday we relaxed for the first part of the day and went to "Centennial Night Under the Stars" in the evening. This was a fun event with lots of display booths, a twilight movie of "Alvin and the Chipmunks" followed by a fireworks "extravaganza"! We ended up getting home late again.

Taylor and Sidney attended their friend Rachel's birthday party on Sunday afternoon before Taylor went back to her mom's for the week.



Alex and Taylor start school already this coming week otherwise she would have liked to stay longer. Angie and I finished up the weekend by going to her company's summer BBQ.

Weld County Fair

Weld County Fair was last week and Alex and Taylor each had their projects.

Taylor was entered into several horse events, but a misstep of Rambo in her first event pretty much ended her fair festivities. She was very disappointed, but not nearly as scared as I was when I saw her nearly go over the top of Rambo's head as he did all he could to try to ensure she not hit the ground. Fortunately the only thing hurt was her pride. It was decided that it would be best to rest Rambo for the remainder of the fair.

Alex's fortune was much better. She has taken an interest in photography and had some projects take 3rd prize and 1 project took Grand Champion. She was very excited and may even attend the Colorado State Fair.

Wow, 3 updates in one day....don't get spoiled!