Tuesday, September 30, 2008

Fall Colors


Saturday, Angie and I went went for a scenic drive to witness the fall colors in Colorado. I've lived here nearly 15 years and I have never taken advantage of seeing the Aspens change in the high country. I guess I didn't know what I was missing. Angie packed a lovely picnic for us to enjoy and then we packed the diggity dogs into the car and were on our way...pretty much without a plan.

We started out going up 285 through Bailey with some intention of heading up into Breckenridge and coming back via the I-70 corridor. We ran into some traffic due to the Emily Keyes memorial biker ride, but it was smooth sailing after that. We happened across a beautiful lake heading into Breckenridge and decided to stop for the boys. Both of them decided to go swimming. I think it was because the ducks taunted them.

We left the lake, headed into Breckenridge, but decided to detour over Boreas Pass. We are glad we did! The views were amazing. Boreas pass heads up the mountain, turns into a dirt road, and winds its way from Breckenridge to Park County (of South Park fame).

It couldn't have been a more perfect day. We enjoyed each other's company, loved getting the dogs outside, and had a relaxing drive. This may become an annual tradition.

Slide show below.

Thursday, September 25, 2008

Tuesday, September 23, 2008

Field Day


Today (Sept. 23) was Sidney's Field Day at school. Usually they hold these things at the end of the year, but last year weather was an issue, so they decided to have it at the beginning this year. I was flattered when Sidney invited me to go and of course I could not say no. Besides, how could I resist the lunch menu of elementary school cafeteria hot dogs?



There were several events throughout the day, including relay races, basketball shooting, obstacle course, and one of my personal favorite's as a kid, the parachute. Sidney amazed me with her involvement with every kid in her class. She is quite the popular girl. One of her friend's Ryan took a liking to me, insisting to hang out and eat lunch with Sidney and I.

STRIKE!!!

Neal is threatening to go on strike!!! Please post comments...everyone likes a little appreciation.

Monday, September 22, 2008

Grandpa's Fish!


This past week we got a photo in the mail from Marvin Lundin, Angie's grandfather. I have not known Marvin all that long, but he is one of the nicest men you will ever meet. My understanding is that he is not much of a fisherman, in fact has rarely, if ever been fishing. This is a bit surprising since he is from the upper peninsula (UP) of Michigan. The photo we received has Marv standing proudly holding one of the largest trout I have seen in a long time. Marv had gone on his very first fishing trip and caught his very first fish. Not bad for a first timer. Maybe he should have picked up fishing years ago!

Sunday, September 14, 2008

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.

Tuesday, September 9, 2008

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.

Monday, September 1, 2008

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!