Last Minute Labor Day in Laramie

I love college towns. I love that atmosphere, the people, and all that comes with being a college town. When I told Marshall that I really wanted to go somewhere for Labor Day weekend, I wasn't expecting to visit two college towns. But, that is exactly what happened. Last minute plans are often the best - no big expectations - just being together as a family for a new experience.

We left Friday after work (my work sent us home early which was very nice). We booked a last minute hotel on Hotwire (for $60) in Fort Collins for Friday night. We ended up at the Hilton next to the CSU campus. We got Runza (I've always wanted to go to this Colorado Runza) and then the kids hit the pool. For as much as we travel, we rarely stay in hotels so this was a treat for the kids.

We got up on Saturday and grabbed a snack and coffee at the Starbucks in the lobby and took off for Laramie via historic downtown Fort Collins. I had always wanted to see their cute downtown, but didn't realize that the Tour de Fat was going on Saturday in downtown Fort Collins. It took us an hour to get out of town, but we got to see a lot of Fort Collins and the boys enjoyed keeping their eyes out for the crazy bikes.

After picking up Matthew and the climbing gear, we headed to Vedauwoo outside of Laramie to do some climbing. Under the expert guidance of Uncle Matt, D-man (and Marshall) were able to climb the rock formations. Of course, we didn't think about telling D-man how to get down, so Matt had to go get him. T-man enjoyed exploring the rocks and climbing around where we had camped out.

D-man climbing under the watchful eye of Uncle Matt

beautiful Vedauwoo

our little rock climber

climbing the rocks

That night, we got a sitter for T-man and we headed to the Wyoming/Southern Wyoming football game. It was the first night game at War Memorial Stadium in quite a few years. It was a beautiful night and Wyoming enjoyed their first victory of the season.  I took D-man home at half time, but he thoroughly enjoyed the cannon, the game, and seeing the marching band. It's funny that with Nebraska, Colorado and WSU allegiances, his first college game was at Wyoming.

D-man's first Division I football game - Go Cowboys!

Yo bro!

On Sunday, we enjoyed going out to a local diner for breakfast, checking out the rail yard (it scared me to death when the train went under us), and exploring downtown. The boys and I headed home Sunday afternoon so Marshall could enjoy some alone time with his bro. The boys were great and even though D-man was not feeling well, this last minute Labor Day in Laramie was just perfect.

Uncle Matt giving the signal to blow the whistle (they did)

Yup - the train goes RIGHT under ya!

My first week at Return Path was great!

1st Day of School Part II

This week, my little guy started back to his Montessori school.  Now that I am working for a company based in Broomfield and Marshall is working downtown, the school is geographically undesirable. However, we love the school and are excited for him to move up to the Primary classroom and have the same teacher that our eldest had.  We've been trying to ease him into going to back to school. Of course, when I dropped him off today he was sulking and when I picked him up today, the first thing he yelled, "I've been missing you!" It melts and breaks my heart at the same time.

the backpack full of school supplies

Day at the Water Park

On Saturday, we took the boys to Pirate's Cove for a day of fun in the sun. We had 2-for-1 coupons and got there early. This was great because we got some chairs for relaxing and beat some of the crowds. The place isn't very big, but perfect for kids that are ages 6 and 3. D-man was just tall enough (49 inches) so he was able to get a wrist band for the big water slides. I don't know who had more fun on the slides, D-man or Marshall!

We packed a picnic lunch and then grabbed some Baskin Robbins on the way home. A great, affordable family day outing.

Tanner was really enjoying the zero entry and running in the water

Enjoying the Lazy River

The slides that Drake was big enough to go on

Summer is not over yet......

Well, although school has started for my eldest, I am making sure that these last few days before I start my job are full of fun. And by fun, I mean fun for the kids AND me. Wednesday night was a kid free happy hour downtown to see a friend in from Texas. Six of us were able to get together, and we enjoyed some drinks, food, and plenty of laughs. There is nothing like good friends.

