Thankful

 Another non-traditional Thanksgiving this year. Maybe this is the new traditional? With all the kids either in Portland or with their SOs, it was pretty chill in the Dirty G. We wandered over to Scribbick Ranch early afternoon to celebrate with our friends. Wrapped up in time to make it to 477 to stand in line for their Black Friday sale and celebration. The night was capped off at 1145 when my name was drawn to win the 5 gallon barrel of 477 Old Fashioned. WOW! Been trying for years to win…Matt only gives away one of those bad boys each year. 

Plenty to be thankful for in 2024…Jennifer, the kids, their partners, our life in Greeley, good friends who care about me and us deeply, a good job that I am valued at, and after the debacle in March…my health. 

ICE

 The second ticketed event at the Gaylord this Christmas season is “ICE.” It was pretty special. I even rode down the slide. Thankful for the parkas they provided since they kept it at 9 degrees.  From the website: Celebrate Christmas in Colorado with a visit to ICE! featuring The Polar Express™ to experience the classic holiday story in real life through larger-than-you-can-believe ice sculptures. Ride down thrilling frozen slides, wander through awe-inspiring tunnels, and capture the coolest pictures with your family throughout this frozen attraction.

“Vacation”

 Thanks to some “friends of the program,” we were gifted a two night stay at the Gaylord Hotel and Resort in Denver. We have driven by it many times, but this was the first time we would stay there. It was a fun few days. First a stop at Buckee’s for snacks! Then some relaxing. Reading. Eating. We were able to take in two different shows, Cirque and Ice (more on that in a different post). Sunday was crazy with a resort full of a cheer competition. Catching the Broncos game and MNF on “Colorado’s largest TV screen.” Monday was much calmer. Thanks for the gift, friend. And thanks to the Bella sitters. 

OMA—>DEN

 Travel Day! And some Bowling and a puppy who missed me. Said goodbye to the Arizona kids at the airport. Sad we might not be together again in person for a year. Uneventful 60 minute flight home. Then jumped back in to real life, including a bowling fundraiser for the Food Bank and a trip to Dutch Bros for a coffee and a pup cup! Grateful to be able to attend and support the UNC Men’s hops team this year with another big win!