Race for the Cure 2009

For the second year in a row Angie, Sidney, and I participated in the Denver Race for the Cure. Angie has a couple aunts that have been affected by breast cancer so there is a personal connection for her. Again, this year, Sid's friend Rachel came with us and this time she even brought her mom Jodi. We really had a good time doing this even if we have to get up early on a Sunday morning.

Oktoberfest

A few years back I started a tradition in our community where we hold BBQs on the major summer holidays. These have been so well received we've gotten requests for additional events throughout the year. Last year we added a Halloween Party, which we'll likely continue this year. This year we added an Oktoberfest event.

We had traditional Oktoberfest brats and everyone brought a variety of German brew to enjoy. Once again there was a great turnout and we all had a good time. Maybe this is another one we will have to keep on the schedule for next year.

Later in the day I got a call from a good friend of mine, Jon. Him and I talk fairly frequently via IM and email, but haven't gotten together for some time. In fact the last time I may have seen him may have been Angie and my wedding celebration. Anyway, we decided to meet up at a local pub to enjoy a couple beers and play some pool. It's been so long since we've done that, hopefully we won't wait so long next time.

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.

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.

Official End to Summer

We always know summer is officially over when our community pool closes. This year, since Labor Day was later, we got a little extra pool time and fortunately the weather cooperated.

We always hold a community BBQ for all the big holidays and we combine the Labor Day one with a pool closing party. The past 2 years we have had a doggie swim on the pool's final day. This year we had more dogs than last year, probably because we advertised it a little better. It was quite amusing to watch the dogs in the pool. Some were all about getting in while others couldn't wait to get out.

The BBQ, pool party, and dog swim were so much fun. So many neighbors commented on how much they enjoy the neighborhood activities. It's always good to hear that considering I am on the HOA board and sometimes we don't always feel appreciated.

Here are some fun pics of the dog swim.

"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!

Visit From an Old Friend

A couple months back I received an email from an old friend from high school. Lance and I have kept in touch over the years via email with a couple visits when I've traveled to California. We hadn't talked in a while so it was nice to get the email.

Almost a year ago, Lance decided to take a year off work, sell the house, and travel the country in an RV with his family. So, since then that is exactly what they have been doing. They have a really nice RV, big enough for the entire family to be comfortable in. For the most part it is just 4 of them, plus the dog, but occasionally, their oldest son Skylar joins them when he has breaks from college.

Their travels eventually brought them through the Denver area so we had them over for dinner. I am sure it was nice for them to have a home cooked meal that they didn't have to prepare in their RV. We got a chance to catch up on old times and learn all about their travels. They have been homeschooling the younger boys and incorporating places they visit into their lesson plans. What a great way to learn the incredible history of our country.

After dinner and visiting they were back on the road heading to Colorado Springs. They are nearing the end of their travels and from the sound of it, they are looking forward to settling home again.