From a Boy to a Man

As I write this I am wondering where the time went… things go by so fast we easily forget to savor every moment we are given.  I cannot tell you how proud Mike, myself, and our entire family is of our son Nicholas John.  He left Colorado two months or so ago our eldest son, our boy.  Somehow in those couple months he became a man!  How does THAT happen??

I sat through his Navy Boot Camp Graduation (almost without crying!) and then, later, watched him as he told stories of what he’d done the last couple of months and I was having a hard time reconciling this articulate, funny, expressive, wise, mature grown man with the cute, fun-loving, affectionate, clever little boy I watched grow up.

The joy and pride (mixed with a little fear and fierce protectiveness) still brings tears to my eyes if I think on it too long.

ANYWAY — We had a wonderful time with family and were so thrilled to see Nick.  Enjoy the pics of Graduation and Family time!

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Major Leagues here he comes!

Okay, maybe not quite Major Leagues yet… but he was  looking good today (it was his first game EVER).

You know Spring is here when Baseball starts and it started for Logan today.  The Volcano’s had their first game and Logan did really well.  Unfortunately, they lost – 13-10 – but it was a great game and the boys had fun!

He had a hit, scored a run and was a great catcher — he’s so adorable in all his catcher gear (I know… that’s the last thing a player wants to be is adorable, but what do you want?  I’m his mother!)  🙂

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St. Patrick’s Day & More!

It is a beautiful morning here in Colorado.  We have fresh snow blanketing the ground and lacing the trees.  It’s so pretty sparkling in the sun.  A beautiful reminder of everyday blessings.

Yesterday was St. Patrick’s day.  The kids were all decked in green.  Logan had a school play and it was a lot of fun watching the little ham on stage!  He had a lot of fun singing and dancing.  He even had a line in the play – and did great job!

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A Busy Start to 2011

We are, amazingly, already over halfway through February.  We have had a very busy beginning this year!  Lots of snow and activity.

Logan entered the Science fair – he didn’t place this year, but got a trophy for participating.  He even told me, “Mom, I didn’t get first, second OR third.. but I still got a trophy.  I guess I’ll just have to work harder next year!”  What a great attitude he has about everything. 

Alexis had to give a presentation about a person or place that has affected Colorado history.  She chose Mary Elitch Long, the co-founder of Elitch Gardens.  She did a GREAT job and really worked hard to put together a beautiful presentation and costume.  The kids had to pretend they were in a Wax Museum and give their presentation when someone pushed their start button. 

Our weather has been crazy – Lots of snow one day and in the 50’s the next.  We are currently enjoying the 50’s and are hoping it stays around for awhile this time.  All of us are ready for Springtime.  🙂

Today, Logan was playing baseball and roller-hockey with the neighbors.  One of the boys, Jeffery, he grew up next door, was out playing with him and helping him.  Jeffery thinks he has a future as a goalie!  Whatever the future brings – he sure had a good time today.  Jeffery must have been outside playing with the kids for 3 hours or more.  He’s a great kid (actually, he’s graduated college and now teaches at Dakota Ridge H.S.) and has always been wonderful with the kids in the neighborhood.

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Christmas Eve and Christmas Day 2010

The weather in Colorado is not very “christmas-y” right now – as we have been in the 50’s and 60’s with not a flake of snow in Littleton.  However, we did find snow and a beautiful sunny afternoon in Keystone on Christmas Eve Day.  Mike and I took the kids Ice Skating on Keystone lake and then visited the village afterwards for a snack before heading home.  It was a wonderful afternoon and something we may have to make a tradition!

     

The next morning was Christmas and Stacy and the kids woke us up at 7 a.m.?!!  It was a great morning with lots of surprises and fun.  Alexis and Logan were thrilled with all their presents – as you can tell from Logan’s face!  Mike had to join in the excitement as well. When Nick got here, he became the favorite brother with gifts of Marshmellow Crossbows!!  Everyone had fun having a Marshmellow war.

The dogs enjoyed their 3 ft bones while we opened all the presents.

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It was a wonderful day. We are looking forward to what the new year is going to bring.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year Everyone!

Christmas is coming!

I always know Christmas is getting close when we go to Christmas brunch at Pinehurst and get to see Santa, Mrs. Claus and the Christmas goose!  Good food, a ride on the Polar Express to put an ornament on the tree, singing with the Claus’ and creating wonderful memories with my family.  I don’t think it gets better than that!

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Alexis’ school program

Alexis school program was about countries around the world.  The kids sang songs from different countries in different languages.  Alexis even learned a little Italian for her speaking part!  Logan was quite the “ladies man” and eventually moved to the floor to sit with friends (most of which were girls!).  🙂

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Thanksgiving at our home

We had a wonderful time with family.  Our whole family was with us – even Nick!  So we took advantage of the situation and got a family photo.  Mom, Doug, Grampa Dave, Heather, Ted, Damon, Paul and Paul’s girlfriend, Sara were all here.  It was a great day with much to be thankful for.

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Racoon Run

Every year, Govenor’s Ranch Elementary does a fund-raiser called the Racoon Run.  The kids all go out to the track and run their little hearts out for 45 minutes. The money earned purchases new computers and gym equiptment.

This year, both my kids wanted to walk around the neighborhood and ask for sponsors — I was surprised by this (mainly because it was the LAST thing I would have wanted to do!) but they did it and got some sponsors.  I was very proud of them.  They both did a great job and had a wonderful time!

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Alexis turns 9!!

Where does the time go??  My baby girl is now 9 yrs old and in the 4th grade.  We had a wonderful time celebrating the gift of this beautiful girl. 

Alexis had 3 celebrations (lucky girl!).  On her birthday, I brought a fruit bouquet to school – which all the kids just love!  Especially the chocolate covered strawberries and apples – YUM!!  That same night the family went to dinner and she got to open presents from all of us. 

Then on Sunday, she celebrated with a group of her friends at Skate City.  Alexis got a new pair of skates and had a wonderful time with all her friends skating, eating pizza and having birthday cake.  The kids skated for 2 hours and probably could have gone for another 2!

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