More Flowers for the Yard

Lately, we've been spending quite a bit of time in the backyard. Actually, I guess this isn't all that new, but with all the cleaning up, composting, and other stuff, we figured it was time to add some new flowers and other plants to the backyard. Off to Lowe's we went.

I have been wanting an avocado tree. We were able to find a dwarf tree which is perfect for a whiskey barrel we have. Angie found some beautiful dahlia's, some other flowers, and we also added a couple strawberry plants. One of my favorite memories as a kid was picking strawberries out of our backyard, so I really wanted strawberries.

Angie and I spent a couple hours in the yard, getting our new additions into place, and doing some more cleanup. Howie and kitty came out in to the yard to help out, at least until kitty made a break for it and ended up in the neighbor's yard. I guess he won't be allowed out anymore.

Beach Day

With the long 4 day weekend over the 4th of July holiday, Angie and I decided we needed a beach day. Angie scoped out a beach that would be somewhat quiet and it had to be dog friendly. She found Pleasure Point which totally fit the bill.

We headed out in the morning after loading up blankets, chairs, and of course Howie. Once we arrived in Santa Cruz, we walked to the stairs leading to Pleasure Point beach and watched the surfers in the water. Apparently Pleasure Point is also popular with the surfers. At first, we were nearly the only people on this particular area of the beach so we were able to allow Howie to go off leash and enjoy the water. Howie had never been to the ocean, but he was so excited about the waves, running and jumping into the water. He was soaked and covered in sand, but had so much fun.

We left the beach for a late lunch, stopping at a taqueria in Capitola, and then headed home. Howie smelled like the ocean and was still covered in sand, so he got a tubby in the backyard. 

Can't wait for another beach day!

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

Happy January

Now that the holidays have passed it's time to catch back up with the blog. It feels like we've had so much going on over the past few months. Of course we had the holidays, which we kept pretty low key this year and just spent it at home together.

Angie has been very busy with work. As many of you know, she recently went to school to become an esthetician and she has been working for the past several months at a spa not far from home. She loves it! Earlier in January, she was able to take some time off to go back to Iron Mountain to attend Grandpa Marv's birthday celebration. I've included some pictures of the event courtesy of Roxann (Lady Jane).

While Angie was out of town, I got to play Mr. Mom to Sidney running her to school, her friend's, and everywhere else she needs to go. She is one busy girl! I think we both enjoyed being able to spend the time together.

Volunteering for Salvation Army

Every once in a while I get an email form the volunteer coordinator at the Salvation Army. My original intent was to volunteer around the holidays, serving food or something like that. It turns out they have many other opportunities throughout the year.

This opportunity came up due to the Avs being in the playoffs. The Pepsi Center solicited the assistance of the Salvation Army to put pom poms on every seat in the house, literally. We took advantage of the opportunity by bringing Sid and her friend Rachael to the event. We spent a couple hours hiking up and down the steps at the Pepsi Center and carefully placing each pom pom on the back of the chairs.

As a special treat, we were also able to see the morning practices for both the Avs and the Sharks, up close and personal. Thanks to our help the Avs won this game. At least that is what I like to think. Unfortunately the luck did not hold up for the remainder of the series.

Spring Break in San Francisco.

A few weeks before Sidney's spring break I found out I was going to be traveling for business to California during that time. Angie and I decided it would be fun for them to tag along and take a mini vacation while I worked.

The night before leaving we received a typical spring snow storm in Denver. We woke up to over a foot of snow (with it still coming down) as we prepared to head to the airport. Along the way, Angie found out that her flight was canceled, but was able to rebook on a different flight leaving around the same time. Instead of a non-stop flight, she had a layover in Reno, just long enough to spend the one dollar she had with her on a slot machine.

The first few days the girls spent some time browsing Castro Street in downtown Mountain View and visiting the famous Winchester Mystery House. Once the weekend rolled around we were able to do things together. We started the weekend out Friday night by going to our good friends' Lance and Katrina's home for grilled steaks and great company.

On Saturday, we drove into the city (San Francisco) for the touristy things like Pier 39, Fisherman's Wharf, and Ghirardelli Square. We enjoyed lunch on the pier and then since it was such a gorgeous day we decided to take the Bay cruise on the Blue and Gold Fleet. The cruise took us under the Golden Gate bridge and around Alcatraz.

Sunday was the day for the girls to head home, but not until early evening. We got up a little early, had breakfast and headed to Santa Cruz. While in Santa Cruz we walked along the boardwalk, where Lost Boys was filmed (one of Angie's favorite movies) and relaxed on the beach for a while. Sidney finished up the day by taking a last dip in the hotel pool before I dropped them off at the airport for their trip home.

Volunteering Rewards

Sunday Angie and I volunteered for the Salvation Army at the Pepsi Center placing "Go Avs" signs on all the seats. In return we were given 2 tickets to the evening's game versus the New York Rangers. There were so many volunteers it really took us about a half hour. Initially we figured we were only getting 2 tickets, so Sid was going to go with me, but as it turned out we each received 2 tickets for our efforts.

