End of the Season Volleyball Tournament

Sidney's volleyball team, the Panthers, finished the season up with the end of the year tournament. They played great, but ultimately were eliminated in their second match.

It was amazing to watch how much these girls have improved over the course of the season. Early season games it was a challenge for them to get it over the net and if they did, they usually scored because the other team struggled just as much. By the time this tournament rolled around, we were watching exciting rallies go back and forth. It was kind of funny to watch all the parents get stressed out watching the games, us included. 

Sidney really enjoyed playing volleyball this year and I hope it is something she continues with once we move to California. It's great for her to be involved and will be an amazing opportunity for her to meet new friends.

Last Volleyball Game of the Season

Today was Sid's last volleyball game of the season and I got some pretty good pics so I figured I'd put them up.

The girls played AWESOME today, winning all 3 games for the first time this year. They have all improved so much over the course of a couple months. The first few games there weren't many rallies, but the last few have been nail biters. 

The regular season is over, but the girls do get to play in a tournament next week which should be fun!

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.

Spring Break with Taylor

This past week Taylor was on Spring break and decided to come for a visit. It had been a while since she last stayed with us, so we were very excited to have her.

We had an amazing week that started out with one of our favorite restaurants for dinner, Los Dos Potrillos because she loves it just as much as the rest of us. It was a real treat.

Angie was happy to have another volunteer for facials and treatments so Taylor got to be pampered. One day Angie took Taylor and Sidney to the mall and yet another day Taylor came to work with me and brought Howie along. She is such an animal lover and has aspirations of becoming a veterinarian, which I think is her perfect calling

In the photo, you can see "movie night" where Sidney and Taylor made a bed in front of the TV and watched Zombieland, which I think may be their new favorite movie. Another night, they watched it again in addition to New Moon, which they both were very excited to come to pay per view.

For the New Moon "premiere" the girls had their friend Rachel over while Angie and I each enjoyed a night out of the house with our friends. Angie had a girls night with Danielle and a couple other ladies, while DJ and I coordinated a last minute poker party at the clubhouse. Sidney and Taylor get along so well most of the time, they truly are sisters.

Science Expo

Sidney's 6th grade science class at Newton Middle School recently had a major science assignment that they each got to present at the annual Science Expo.

Sidney conducted an experiment on potatoes. She wanted to figure out if different potatoes affected how much current would pass through each of them. The experiment required her to come up with a hypothesis, collect the materials, conduct testing, and report her conclusion.

Angie took Sidney to get all the materials, which she took to her dad's for the weekend where they got to complete the experiments. Sidney then took her findings and completed her project, including a poster board outlining everything she did and her findings. Each kid had to present it to the science class as a report.

After all that was completed, the school had the Science Expo, where each student had their assignment presented. Parents and visitors went to the school gym where everything was set up and were able to go around looking at each experiment and ask the kids questions. Sidney did a fabulous job on hers as did many of the other kids. We could tell she was nervous, but once she settled down I think she had a great time doing the project and showing it off.

In other amazing news, Sidney made the Newton Knights basketball team. We're very pleased that she enjoys getting involved in extracurricular activities. They keep her busy and she gets to meet so many new friends.

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.

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!

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!

Date With Sidney

Sidney had been having some difficult time with some of her classes in school so Angie and I helped her study for a couple tests by quizzing her and making sure she knew her stuff. Sometimes I think Sid gets overwhelmed with the changes of middle school, but as I tell her, that's part of what you're learning, how to get organized and prepared for high school and beyond. We were happy to see Sidney's efforts pay off with an A on the tests she was studying for.

In celebration, I took Sid out on a date to dinner and bowling. She of course chose one of our favorite all time places to eat, Los Dos Potrillos, where she had her usual enchiladas.

After dinner, we went to AMF Lanes to bowl a few games. I haven't bowled in so long, I think i forgot how. We ended up bowling 2 games, with each of us winning one.

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"!

Sidney's Dance Recital

OK! OK! I know, I know! I shouldn't commit to doing a blog if I can't keep up with it. Expect a few updates to recap the past month or so in the next couple of days. Once again, my sincerest apologies.

I'll start off with Sidney's dance recital, but I may not post in order so look below this post for any you may have missed. A couple months back Sidney started taking a dance class after school. At the end of the school year she got to perform in a recital.

Sunday afternoon we got ready for the show and headed to one of the local high schools where the event was being held. Sidney was a bit nervous and hesitated to get out of the car until she recognized one of her dance classmates. After that I think her nervousness went away. Angie and I didn't realize there were so many groups that were going to perform and the entire show ended up lasting about an hour and a half. Sid's group got to perform 2 routines which they had been practicing for some time. The first one they all dressed up as cops and performed to The Cop Song. Later in the show her group got to perform to Friday Night. It was the cutest thing to see Sidney dance with her group. Apologies for the poor quality picture, but if you look closely you can see her (HINT: She is the tallest).

After the recital we took her to Chili's to celebrate.

School's Out for Summer!

Another school year is over. Hard to believe. The years go so fast. I wish they went that fast when I was in school.

This was Sidney's last year at Peabody, she is on to middle school. As is tradition, they wrap up the year with a celebration day. This year the entire 5th grade walked over to Cherry Knolls Park for a day of fun, burgers, and hot dogs. Lots of family was in town for Mark's college graduation so Roxann and Grandma Taylor were able to join in the fun.

The kids got to play lots of games and enjoy the outdoors. It was very much like field day from the beginning of the year. Typically they reserve field day for the end of the year, but the past couple years have been rained out, so this year they basically got an extra one.

One of Sid's classmate's father is a local firefighter. After lunch he brought his crew down with their firetruck. They hooked up the hydrant and let Sidney's teacher, Mr. Alvidrez, climb up and hose down the class.

Fun video of the shower!!!

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!