We Got Our Money's Worth

 

Our evening at the Buff/Coug game was an exciting one. We ended up getting free tickets at the door (woohoo!) and then got to take in a double overtime game. It was a very exciting game, but unfortunately, the Cougs ended up on the short end of the stick (again). Both boys were really cheering for the Cougs in the 2nd half (D-man wore his CU shirt for the 1st half and Coug shirt for the 2nd half). Gramma and Granddad would have been SO proud of their Coug cheering grandsons! 

These games are tough for Marshall as he has dual allegiances, but it was a fun game and with no school today, it was a great night to go! 

 

Playing Hooky

Late last night we decided to take the boys to the Broncos parade in downtown Denver.  I cancelled some meetings, checked out the bus schedule and told the boys this morning. They were both very excited (one to go to the parade and one to just miss school). 

After picking up the boys from school, we headed to the Park-n-Ride only to be told that people had been waiting two hours at the bus stop. We aborted that plan and decided to take matters into our own hands. Surprising, we hit very little traffic, found a strategic parking spot (a mere mile away from the route) and then hoofed it to Marshall's office. It was a gorgeous day and a really fun adventure - you definitely see a different side to the city when you're walking. 

T-man's favorite part was getting a candy bar at Marshall's office; D-man's was seeing the Lombardi trophy. I loved taking it all in and having Marshall be able to join us for lunch. It was truly a magical day and hopefully one the boys will remember for years to come. I know Marshall and I will. 

T-man's Talents

T-man had quite the last few days. On Friday, he was presented with an I-CARE award during the monthly community gathering at school. He earned it for respect.  

On Saturday, he scored 6 points in his basketball game and was having a phenomenal game until he stole the ball and was knocked down and hit his head on the concrete gym floor. He was a trooper. 

On Sunday while Marshall and D-man were at basketball games in Greeley, T-man and I had a breakfast date at the Huckleberry in downtown Louisville. T-man picked the place and we had such a nice time chatting, people watching, and looking for Bronco gear (we even spotted a dog in a Bronco jersey). 

We are so proud of his accomplishments and the young man he is becoming, 

Our breakfast date with yummy coffee and Huckleberry lemonade 

Super Bowl 50 Champs!

We didn't think we would win two weeks ago. We didn't think we would win tonight. And yet, the Broncos had other plans. As we tell the boys, that is why you play the game. 

It was fun to cheer on the Broncos to   victory as a family. Likely, this is the only time this will happen and we're thankful for this memory. GO BRONCOS! 

Epic Escape

Or not......in our case......but, we still had fun on a night out in Denver with friends. After failing in the Epic Escape Games in Denver, we enjoyed deep dish pizza and libations. The boys enjoyed their evening hanging with friends as well. 

The Melting Pot

When we were on the ski lift last weekend, people on the lift asked us our favorite restaurant in Louisville. T-man popped up with Smashburger and D-man with The Melting Pot. And since it was his choice for his birthday dinner, we headed there for dinner tonight (thanks to Marshall scoring last minute reservations). 

It really is a fun experience with the boys - probably one of the rare ones where we aren't trying to rush out the door and the boys are continually asking when we are leaving. And who can say no to chocolate fondue?

Um - not a great selfie but a great night 

Uncle Marshall Visit!

Marshal had a business trip to Minneapolis and made a surprise visit to the Marshall family. He delivered a couple little gifts, hung out for a bit, and then help put Ari to bed.  So glad it worked out! 

The Pure Joy of a Snow Day

There aren't many things these days that bring both boys to that really excited state - the one where they end up shaking their fists in excitement or wanting to hug is. But today, a snow brought out this reaction from each boy separately. 

It was a nice day to be able to stay in. I worked and they did the typical snow day activities - watched TV, played video games, played board games, wrestled, and did a bit of baking - peanut butter balls and snow ice cream. We also got the drive shoveled and T-man went sledding with the neighborhood crew. 

Most of all, I was happy to see them enjoy being together. They laughed, sang, and just chatted away. I hope that never ends. 

Lots of snow 

Playing stratego 

Making snow ice cream 

The other baker 

Cheers! 

Hard Working Birthday

After a sleepover in the mountains and waking up really early to get to lacrosse tryouts in Boulder, D-man had two basketball games (1-1). And the fun didn't end there - a night of homework followed. 

