Traditions

Marshall and I had out first date a week before my birthday. A week later, he took me to Cafe Brazil in the Highlands neighborhood in Denver. Every year, we try to go back for my birthday. It, of course, got harder once we had the boys, but we still tried.

It was only fitting that we go to Cafe Brazil on my 40th birthday. After attending D-man's baseball game, we were able to sneak away to Denver while Mom and Dad watched the kids (thank you!). 

It was a very special way to cap off several days of celebrating. A flight of rum, a birthday shot, and a great meal with a wonderful man, husband, and father. Lots of reminiscing and a reminder of while many thigs have changed, so much is still the same and only gets better with age. 

She's Not Fancy. Just Old.

Last night, we celebrated my birthday at home with dinner on the deck. Mom and Dad planted flowers and plants, got the boys from camp, and picked up a birthday cake from a bakery I had been wanting to try (D-man was so excited they could personalize it so "nicely"). Gifts in and of themselves. 

We enjoyed going through old boxes of letters from college - many of which were sent from my Dad to me. It was a nice trip down memory lane (and I found a $50 savings bond!). "Pop - was that written on a typewriter?" 

I also received a beautiful new Coach purse from the boys and Marshall. And a final box that Mom brought that included a couple of items from my great grandma Afflack. As Mom said, "they aren't fancy. They are just old." Kind of like me. :) 

And the night was capped off with D-man hiding in his sleeping bag to make me a special card. Quite from the card, "It must be weird to live that long." Very true. Weird. Wacky. Wild. Wonderful. 

Bang the Gong - Julia's Almost 40!

As part of my birthday celebration, Mom and Dad treated us to sushi on Monday night (you know? This turning 40 thing is turning out to be ok). The boys tried something new (shrimp tempura), the sake just kept coming due to an overworked server and Mom learned about "marble drinks." 

As part of the celebration, I got to hit the gong two times - the first time I didn't hit it very hard so they told me to really hit it. What fun! 

Just so special to celebrate with such special people in my life. As I head into the new decade, I'm constantly reminded of how fortunate I am. Earlier this weekend as i sat on the porch with my Dad, he said, "These are special times." I couldn't agree more. 

Camp!

After 4 days at home to kick off the summer, the boys headed to Rocky Mountain Day Camp (which according to many is the best camp they will attend). They were both a bit nervous (and rightly so), but I think this is a great first camp. 

We've got quite the summer planned. Here's to enjoying every moment! 

Happy Memorial Day!

Summer is Here!

Skyview Park

In Pender, my Mom and her friends go to "Skyview Park" (aka our farm) to watch the sunset and moon risings. We have now found our "Skyview Park" in Louisville. Just a short walk up around our neighborhood provides a pretty darn good vista. 

Kindergarten Continuation

Last week, we celebrated T-man's completion of Kindergarten. We enjoyed the songs the class sang and just seeing T-man look so proud during the ceremony.

When I picked him up from SAC, I told him we needed to get home to get ready. He said he knew exactly what he was going to wear. When we got home, he ran right upstairs and grabbed a button down shirt. When I showed him some nicer pants, he was also very excited. We were so proud that he was taking this so seriously. He said his teacher was wearing something fancy and he wanted to do so as well.

With all of the changes this year, we're glad that he had such a great year and has so many friends in the neighborhood. Congrats T-man on completing your first year of school!

Bleacher Bums

During Bob and Claudia's visit to our new house, they were able to see both boys play baseball. Fortunately, the games on Sunday were at the same field and back-to-back. The weather was a bit chilly, but we survived and enjoyed watching the boys play (and the boys enjoyed showing off for Gramma and Granddad).

We also enjoyed time on the deck with some nice meals and throwing the ball around in the open space while G&G Peavy were here. Marshall and Claudia even sneaked away on Saturday morning for a belated Mother's Day coffee in our little downtown.

While it was a short trip, we enjoyed showing them our new home and community. We can't wait to have them back!

Nana's Moon Watching

A trip up to the high school tonight to watch the full moon with Nana. The kids threw the ball around and Marshall and Mom tries to locate the moon with Mom's new iPad.  Was fun to watch. 