Today, my youngest and I went to the zoo with a girlfriend of mine from Eagle and her twins (that are the same age as my youngest). We enjoyed catching up and exploring the zoo with the kiddos. It was pretty hot, and T-man was a GREAT boy!

on the train at the zoo

A favorite of the day - the giraffes!

After my eldest got home and finished his homework, I had to drag the kids to the pool (I'm not exactly sure why they didn't want to go given that it was over 90 degrees today). Since we won't have these opportunities much longer (weather, school, my new job, etc.), I really wanted to get out to the pool. Of course, when the boys got there, we all had a great time! Marshall joined us and there was actually a pool party with music and free food. Jackpot! So, the boys got to enjoy the pool and food and I was free from doing dishes by hand (because the NEW dishwasher is still broken).

like father

like son

Enjoying an evening at the pool

And then (I just had to post this because it was completely random), they had belly dancers as entertainment at the pool party (ok, it became less random when we found out that you can take a class in belly dancing on Saturday mornings at the athletic club). Drake was curious as to why they didn't have any clothes on......

Summer in the Mountains

Two of the last three weekends, we have been fortunate to spend time in the mountains (with free lodging!). Thanks to two different sets of friends, we spent time in Keystone and Leadville. I really enjoy the mountains in the summer: less people, beautiful hikes, and mountain towns great for walking and relaxing.

In Leadville, we enjoyed hiking, S'mores, boys in the paddle boat, and drinking and catching up with friends. In Keystone, we enjoyed eating out, pool time (T-man willingly jumped in to Marshall and put his face under water multiple times), mini-golf, and drinking and hanging out with friends. Do I sense a theme here? Such different trips, but things are always more relaxed when you are away from home. The laundry, the dishes, and all the other tasks that need to be done aren't hanging over you when you are on vacation. We're just so extremely lucky to be able to have such amazing places for our weekend get-a-ways.

On our way back from Keystone this weekend, my youngest fell asleep right when we got to Denver (around 5:20). He woke up about 5 minutes after we got home and then fell asleep on the couch until 7:30. We just decided to put him to bed at that time and he slept until 8:00 this morning. Apparently, the mountains can also be exhausting.

Chillaxing

Exploring the Beaver Ponds outside of Leadville

S'mores!

Hiking outside of Leadville

Lake Dillon

Enjoying the pool in Keystone

The boys in the "City Marshal's Office". Cute! 

The Playground

One thing we didn't do much (any) of this summer was head to the playground. Lots of it had to do with our schedule. Lots of the time, we simply weren't here. With swimming lessons in the morning, I wasn't big on heading to the playground in the heat of the day. Part of it is that D-man gets bored easily at playgrounds these days. And maybe most importantly, I'm not really a playground person.  There's a playground we can walk to, but it isn't a neighborhood playground. I don't see the same people. I'm not going to run into people I know. And when I'm there, I'm not big on making chit chat with folks I don't know and won't see again. Plus, with my kids, they always seem to need entertaining on the playground. I'm not the mom that gets to sit and read the paper while her kids play. So, in the end, we just don't go to the playground that much.

That being said, my youngest really enjoys the playground. We took a family bike ride on Sunday to a new park near our house and he had a great time. So, during these last couple of weeks at home with my 3yo, I'm vowing to make an effort to get to the playground. Yesterday, we hit the "dragon" playground he saw on our way back from golfing. He requested it and he had a nice time. And yup, I actually survived too.

Getting so big

1st Day of School

Ready for school!

D-man started first grade this week at Highline Academy. We are thrilled with his teacher and very excited about a great year!

He had a full day of school followed by some bike riding around the block. We then headed to the YMCA picnic for hot dogs, snow cones, face painting, fire engine tours, and a bouncy slide.

And we had NO homework. What a great first day for everyone!

Monster!

scorpion face painting

What a way to wrap up the first day of school!

