50 Years!!!

Saturday September 13th we celebrated my parent's 50th wedding anniversary. Their anniversary is actually September 26th, but they will be "honeymooning" in Lake Tahoe at that time. Can you believe it? It's hard to believe anyone makes it that far anymore. It's an inspiration and we are all very happy for them. 50 years is truly a reason to celebrate, so my sister Nancy and I made plans for a small surprise gathering at Augustine Grill in Castle Rock.





My parents have been treated to the traditional limousine ride for previous special events so something out of the ordinary was deemed appropriate. Considering the once in a lifetime occasion, it was decided to rent them a classic Bentley. Nancy was able to find a 1952 R-Type Bentley available with chauffeur to handle Mom and Dad's travel to the extravaganza! This was nice considering Mom kept telling us there was no way she was getting in a limo this time. This way we weren't lying to her.



Several friends and family all arrived early at the restaurant eagerly awaiting Mom and Dad's arrival. At first everyone was to stay inside with the exception of me, since they were expecting dinner with Angie and I. As we waited, everyone eventually ended up outside wondering when the special guests would arrive. Eventually we saw the car turn the corner and pull over. It turns out the driver was not exactly sure where the restaurant was, so we flagged him down and pointed him the way. Mom and Dad looked so proud and excited as they exited their classic charriot.



The food and company were perfect. The steak I had was simply amazing and the raving over the chicken and salmon forced everyone to share their plates. Of course when dessert arrived, everyone had to share this as well.



At the end of the evening, Mom and Dad climbed back into the Bentley and were whisked back home. They are still raving about it. Angie took it upon herself to make the most amazing scrapbook to record the event forever and gave it to them prior to their trip to California where they will continue to celebrate for a week in Tahoe.

Congratulations Mom and Dad. 50 years is quite an accomplishment. We all love you!!!

The Flu Strikes!!!

This week Sidney got sick and missed 2 days of school. In turn, Angie missed 2 days of work to take care of Sidney. Honestly, I think one of the things Angie loves most is taking care of her family when they are sick. She is such a great caregiver! It almost makes you want to be sick just so Angie can take care of you. She'll make you soup, bring you water, clean up after you, tuck you in...you name it, she is there for you. She has a special way of making it not so bad.

Sidney went back to school Friday and came home with a pile of make up work. She had to read nearly 70 pages of The View From the Cherry Tree and write a couple paragraphs on how she thought the story would end. It took her most the weekend, but she is caught back up.

Back to the Gym and Elitches Too!!!

This week was filled with getting back to the gym. Recently the gym Angie and I belonged to suddenly shut down without notice. After looking for a new gym, we decided to join the South Suburban Rec Center. There are a few rec centers we can visit and they all are full service with pools, gyms, and a variety of classes. We've been alternating between the pool, running, and cardio workouts. Now if we could only get the workouts done without actually going to the gym. :)


Sidney had a date with her uncle to go see Journey to the Center of the Earth on Saturday, so we took her over to Bill and Cindy's house. They recently got a Golden Retriever puppy named Dillon. He is very cute, but has a devilish side, thus the nickname DD (Devil Dog). He has to greet everyone when they come over! We took Sid into the house and were standing in the entry way talking with Bill, Cindy, and Kristen while I gave DD some attention. Next thing I know my foot got very warm. Apparently Dillon got too excited and peed all over my foot. I hope that is a sign he likes me!

On Sunday, Sidney, Angie, and I went back to Elitch Gardens thanks to my sister Nancy. Her company also had their company picnic there and she gave us tickets. We rode several rides, including their new Ghost Blasters ride where they give you a laser gun and you shoot ghosts while riding. The line for this ride was the longest of they day so it seems quite popular. On the way home we stopped for ice cream at Cold Stone which was delicious.

The DNC and Another Tooth Fairy Visit

The Democratic National Convention took over Denver this past week making it difficult to do anything downtown. The previous weekend when the girls were visitng, we tried to go to Elitch's and also Red Rocks for a picnic. Each were closed for private DNC parties, so we had to change our plans.

The rest of the week was uneventful with Sidney back in school. We were able to get her back into her school year routine; doing her homework, practicing her spelling, and in bed at her normal time. She did very well practicing her spelling so Angie and I are hoping for Cold Stone soon. If Sid gets 100% on her spelling tests we reward her with ice cream...actually we all get rewarded. Friday she went to her dad's for the Labor Day weekend. Sidney is always very excited to spend time with Jay and her Aunt B. and the long weekend gave her a little more time with them. Angie and I spent the weekend at home. Friday evening we had dinner with friends (Danielle and DJ) and Sunday was Rembrandt's usual holiday weekend party.

Monday afternoon Sidney came home from her dad's very excited. She had another loose tooth over the weekend. Her Aunt B told her she probably had a couple days until it was ready to come out. Persistent Sid wiggled it all the way home in her dad's car until if finally came out. Looks like the Tooth Fairy is stopping by 4282 again tonight. Maybe this time she won't get caught!

Lucky...

I just want to say thank you to everyone who made my birthday so special. It really was the best ever. With the phone calls and singing, to emails and texts, to cards and gifts, thank you so much!! And to the BOY, who put so much thought and spared no expense to make sure I was smiling throughout the day. I truly am so lucky to have such wonderful friends and family. Who knew turning 29 could be so satisfying...thank you again!!!!

Angie's Birthday Gets Visit From Tooth Fairy

Today is Angie's Birthday!!! Sidney and I decided to spoil her....because everyone needs to be spoiled on their birthday. Angie tried to play it off in the days leading up to her birthday, but we knew she was excited. We would catch her looking at the cards that came in the mail, just wanting to open one.

I got up a little earlier than usual for a weekday so I could make Angie her omelet, a cappuccino and her favorite...blueberry pancakes. All 3 of us had breakfast together and then we let her open her cards and presents. She received lots of lovely cards with gift cards and cash from family. I gave her a gift card for a half day at the spa which includes an hour massage, manicure, and pedicure, each with oil treatments. Angie REALLY wanted a new toaster so that is what Sidney got her. Every girl needs flowers on her birthday, so I surprised Angie with 2 dozen colorful roses delivered to her at work this morning. We finished the birthday that evening by going to dinner with friends at Los Dos Potrillos, a great Mexican restaurant we all love...and of course birthday cake!!



Just after going to bed Sidney finally managed to pull a tooth which had been loose for a few days...she is persistent. Of course this meant the Tooth Fairy had to stop by that night. What wasn't planned was the Tooth Fairy being caught in the act and trying to hide on the floor when she couldn't find the tooth. The funny thing is, Sid had written 2 large notes with arrows pointing to the tooth's location!!!

Weekend Fun Pics

Some weekend photos....