Hike On

Yesterday morning as Dave was riding one of the five toughest centuries in the US through fog, rain and chilly mountain weather, the kids I and enjoyed a hike in the warm sunshine.  As I've said before, I feel like I learn so much about their individual personalities everytime we go on a hike.  Cooper is a thinker.  He takes his time, thinks out each step, and at all costs, avoids getting hurt.  Bella is a daredevil.  She does not take her time, steps before she thinks and scrapes the heck out of her legs.  I'm still trying to figure out how a paper cut on her finger results in blood curdling screams of pain and anguish and a bleeding scrape from a rock doesn't even phase her.  It may be one of those things I never figure out.  Enough with the deep questions though; bottom line, we had a great time!

Summer Is Here!

Over the course of this week, we all enjoyed our last day of school and are ready for the summer fun to begin.  Fun can't exist without a night out on the town while the kids are at home with a babysitter.  Last night was a great evening filled with friends and fun.  The evening began with wine tasting, and ended with the movie Hangover.  It was great to relax, laugh and help Lee and Poppy celebrate their ninth anniversary. Cheers to happy marriages and great friends!

Group shot at Buffalo Wild Wings

Happy Anniversary Lee and Poppy!  The great artwork that was the gift.  May you be together as long as Arturo and Madge...

Dave even found a possible spokesperson gig...

Poppy picking out Lee's anniversary gift, hope he likes it!

Cheers!

Coming soon to a computer near you....

Yesterday was the senior's last day, lots of tears and emotions.  But the senior's last day only means one thing- school is almost over.  We have four days left and then I can get back to what I really enjoy, writing my blog. LOL.  I know all of my loyal followers are sick of clicking on this link only to find that I haven't written in months, so be prepared, in the next few months, I'm planning to blog my little heart out!

When I Grow Up...

Last week Cooper's school had career day.  The kids were instructed to come to school dressed like the person they wanted to be when they grow up.  Cooper chose a field that is honorable, requires intelligence, strength and dedication. Cooper wants to be a Jedi when he grows up, and not just any Jedi, he wants to be Yoda.  Cooper's teacher was so entertained by Cooper's career choice that he took him around to all the classes to show him off.  When another student ( I'm picturing a big mean bully) said to Cooper, "You can't be Yoda when you grow up, he's a character", Cooper replied, " I can be whoever I want when I grow up, I'm an ACTOR ".  You've just gotta love this kid! May the force be with you!

Happy Belated Birthday Beautiful Bella!

I couldn't get this post up in time, but at least I could use a wonderful alliteration in the blog title.  That has to mean something right?  Isabella Juliet is already four.  I can't believe how quickly time flies. I also can't believe how much personality and noise is held in her tiny little body.  She is a sweetheart, a comedian, a princess, a diva, a daredevil, a good "mommy" to her dolls and a good little sis.  She warms my heart every time she says, " Mommy, I lub ( love ) ya!"  In the matter of seconds she can go from laughing, to leaving the room with her shoulders hunched over and her bottom lip sticking out.  At least I don't have to worry about her holding in her emotions.  She has been rolling her eyes at us since she was 11 months old, but she also has the most beautiful smile and gives great hugs.  Bella got to have her first real party on her birthday with year with a bounce house, princess cake and friends. Happy Birthday Bells!

Take a Hike

We were blessed with some beautiful weather over our Christmas break and when our loved ones are here from Iowa, there is nothing they enjoy more than getting outside.  One Sunday morning, my mom and the kids and I decided to go on a hike.  I learned a few things about my children on this hike.  First, they both love the outdoors and never fight when we are on an adventure such as this one.  Second, in the eyes of a child a rusty bottle cap from some teenage desert drink fest is a really cool treasure. Third, Cooper is my cautious child- he thinks everything through and is a firm believer in "safety first."  Finally, Bella on the other hand is a dare devil and follows the philosophy of "if it's not dangerous, count me out! " Thank goodness she has her older, cautious, brother always looking out for her!

It's a Good Kind Of Tired

Every time we get all of our families together, Wendy and I have dreams prior to the event of sitting around all evening drinking wine and laughing.  Each time darkness arrives and the pitter patter of little feet, crying over sharing, games of star wars, and chaos in general has died down we are lucky if we can get one glass of wine down before our eyelids drop for the evening.  It is ok though, because it is a good kind of tired.  It is the tired you have after one fun filled day after another and knowing that you are so lucky to have a family that has so much fun together.  So much fun, that not getting more than one glass of wine doesn't even matter.  Not to mention the fact that we always do manage to find a way and some time to have some good old grown up fun!