Birthday Weekend

What a beautiful day. Relaxing morning. A hike "appropriate for families, retired people, and flat landers" as the hiking book said. The kids had a great time and we followed up the hike with a trip to Sweet Cow in downtown Louisville. 

After some shopping with Jaima, we headed back to downtown to have a quick drink and pick up take out from LuLu's. We all enjoyed a nice dinner on the deck. And now enjoying a drink outside under the lights What a great day. 

Last Day of School

What a year. We started the year on Amherst (on D-man's first day we drove up from Denver), made a stop in Superior for a few months, and landed in Louisville. 

Of all the pieces associated with this move, the school has been the most challenging (shocking I know). But, I am hopeful for next year. We have developed a good relationship with the principal and expect next year to be different. 

Kids made friends. Our neighborhood is great. Whew - what a ride. So thankful for two great boys that have made this adjustment so well! Bring on our amazing summer!! 

Included a picture by the bus as this might be T-man's last ride. We will see if we keep the bus. 

Sweet Cow

Whenever we have guests visit our new home, we always make a trip to Sweet Cow. This weekend was no different. After a day of working in the yard, baseball in the open space, and enjoying a beautiful day, ice cream after grilled hamburgers was a perfect treat. So great to have Gramma and Gramps here.

Cousin #6!

At the beginning of May, my sister and her family welcomed their 2nd son! A precious, big boy who looks like daddy. When I told the boys, D-man said, "their family is just like ours now." Of course, my sister pointed out they have a dog. :) If T-man has his way, our family will soon look like theirs.

Last night, Marshall was able to see our newest family member! He was in Minneapolis for work and made a stop at the Marshall family home. I'm so jealous!!! But, so happy that they could all make it work.

Finally Here for Mother's Day

When you move, there are a lot of firsts. This was my first Mother's Day in the new house and also the first time I have been around for Mother's Day in three years. And while, I would have loved to have been able to sleep in, being awakened by both boys and their hugs and snuggles was worth it. Getting a sweet card and homemade coupons from D-man as well as a new iPad from all the men in my life was pretty great (and a huge surprise!).

Some coffee and breakfast on the porch followed by a hike outside of Boulder was wonderful. The weather was great and seeing the boys enjoying the lizards, views, and exploring made it extra special. We wrapped up with brunch at The Huckleberry in downtown Louisville (which we have not yet been able to try). We didn't have to wait at all (thanks to Marshall for doing the research on when to go).

The only bummer of the day is that Marshall had to fly out tonight and left around 4:30, but he did such a great job making it an amazing day. The boys and I enjoyed the evening and hamburgers on the grill (which D-man informed me were not as good as Marshall's - I'd have to agree with him).

Much to be thankful for. So much. Happy Mother's Day to all the Moms out there. It's a hard job, but man, it's a special one.

Baseball Brothers

Two games today. Luckily, no rainout. D-man helped coach third base during T-man's game. Of course, I turned a bit crazy yelling from the dug out to have D-man send the kid from 2nd base to 3rd. Once a coach.....

Mother's Day Makeover

I left Seattle early this morning so I could make it to an event with T-man's class. They had several stations where the kids pampered us - massages, nails, makeup, snacks, hair, and reading. The best was a song the class sang at the end - T-man was definitely singing it to me. One of the sweetest things. It is hard to believe his first year of "real school" is almost over. I really want to bottle up all the sweetness he is right now. When we were having our snack together, I asked what his cherry or pit was - he said his cherry was "right now."

Sister in Seattle

Well, not my sister, but Marshall's sister :) Thanks to my amazing husband watching the boys, I was able to stay an extra day in Seattle with Marshall's sister and her family (our niece is so sweet and adorable!). It allowed me to take a long walk along the water and have them join me for dinner at Alki beach.

Some yummy ice cream and a drive along the water were additional special treats. And a great late night conversation really made the evening. It was a quick trip, but so great to spend an extra night. Really need to get the boys out to Seattle!

From One Coast to Another

From one coast last week to the other this week. It's hard to believe I left rainy Denver for sunny Seattle. Tons of walking around downtown Seattle yesterday and West Seattle today. Denver had a lot of things, but water is not one of them.

Really lucky to be enjoying time outside by the water. A great way to wrap up our 3-month project. Just wish the rest if the Peavy boys were here too.