With our new found bounty of tickets, which were incidentally very good seats, the 3 of us invited my sister Nancy to join us. Nancy is relatively new to hockey, but was excited to go anyway. Our seats were near center ice and only 17 rows behind the Rangers bench. We all had a great time even though the game was a bit disappointing with the Rangers winning 3-1 because of a hat trick by Marian Gaborik.

Back to School

A new year, a new beginning for Angie.

Not long ago Angie decided she wanted something different for her career so she decided to go to esthetician school. We have been making preparations for her to be able to do so for several months. She finished 2009 out at Arckey and Reha, where she had been for a number of years. Since the year began, she has been diligently working on homework before her classes had even began. This past week was her first week of actual class and she has been thoroughly enjoying it.

Angie goes to school 3 days a week, but is able to be home everyday after school for Sidney. Not only does she get to spend additional time with Sid, she also gets to drive Sidney and her friend Rachel to and from school nearly everyday.

Her classes last 5 months, after which time she will be able to work in a spa doing facials and other spa services. She already has people looking forward to this, especially Sidney

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?

Angie's New Love

It had been a while since Angie and Danielle spent time together with the holidays, our honeymoon, and everything else going on, so they had a girls lunch.

The ladies went out for pho at Pho Saigon, which was Angie's first experience eating pho. For those of you unfamiliar, pho is a Vietnamese soup. Basically it is a broth based soup with noodles. You order whatever you like in it, from chicken, steak, briskett, to more adventurous stuff like tripe and/or tendon. You can order just one thing or combine everything. They also bring out a plate with veggies like bean sprouts, basil, and jalapenos that you mix in. Angie enjoyed it so much we went back for lunch the following day and has been "suggesting" it pretty frequently since.

Angie's favorite is just chicken. She ordered steak the day her, Sid, and I went, but mentioned she preferred the chicken. She also enjoys the bubble teas which have "bubbles" of tapioca mixed in to the frozen treat. Although Angie is a big fan, Sidney was not as impressed, so it looks like future trips for pho will be just the two of us.

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!

Michigan Visit

Angie and Sid went back to Michigan just before Christmas for time with family to remember her grandmother who had just passed. Although the trip was not for the happiest of circumstances, I know Ang and Sid thoroughly enjoyed the time they were able to spend with the Michigan family. Their first night there, Gob was up at camp and got a deer, which I believe is his first of the season. You know what that means? We're expecting jerky in Colorado in the near future.

While the girls were out of town, I held down the zoo, taking care of the boys and Sid's rats. It gave me a taste of what it is like for Angie when I am out of town. It really is so much different being the one at home while the others are out traveling.

Catching Up (Yet again)

So, lots has gone on since my last update and trip to Dublin. I'm not even sure I remember it all. I think I went to California for a week after being home a couple days, then Ang and I went to the Dominican Republic for our honeymoon, and of course the holidays arrived. Oh, and our community's annual Halloween party, how could I forget that?

Angie and I planned our honeymoon way back in May when we decided on the Dominican Republic as our destination of choice. We received several recommendations, but ultimately chose the Ocean Blue and Sands resort in Punta Cana. Our stay was truly amazing. We upgraded to the Privilege Club, which gave us a few extra perks, including a special restaurant for breakfast, upgraded room, and a reserved area of the beach with wait service. Our ten days were filled with mornings on the beach, afternoons by the pool (including my favorite, swim up bar), and dinner at each of the resorts restaurants.

We also took part in several activities at the resort and enjoyed a couple excursions off site. One day we took the party boat out and went snorkeling, swam with sting rays and sharks, and enjoyed an ocean swim on a private beach. Our other fun time away from the resort was a long bus ride into the jungle where we geared up and slid along zip lines over the jungle below. I think we both agree that this was our favorite (even if I had to wear a pink helmet). Back at the resort, I was roped into a beer drinking contest, where I represented well, but did not win (probably a good thing). I was also convinced to play water polo and participate in a water balloon toss, winning bottles of rum in each case. That rum will get you every time.

Grandma Roxann came to Colorado to take care of Sidney while Ang and I were galavanting around the Caribbean, which allowed them to spend quality time together. Sidney loves her grandma so much, and of course Roxann adores Sid.

It sure didn't feel like the holidays while we were sunning ourselves on the sandy beaches of Punta Cana, but that reality set in when we got home, as I had to walk through a foot of snow wearing flip flops to get to the car.

Thanksgiving this year was pretty low key. Angie made a fabulous turkey, we hosted my sister Nancy, and my parents for a traditional Thanksgiving dinner, while enjoying the annual football games. I think it's one of the few times Angie doesn't mind watching football...the other time is if the Packers are playing.

OK, that about catches us up with the exception of Christmas. I'll do a separate post for Christmas and include pictures later today which will bring us back up to date.

With the new year coming, I plan on making a resolution to have at least 2 posts every month, so look forward to the blog being more active....I know, I know, you've heard it before, but this time I really mean it. If I have to get Angie to ask me about it every week. She is good at reminding me of stuff!

