First Dose of Magic

Lillian's friend Emma invited us over for a really fun birthday party today!

 A Mix of Snow White and Harry Potter!

 Jak loved his balloon hat!

Watching Daddy Work

Well, the snow has melted - so it's time to get cracking on some Spring projects.   

 With this much help (and distractions) it may take a year to finish our new deck!

Parkin' It

Can you tell they're glad the snow is gone?  

Baby Nee - Nee

 Aunt Casey's lookin' good!

Keira has insisted that her new baby sister be named Nee - Nee from the get-go.  The name kind of grows on you doesn't it?

Bye - Bye Baby!

I got a nice surprise phone call from Lillian today...."Mommy, I lost my tooth!". Not even 5 years old and she has 4 loose teeth.  I mean HAD - I guess she's only got 3 loose ones now!   She's only the 2nd kid in her school to loose a tooth - all the other mom's at pick up today said, "Already!?!".  Guess it's good to be advanced in something!

That smile couldn't be more beautiful!



Shame on Me

Maybe I shouldn't share these private family moments, (and Jak may kill me someday for posting this).  But I laid the kids clothes out after bathtime tonight and came around the corner to discover this scene:

I know Jak will hate this one day - but the pure joy captured on their faces when they "tricked" mommy and dressed up in each others PJ's is an image I never want to forget.  They found themselves so funny!

Only in Colorado

 Only in Colorado can you visit the zoo by morning, in short sleeves and sunglasses,

 And take a trip to Silverthorne in the afternoon.

 To wake up to ski the next day!

 And come home to sunbathe and jump in the sprinklers that afternoon!

 What a life these kids have!

We brought our new camper up to Silverthorne and "Camped" in Ginny & Charlie's driveway.  We were warm, snug & perfectly comfortable sleeping in their front yard.  The next morning Matt, Emily, Mike and I took the kids to A-Basin to ski for their 3rd attempt (two this season and one last year).  And to our surprise - both Jak & Lillian skied the Molly Hogan bunny hill by themselves!  Lillian was actually making turns and stopping at the bottom of the hill by the end of the day.  Jak preferred to just crash into our arms, of course.  We are so excited to get them out again next year!

Then we headed back to Denver - to lay out in the sunshine and run through the sprinklers.  What fun!



A Brief Visit with a Dear Old Friend!

Debbie called Friday night announcing that she was in Colorado.  Seems my NYC-living, free-spirited friend is still jet setting around the world and keeping her friends in awe of her fancy lifestyle!  Debbie and her new boyfriend Jimmy spent a few nights in Vail and Beaver Creek.  Debbie picked up skiing a few months ago and has been traveling around practicing her new hobby.

 I drove up to Vail Sunday evening to spend a few hours with Deb, meet Jimmy and have dinner.  It was impromptu and last minute - but so wonderful.  Somethings never change, old friends are the best friends.

Signs of Spring

We're finally warming up and drying out around here.  The 20 inches of snow has melted and we're back in the habit of playing outside after school everyday.  Friday night we came home to a nice surprise in our mailbox.  Cousin Emily sent the kids an invitation to be a ring bearer and flower girl in her wedding next summer!  The invitation was so cool....the kids were able to "scratch off" the request and unveil their surprise wedding assignment.  They were so honored and proud to be asked and of course Lillian's dying to know what her dress will look like.  We're so happy for Emily & Ryley!

 Coincidentally, the kids were enjoying their Spring care-package Aunt Candy sent as cousin Emily's big news arrived.  They put that sidewalk chalk to good use.

 And even though no sound-minded adult would dream of wearing a swim suit and running through the sprinklers on this 60 degree evening, Lillian thought it was a great idea.  Aunt Candy & Uncle John - you're gifts are a hit!

 We hit up the Arvada Kite Festival again this year.  However, last year the festival took place on a ridiculously windy day, annoying me, but creating awesome kite flying fuel!  This weekend there wasn't even a slight breeze.  Very boring conditions for a kite festival.  Luckily, the kids didn't mind.

 And the final news is....Lillian got a wild hair and decided to ask Daddy to take her training wheels off her bike.  Gonna be a back-breaking summer for mom & dad!