The Folks

Seems like the only time we get to see the Wyoming grand parents recently is when there is a hospital stay, a doctors appointment or some other medical procedure involved. We got to see them today after dads eye appointment! While I was finishing up work, they had lunch in downtown Ft. Collins. Then I joined everyone for some ice cream at Ben and Jerry's. So thankful that dad is healing up and will be ready for his next eye procedure in a few weeks. 

Memorial Day Weekend

For the first time in over four years, I had Memorial Day weekend off! But we sure packed it full of stuff. Jennifer and I dated on Friday night. We decided to give downtown Greeley a shot and we weren't disappointed. The new go-cup district is pretty sweet. There was live music, art and stilt walkers! We had a nice dinner at the Rio and enjoyed sitting on the patio. 

Saturday was a blur of graduation and parties. Noah played tuba for the Frontier graduation, and helped set up and tear down. Nathanael and Andrew spent the day at friends houses. Ryan and Sarabeth chilled out at home. 

Sunday morning at church, the youth group that is heading to Oregon was presented and prayed for.  There are 31 kids and 16 adults going. The Sunday afternoon party circuit started at Luke Coggswells graduation party, then moved down the block to Paul's annual birthday/Memorial Day BBQ. We finished up at Devin and Ashley's. Boy the kids ate a lot! It was a really fun weekend. I was glad to head back to work Monday so I could get some rest. 

Teachers!!

Finally made it home from work on Thursday at about 3:30, and what did I find in my backyard?? Teachers!! A whole bunch of teachers. Turns out, we were hosting the end of school year party at our house. It was a great evening of celebrating the end of another school year. We were also able to celebrate and say good bye to several teachers who won't be back at Frontier next year. 

Awards

Still trying to catch up on blogging from events in the past month or so. A 50 hour a week job has really cut into all my free time. 

The middle school awards night was held several weeks ago. Noah and Andrew both earned awards for their hard work during the school year. Noah earned two awards, one for "outstanding composition student" and one for "techno yearbook manic". Andrew earned recognition for the success of their Academic Pentathlon team. The team finished 9th and 11th in the country. Andrew earned a silver and bronze medal. Pretty impressive, considering the topic was Russia and Russian history!! It was a proud mom that got to present several of the awards! 

Free Baseball!

Extra innings in Colorado! After getting three straight outs in the top of the 10th, Nathanael and I decided to start walking to the car. We stopped in right field to watch Cargo bat and he got a double. Then they walked Tulo to get to the Baby Bull. He hit a single right at us and won the game!!! Nathanael was very excited to see his Rockies win in extra innings. 

Rockies!!

Finally back at Coors Field for the first time since last September with Uncle Wesley. Was reflecting on the drive down here about how much has happened in my life since our last game. Crazy! 

The first surprise was our favorite parking lot is now being turned into more condos. So we parked a little further away for the same price. The seats are still amazing. Front row!! Trying to win one tonight against the first place Diamondbacks. So far, so good. Rockies up 2-0 top of the 3rd. 

Food!

Great night at the ball park so far. Tulo has a double and a home run. Rockies winning 4-0 in the top of the 7th. Nathanael has enjoyed some nachos and now a soft pretzel. We were close on two foul balls, but not close enough. 

Band

It was the final concert of the year for the middle school bands tonight. The theme for the evening was "Star Wars and Batman." Interesting combo, I know. You can see Little Andrew preparing to play percussion in the back of the band. In the second picture, you can see the top of Noah's tuba. It always helps to identify you in pictures when you either get to stand up or play one of the larger instruments in the band. 

Karate

Sarabeth had her first big karate test on Saturday to move from a white belt up to a yellow belt. The test started at 2:45. I thought it would only take 15 or 20 minutes to show the instructor her few new moves. At almost 4:30, we were finally able to leave. It was a really neat test, and we will be prepared for several hours next time. Congrats sister!!

Moms

Happy Mothers Day to three pretty amazing women in my life. First of all, happy Mothers Day to my mom, who I have known all my life. Thanks for loving me, supporting me, cheering me on in my many adventures, and helping me get through everything this past year has been about. Someday soon I hope we can be together for a reason other then a check up or one kind of doctor appointment or another.  I love you. 

For my favorite mother-in-law, thank you for the amazing daughter you raised and for making me a part of your family these past 16 or so years. Thank you for your prayers, support, visits to Greeley to be with me after surgery and chemo, and for being such a wonderful grandma. Thanks also for getting me hooked on HGTV!

Jennifer, I love you. Your strength and support and encouragement and love and tenderness are amazing. You love our kids so much it touches and amazes me. I know today wasn't as special as Mothers Days in years past, and I'm sorry for that. The kids and I are so blessed to call you mother and wife. 

FFS

This spring, Nathanael has been participating in an after school work out program called Fast First Step. It is run by the PE teacher Mr. Betcher. It is held two or three times a week in the Frontier gym. Nathanael loves it. Monday was the last FFS of the year, so it was friends and family day. Sarabeth was able to attend and take part in the obstacle course. I watched. All they needed was fire and water and it would have resembled a Tough Mudder. 

Fish!

It was a big day for Nathanael, as the entire 4th grade headed over to Sanborn Park for the annual fishing trip. The Colorado Division of Wildlife provides each 4th grader a brand new fishing pole, and encourages them to enjoy the outdoors and go fishing. Nathanael didn't catch anything, but he had a great time trying!