"Honeymoon Weekend"

This weekend Angie and I took advantage of a couple gift cards we were given as wedding presents. Angie made all the plans for a fabulous weekend getaway in downtown Denver.

She started Saturday by treating us each to a wonderful massage at Beau Visage and a picnic lunch in the park. Angie made arrangements with our neighbor, Ken to feed the dogs because we were going to be gone for the evening.

We were treated to a romantic getaway package at the Marriott in downtown Denver, where we enjoyed a junior suite on the 15th floor looking out over the city. After checking in, we enjoyed a couple cocktails in the hotel restaurant before heading out for dinner reservations.

Prior to our reservations, we stopped in at the Tavern Downtown for happy hour. We sat on the rooftop deck which has a great view of Coors Field (as you can see from Angie's beautiful picture).

Our dinner reservations were at the Denver Chop House and Brewery. Each of us ordered buffalo steaks and I also ordered, and shared, a lobster tail. The dinner was delicious. After dinner we had a bicycle taxi take us back to our hotel where we were treated to a bottle of complimentary champagne, which we decided to bring home. We retired for the evening, but not before placing our breakfast room service order.

Breakfast was delivered to our room at 8. We enjoyed eating breakfast in bed while wearing our hotel robes Angie had requested.

Angie truly planned an amazing weekend. I guess this is a warm up to the real honeymoon in November!

Iron Mountain Mine Tour

After spending most of our time in Michigan camping we got back to civilization in Iron Mountain, spending a couple days at Angie's grandparents' house. We pulled up to their house while Marv was finishing up some yard work. He didn't even notice we had returned.

While we were camping Marv and Barb went fishing. From what I understand, Marv has never been big into fishing, in fact he may have only been out 1 other time. That time he caught a big trout previously featured on our blog. It turns out, the Lundin's should have been fishing all these years. On this outing Marv caught another huge trout (6+ pounds!!!) only to be outdone by Barb, who caught an 18 pound salmon!!! Marv was so excited he told us before Barb had the chance to.

The following day, Judy, one of Roxann's best friends stopped by to visit as she had not seen Sidney or Angie in some time. After a bit of visiting, Judy took Marv, Sidney, and I to the Iron Mountain Mine for a tour. Below are some tour pictures.

Vacation - Camping in Michigan

Our summer vacation this year was to the UP. As is nicely stated on a bumper sticker I once saw "Say yah to the UP eh".

Sidney flew out about a week before Angie and I drove up. We drove mostly straight through, stopping in Wausau to visit with Angie's good friend Julie before completing our trip to Iron Mountain the next day. This trip had been planned for some time for a Mainville Family Reunion honoring Mike and Laura's 25th anniversary.

A bunch of spent several days camping up near Way Dam. On the Saturday of the camping trip, several more Mainville's came to the camp site for a full blown reunion. I was a bit overwhelmed due to meeting many of the Mainville clan for the first time. I was just glad there wasn't a test to match names and faces at the end of it all. I would say I probably remember the important ones, but they are all important, so that's not possible.

Camping trip pics:

Summer Outing - Rockies Game

Every year, Angie's office has a summer outing to an afternoon Rockies game. It's always fun to get out during the week and enjoy the weather, the ballpark, and a day away from the office. We had a great time watching the Rockies beat the Diamondbacks. As promised, here are some additional pictures. You may enjoy the "Gun Show"!

Relay for Life - Update

As you are probably aware, Angie and I took part in the Denver Relay for Life. We had a very good time. Here are some pictures of the event.

Relay For Life

Neal and I have decided to join the American Cancer Society Relay for Life this year. We want to feel we are doing our part and are asking for your help. If you are interested, please go to this website and donate to help raise money for the cause. It is a great cause and hits close to home for many us. If you prefer to write a check, please do so. Make payable to: American Cancer Society and you can mail to my home address. Anything is appreciated.

Both of my aunt Cindys, on my maternal and paternal side, are both survivors of breast cancer, both before the age of 50. In the past year, our small office of 13 people, two of the ladies have been diagnosed, treated and survived their breast cancer. It was a scary process but has made all of us more aware. All of these women have been an inspiration to me in many different ways, all with stories of their own.

I am also contributing my time and money and making cell phone charms, I will be selling them for $3 each. If you are interested, please let me know.

Thank you so much for your support!!! As individuals, we are just a small voice, together...we can be heard.

Neal and Angie Jack

Click on the link below, the woman on the left is Anne, she was one of the women in our office diagnosed last year. She invited me to participate this year.

Relay For Life

Wedding Celebration

In case you have not heard, Angie and I got married on April 21st. We didn't want a big fuss so we did it the most simply way possible, by going to the County Clerk. Of course we still wanted to celebrate so with the tremendous help of Danielle, Angies's total BFF (Best Friend Forever) we had a celebration on May 16th. We invited about 75 people and nearly all of them showed up to enjoy the day with us.

For those of you out of state, we're sorry we were unable to include you, but below is a slideshow of the pictures taken by our very talented photographer (and neighbor, Ivy Lynn). We hope you enjoy the photos. I will post some my dad took of the occasion at a later date.

We want to thank everyone for all the gifts and well wishes!!!