Tapas for Twenty

 Even though Drake's birthday isn't until the end of the month, we celebrated on Sunday given everyone's schedules. Drake wanted something new and Marshall found a great place in Boulder for Spanish Tapas. 

Gemini was on Pearl Street, parking was super easy and the holidays were still on in Boulder. We tried a variety of appetizers and then variations of many of the tapas we had in Spain. It was great to celebrate Drake and try something new. 

I'm not sure how we have a twenty year old, but we are so proud of the young man he is becoming and happy to have him here to celebrate. May the next year be full of new experiences and great memories as he heads into his next decade. 

Poker Night

 

Axe Whooping

We had time to squeeze in a family activity on Saturday and use the gift certificate for ax throwing we had won at the school auction. 

We headed to Denver so we could take advantage of an earlier start time and get out of the Louisville bubble. 

We played a few games and switched up teams. We also were able to throw knives and stars. It was a fun family activity and something new. 

We then walked down Broadway a few blocks and grabbed hot chicken for lunch at Trve - a goth like brewery/bar. Fun Julia strikes again. 

The day wrapped up with Tanner headed to work and the rest of us heading to a neighbors so the guys could play poker and the ladies could hang out. I'm glad we could make that work! 

Stock Show Parade

Dairy block 

Union Station 

Our wedding venue 

Cattle drive 

So much fun 

Indian food! 

The lights are finally on outside the neighborhood! 

On Thursday morning, Drake and I headed to downtown Denver on the FF1 bus to catch the Stock Show Parade. In all my years in Denver, I had never been. The parade was really entertaining. The best part is seeing a "cattle drive" in downtown Denver with 30 longhorn cattle being herded up 17th street. Drake commented how it is hard to believe Denver was once a "western" city - it really has changed since I arrived almost 30 years ago......

We grabbed a quick lunch at Cava and then found a great spot on the route a few blocks up from Union Station. We walked around a bit found a spot at the Westin Hotel for me to take a work call. We walked around a bit more and hit the Dairy Block, McGregor Square and then back to Union Station to catch the bus back. 

I finished the work day up while the boys got the car from the shop. Tanner headed to work and Drake and Marshall made chicken tikka masala. 

It was a special day and so nice to have a day downtown with Drake. 

Open for Business

Well, the basement is FINALLY in order and we played some pool on Tuesday night after dinner. Nice to have some time with Drake. 

Family

 

06-2xxx-xxP

On December 30th, we wrapped up our insurance claim - two years to the day of the Marshall fire. While it was not great having to wrap things up during the holiday season, we are relieved the claim is complete. 

Unfortunately, this time of year is a reminder of the devastating fire. But, the neighborhood is coming back to life and people are certainly resilient. 

I walked along the Coal Creek trail toward old town Superior amd saw the progress in yet another neighborhood affected by the fire. It's a good reminder of perseverance and perspective. 

Sagamore neighborhood 

A stark reminder of our experience two years ago

Ringing in the New Year

It has been awhile since we were "out" for New Year's Eve so it was a different evening for us. I suppose as the kids get older, it gives us an opportunity to not have to be home celebrating with kids. 

We started the evening at the Willbanks for a toast and then headed to Bivrell's for fondue. We then headed down to Louisville Underground for a silent disco. We had some doubters, but we all had a great time ringing in 2024. 

The boys each had busy days - Tanner worked from 4-11 and then hung out with friends; Drake went skiing and spent the night with high school friends in Boulder. 

Today was a day at home with some chores, football and cooking. 2023 was good to us - even with some ups and downs for all of us. May we be as fortunate in 2024 and have our cups filled with lots of love, laughter, time with friends and family and new adventures. 

Karlen Christmas

Even with weather and sickness, everyone made it back to Pender for the Karlen Christmas. Jaima and Marshall were kind enough to cook the prime rib and Mom got out Nana's dishes (which the kids used). 

We had grasshoppers and exchanged gifts. We sat around the living room and opened presents. We laughed. We received generous gifts. Hopefully, the kids realize how fortunate we are. One of Jacki's son asked why Nana and Pop gave them such a nice gift. Jacki talked about Nana and Pop came from nothing and have worked so hard to get what they have and they wanted to share it with those they love. I think that is a very good message.