Lowe's is the Way to Go

On Saturday, our freezer went south. The fridge was soon to follow on Sunday. We were less than pleased given that we just purchased our fridge less than 2 months ago. Luckily, our neighbors have 2 refrigerators and we have been able to store a lot of things at their house. But, here is what our fridge currently looks like:

The produce on ice

The current PV refrigerator 

After a bit of the run around, Whirlpool told us they could have someone out here on Tuesday. Marshall called the actual shop doing the repairs and they were able to come today. Well, the diagnosis was not good. The compressor has gone bad (a MAJOR repair). The part has been ordered and will (hopefully) be here Thursday. Until then, we are spending a small fortune on ice and digging out wet food out of the coolers.

Whirlpool only repairs their appliances so you can guess we were not happy. Luckily, we bought our appliance through Lowe's and they are going to replace it for us. It will take up to two weeks, but I'm just happy to get rid of this lemon and start with a new fridge. This kind of customer service really is refreshing. We have dealt with professional and courteous people and they are taking care of things. When we need something from a hardware store, I know where we will be going in the future.

The Last Day of Summer

Today was our last true day of summer as D-man starts 1st grade tomorrow (no, I can hardly believe it). I wanted to make sure we had a great day. My plans to go to the water park were spoiled from the beginning as I discovered that the water park was only going to be open on weekends now.

Luckily, I improvised and we headed to McDonald's for breakfast and coffee (yup, I am one of those parents that takes their kids to McDonald's every now and then) and golfing in the afternoon. The golfing was absolutely perfect. We went to the Harvard Gulch Par 3 course. It was spitting rain when we started and it really started to come down more on hole 3. Because of the rain, we had the course to ourselves. After the brief shower, we had no more rain and got to enjoy the course without any worry about other golfers on the course (this is key when you are golfing with a 3 and 6yo).

After golfing, we came home and the boys watched a movie, played some Wii, and then we made pizza for dinner. D-man finished his summer math and reading packets today as well. We topped it off with a trip to Dairy Queen for ice cream (my 6 year old's request for our special outing).  And then we had to hurry home because D-man was very conscious about what time he needed to be in bed. I better cherish the days he is running to get to bed early to be ready for school the next day!

At McDonald's

Notice the golf glove on Tanner

Drake did well carrying his bag

my big boys wrapping up our amazing summer

DQ baby!

$5 Fun

Thursday morning, my eldest asked me the date. After I told him it was the 12th, he reminded me that it was the last day for the summer library ticket at Lakeside Amusement Park. Although we had the school ice cream social at 6:00, D-man and I ventured out for a night of amusement park fun. And Lakeside did not disappoint - what a great trip back in time! The setting, the lights, - you could imagine yourself there years ago. It reminded me of going to Peony Park in Omaha when I was a kid. .

D-man pointed out the beautiful lights and reminded me that he was indeed right when he said it would be prettier to go at night. He enjoyed some kiddie rides as well as some of the bigger rides. I enjoyed holding his hand as we strolled through the park, chatting with him as we waited in line, and watching the pure joy on his face during his time on the rides.

With the free library ticket, we enjoyed a beautiful night out for only $5 ($2 for the ferris wheel and tilt-a-whirl ride for me and $3 for two ice cream cones). I really wasn't excited to go, but the trip was definitely worth a lot more to me than $5.

Lakeside Amusement Park

in line for the ferris wheel

Riding the "Whip"

On the Satellite - big boy stuff - he controlled how high he went

Lots of fun riding the tilt-a-whirl together

beautiful night

Returning to Work at Return Path

Mama's going back to work. And the timing couldn't be better. Well, we all know that staying home with two kids is work, but I'm returning to "official" work and will be again holding down two jobs  - full time mom and full time employee. My start date is September 1st which is great because it gives me some time to get my eldest settled into first grade and get my youngest back at his school.
 
I'll be joining Return Path as Director, Response Consulting. I will be helping Return Path's clients optimize anything to do with email. I'm very excited about this position and working for Return Path (which was rated as one of the best places to work in Colorado for the 2nd year in a row).