We did find time to celebrate with the basketball team after their games and enjoy pizza, presents, and cupcakes at home. It was a busy day, but D-man (although exhausted) was in good spirits and enjoyed the extra attention showered  upon him (T-man even offered to get his Sprite from the garage!). 

Happy birthday son. We love you so much. 

Basketball birthday 

Birthday pizza (and no cooking!)

Presents 

Family selfie! 

DKP Celebrates 12 in WP

In just a few minutes, it will be D-man's 12th birthday. Instead of a birthday party this year, we did a ski weekend in Winter Park. It was a warm day with very little wind which made for a nice day of skiing. 

We ate on the mountain (instead of bringing sandwiches), hung out with friends from Louisville, and D-man got to ski with 2 friends. We then had dinner with our Louisville friends at their condo and the boys got to swim in the pool and we had a cake for D-man.  Even though it wasn't a "party," I hope D-man had a special day and realizes how special he is to all of us. 

The birthday boy scoping out the runs 

D-man and his friend 

T-man on the slopes 

Birthday cake and friends 

Super Bowl Bound!

Unbelievably, the Broncos are headed to Super Bowl 50! Marshall was at the game and said it was one of the most memorable sporting events he has been to. I watched it over at the neighbors which was so much more fun than watching it alone. D-man, unfortunately, had two basketball games so he wasn't able to watch. 

Day 3 for Peyton's jersey 

SO LOUD 

#unitedinorange 

Broncos M&M's 

60 and Sunny

Sixty and sunny in January means hitting the driving range and the putting green with your friend and then having a rocking basketball game. While T-man didn't score, he had a couple of assists and also was playing great defense and hade a couple of jump balls. He was proud and so were we. 

Show Your Spirit

Bronco fever is high in Colorado again. How fortunate are we that we have been able to cheer our team in the postseason for a few years? Even more fun to cheer for Peyton Manning. It's pretty certain this is Petyon's last year which makes each game potentially bittersweet. It's been a great ride. 

We love Peyton 

Bronco fever at Return Path 

Academic Achievements

D-man has had a couple of pretty impressive weeks academically. Last week, it was announced that he earned a spot on the "high" honor roll (3.75 or greater). He wrapped up fall semester with all As and A+s. 

Today, he and his friend presented their science fair project - "Does orange juice or Gatorade have more electrolytes?" To get the answer, you'll have to ask the scientist. Very proud of D-man and his friend - one of only 10 projects in the middle school. 

Hero Snow

MLK is quickly becoming my favorite holiday ski weekend. Yes, the lines were longer yesterday, but today we had "hero snow" (as our friend David Smiley would say) and sunny skies. The lift lines were NON-existent today and the traffic also minimal. Having no work/school today and having the bus pick you right up? Wins all the way around! 

What a fun family getaway. 

Amazing view 

Chilling on the slopes 

DKP 

Sunday Funday

9 inches of fresh powder make for an amazing day on the slopes. Our condo in Old Town Winter Park was only 1 stop from the base so we were able to get up and enjoy the powder. 

I spent the morning with T-man on the bunny slopes while he practiced snow boarding while Marshall and D-man battled the lines and got in some great runs. Then, we switched after lunch and there was still powder to be had. 

View from our condo 

Chairlift selfie 

Powder! 

And the bonus? We didn't have to drive back and we all made it back to cheer on the Broncos to victory. 

Orange crush! 

Winter Park Place

After D-man's basketball games this morning (1-1) and T-man attended a birthday party, we headed up to Winter Park. The drive was quick and uneventful so we were able to enjoy the evening in Old Town Winter Park. We walked to the base to check things out and then enjoyed après ski at the local tavern next to our condo. Spaghetti dinner, football, and hot tub made a nice start to our MLK ski weekend. 

The village 

Adolph's Tavern 

Special drinks! 

Star Wars Baritone

Marshall was out for wings and T-man had basketball practice so D-man and I were home alone. We enjoyed dinner by candlelight and the conversation included chatting about band. This led to a baritone concert featuring Star Wars music and some other old staples. 

Candlelight baritone concert with wine 

Later, we were listening to music, dancing, and I even got him to practice slow dancing. He's getting big (he started texting on his iPad this week), but he's still willing to dance in the kitchen with me (which I will treasure).