Azorean Birthday

Like our last trip to the Azores seven years ago, the Portuguese paradise in the Atlantic did not disappoint. It was a completely different trip this time and we were able to do more as we had more time to explore more of the island.  While I was worried about some rainy weather, Paul found a webcam website that showed the weather in each location on the island (lots of microclimates in the Azores). 

We landed on the morning of Alana's birthday and headed straight to the hotel. We were able to grab some breakfast, take a quick nap and clean up before we had to check out at noon. The hotel surprised Alana with a cake and champagne which we wheeled down to the pool. 

We then walked around Ponta Delgada before heading to our AirBnB in Villa Franca do Campo. We freshened up and then headed to Lagoa Furnas where Paul had a lovely surprise picnic planned for Alana's birthday. We enjoyed three different Portuguese wines along with some local cheeses, charcuterie and fruit. And of course, another birthday cake as well. 

We then walked around the Fumarolas Lagoa das Furnas before heading back. What a wonderful way to kick off Alana's birthday trip. 

Banana's Birthday Bash

Paul threw an amazing 50th birthday party for Alana the night before we left for the Azores. The theme was black, white or sparkles (for the attire) and bubbles (Champagne bar). The CU game was on, the weather cleared up and we danced the night away with the silent disco. 

Matthew and Nabil were also able to come which was fun. What a wonderful celebration for a wonderful friend. Happy birthday Banana! 

Making Lemons out of Lemonade

 Our trip out of Denver did not go as planned - delayed flight, no hotels in NYC, scary extended stay hotel with a nightly audit meant for even more delays - but we laughed our through our adventures and had a lovely day in NYC. We explored around New York University, grabbed some food, got a drink with Heidi and her daughter Mikayla, walked along the Hudson, caught a glimpse of Lady Liberty, walked the Highline and grabbed a slice of ‘za before heading back to the airport. There certainly could be worse places to spend a day. 

Venture X

  I ventured out to Venture X (the co-working space my team likes in downtown Denver) on Thursday. I sported my Nebraska scarf, walked by ann Iowa bar which made me smile, enjoyed a coffee and did happy hour with my coworkers. While I wasn’t super excited to rally in the morning to go downtown, it was an easy bus ride and always good to see coworkers.  I even caught a rainbow on the way home and wrapped up the night with a fantasy football draft and Husker victory. 

Friends

 Marshall and I are fortunate to have friends from so many different parts of our lives - many of whom still reside in the Denver metro area. 

On Tuesday night, we went out with the "22 parents" (the parents of Drake's high school friends) to catch up. We really never hung out together prior to the boys leaving for college, but it has been fun to get together a couple times a year to catch up on the boys as well as each other's lives. 

Tonight, I hosted the NWU Willard ladies for fondue. It is difficult to get this group together as we are very spread out so it is always nice when we can actually make it happen. It was fun to host and always good to catch up. 

FDOC

 A first and a last FDOC (First Day of Class) 

On Iowa!

Tanner is wrapping up his first week in Iowa City and will start classes tomorrow. "On Iowa" week includes lots of different activities for new students to help them get involved and meet people. I'm not sure of all the activities Tanner attended, but I do know he attended the Ultimate Frisbee team throw around at Hubbard Park, as well as his Engineering small-group session. He also attended Kickoff at Kinnick (where they wave at the children's hospital kids for the first time), participated in the "block I" photo and attended the President's Party on the Pentacrest. Here's to an exciting year ahead as a Hawkeye! 

Pizza Hut

Marshall got Drake moved into his home for the next nine months as well got some groceries to set Drake up for the first few weeks of cooking. In Oxford, they name the houses and Drake's house is called "Pizza Hut." He's living with four other fraternity brothers (with two others in the garage apartment). It's a great location close to Uptown and walkable to classes. Here's to a great senior year (gasp!).