Of course, we'll have to adjust to this new reality, but I am going to have some flexibility in my schedule and have the ability to work from home part time. After working full time work from home the past six years, the ability to work from home was very important to me (or at least work for a company that was located close to our house). And obviously, after having this time at home for the past several months, anything is going to be an adjustment. The work/life balance is always going to be something I struggle with and I hope I am doing the right thing for my family - both now and in the future.

Two Sides of the Coin

I'm really at an interesting point in my life. I've had an amazing summer with the boys - swimming, traveling, sleeping in, and just the ability to truly relax. And yet, when I prepare for an interview or research a company, I get excited. I enjoy working. I enjoy being part of a team and creating good things. What I don't enjoy is the struggle to enjoy both my home and my work life. I know I want to go back to work and have so much to offer. Of course, the idea of going to work also makes me a bit sad too.  How do I ensure the needs of my family are met on so many levels - personally, socially, financially, etc.?

I think this is something so many women struggle with - how can you balance both sides of your life? How can you have fulfillment as a mother and a professional? I was so fortunate to work for a family friendly company and family friendly bosses the past 9 years. And although I am excited the next chapter in my professional life, I can't help but look back on the last 7 months with some nostalgia.  Once I do start a new job, it will be an exciting new chapter in my life. And, I am so thankful for the last few chapters of my life - some wonderful time off, some time to myself, and some wonderful years at a great company.

And, like any new chapter, things seem to work out. I would have never asked to be laid off (or just quit my job) to "hang out" for 7 months, but that's what happened. And I truly enjoyed it.  I'll always be able to look back and remember "that summer".  And even though the boys may not remember it, I will. And when the next chapter begins, we'll figure out our new reality and I'll be thankful for the two sides of the coin in my life. No matter heads or tails, I win.

Summer Musings

blowing out dandelions

This summer has been like no other before. After having four months at home to myself, the boys and I have had a great summer. It is hard to believe that D-man starts school is just two weeks! Here are some thoughts that wrap up our summer.

You know it is the lazy days of summer when the two places you frequent most are the pool and the library.

You know it is summer break when you can be gone 22 of 25 days. 

I'm not above using a coupon at the liquor store.

I had a friend tell me I looked tan. I am about the whitest person many people know.

Yes, I really did contemplate getting a beer at the club house when I went to play mini golf with my kids.

The pure joy of watching my son learn to dive off the diving board. A true summer activity.



Being so fortunate to see all of our immediate family within a month. That's saying something when they live in Nebraska, Minnesota (now California), Belgium, and Washington.

Summer reading for prizes is much more fun than homework.

Going to bed at 10:00 isn't a problem because it means we all get to sleep in until 9.

The ability to enjoy projects with my kids - making garden stones, tie-dye t-shirts, and birthday cakes.



Both the joy (and frustration) of having my biggest worry be what's for dinner and when will I clean the house.

Surviving our first season of T-ball.

Having my 3.5 year old tolerate swimming lessons.

Amused by the fact I got my 6.5 year old looking through the ads to find the best deals on school supplies.

Laughing at my 3.5 year old asking his older brother as he beats him up, "You want some of this?"

Every Mom Has Her Thing

Every Mom has her thing. For some, it is all about organic foods.  For others, it is making sure their kids always wear matching clothes. For my sister, it's making sure her girls actually eat their food (she likes them to have matching outfits as well). For me, it is sleep.

Since my oldest was born, I have been obsessed about the amount of sleep my boys get (I am actually much better about it now that they are older). But, I was reminded about my "obsession" when I was trying to get my one year old nephew down for a nap this past weekend. Of course, he didn't fall asleep, but he lived. We all did.

When my eldest was first born, there was an article about how important sleep was to a child. From then on, I was cursed. I spent countless hours making sure my kids got enough sleep and were good sleepers. My efforts eventually paid off - my kids are good sleepers and can sleep most anywhere (we always travel with a white noise machine). And I still see more and more research about the importance of sleep (both for children and adults). Hopefully, the "sleep nazi" in me has helped my kids do better in school, stay healthy, and avoid those horrible melt downs from being over tired.

And even though true nap time is over at our house, we still have rest time cuz mama needs her sleep too. :)