And the Glasses go to.....

Austin didn't like having his eyes dialated

Colton

Lauren

Well, today, we had all three of the kids have their eyes checked... WIth my bad eyes, and Brad's one or more of these kids is bound to have glasses, right?  SO they all had their eyes dialated, even Lauren, which I thought was a little young.  And I'm glad it wasn't me getting my eyes checked, it's not my favorite thing.  

Austin had more drops in one eye, and he looked kinda crazy, so I had to take pictures.  He kept telling the Dr., that one eye was dialated more and that his eyes looked funny.  The Dr. told him he could fix that, by adding more drops to the eye that is feeling left out.  Austin quickly said No, thanks. 

So, which of our kids needs glasses????  Colton!!  He will only need to wear them at school.  But it was funny to see him pick out glasses, he found a great pair of Nike frames.  I can't believe the different choices for frames.  I remember my glasses just being brown, and in 5th grade I was excited for Holly Hobby glasses.  Colton, however didn't get the Nike frames, as they were very expensive, but we do like the ones he picked out.  He can't wait for them to be ready.  

So after the appointment, we had to run to the grocery store to pick up a few things.... I tell you what, my kids looked like the three blind mice, as they all had to wear their very fashoinable white paper sunglasses.  It was really funny.  If you can only imagine the scene.  

Family Pictures

Everyone say Cheese!

Grandpa & Grandma & all the Grandkids

Chris, Sonia, Mike & Devyn

Guido, Jaiden & Mary

Felicia & James

Guido, Sonia, Felicia, Noelia

Christmas Again

Cousins, Chris and Colton

The boys are checking out the World Record Book

Jaiden and his new gas pump, how much do you think gas will be when he can drive?

Well, we had a nice ham dinner with all of my family.  I think there was a total of 16 of us.  And I wish I had taken nice pictures, of our yummy feast, like some of my fellow bloggers, but I didn't.  Sorry, maybe next year.  This year we all exchanged small gifts.  And we had a nice evening.  But, as some you know, when we all get together there are lots of funny things that happen....

This year our funny phrase came from Lauren.  As she was opening her gift she pulled out a pair of Christmas socks...And her response to that was, "Oh, socks, just like last year."  We all thought it was pretty funny.  But she does love the cute socks, with milk and cookies, and has worn them a lot already.  

And the boys loved the Book of World Records, book, good choice Guido.  

Having trouble posting pictures, will try again later. 

Saturday

Well, we all are caught up on rest, and we all had errands to run today.  The kids, didn't spend very much of their vacation money, so we all went out as a family to track down our lists, and hoped everything would be on sale.  Brad, was such a trooper.... He thought that, he'd just come along to a few stores, and we'd be done.  Be we had a lot of things to shop for.  Lauren, really wanted to spend her Build a Bear Gift card, she got for her birthday, so we winded up over at Flatirons, and Brad stood in line with her to get her newest dog.  I think it's so funny how Brad shops with Lauren.  He lets the kids buy more stuff than I do.  Lauren had a $50 budget, and Brad thought there's no way you can spend $50 in BAB.  Well, when he got to the register, and heard the final total of $75.  He was a little surprised.  So what did Lauren get?  A Dog, the outfit, matching sunglasses, matching baby dog, leash, roller skates, bed, and purse.  We also, can't believe, that all the reports, of such a bad economy are true, because every time we are out, there are tons of people, and they are buying.....

After that we had to clean up and get ready for Christmas with the Martinez Family tomorrow.  

Christmas Cards

Well, since we were gone, we got a large number of Christmas cards today in the mail.  It was a lot of fun to see everyone, we really enjoy getting pictures.   It's hard to believe how everyone is growing up. 

 I did come across, one special card.  I got a card from one of my kids, and by kids, I don't mean Austin, Colton, or Lauren.... It was from one of my preschoolers from last year.  I was really excited, and told Brad, that I do miss working with the kids.  

Maybe from my volunteer work at the kids, schools, I will be able to work at a school again....

Merry Christmas

Well our trip has come to an end... We flew back home today.  We had a great time, and are glad that we were able to spend time with the Grandpa John, Grandma Becky, Uncle Jake, and Aunt Emily.  We missed Uncle Dave and Aunt Emily.  

We hope everyone, had a great Christmas and we wish everyone the best in 2009.

Today, in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Chris the Lord.  

The end of Vacation

Austin, and Grandpa John and Grandma Becky

The lighthouse

Well for the last few days, the weather wasn't as nice as we would of liked... The wind was awful during the night.   And during the day, it was so windy it was almost cold.  We couldn't go to the beach, due to the huge waves, and the jellyfish that were washing up on shore.  We all did walk down on the beach, and saw the jellyfish.  The kids just stayed at the pool, and Brad took a car load to the nearby lighthouse.   After we were done swimming, we watched tv.  I watched a few episodes of 18 kids and counting, and Wife Swap, what a combo.   We also watched some of Rick Warren's Christmas program, and Dateline had a lot on the Caylee Anthony girl, and this Bernard Madoff.  And the kids, watched Camp Rock, Hannah Montana, and Drake and Josh.  

Air Boat Ride

Look at this Gator

Riding on the Airboat was tons of fun

Look at all of this swam land

Well on our way back to Palm Beach we decided, we should go on an Airboat ride in the Everglades.   It was definitely an awesome experience.  I think this was one of our favorite things of this vacation.  The airboats are loud, and fast.  Our tour guide gave us a lot of information.  And we got a few good pictures.  

We took our time driving back, and drove through all the cool sites of Miami.  We drove along South Beach, and saw lots of big and expensive houses......

Key West Pictures

The beach is so pretty and soft

Here's a big turtle

Here is a pretty little spider

There were 3 sharks in the water

The kids are overlooking a bridge, and looking for marine life

The sun is beautiful, from Key West

Key West

Colton in the sand 

Austin is hard at work, building a trench

Lauren is loving life on the beach

So, Brad thought that while we were down in the southern most part of Florida, that it would be fun to take a drive down to Key West.  We had our own ideas, of what the drive would be like.... That it would be beautiful to be driving down a bridge, and seeing nothing but water on both sides of us.... That's not what the drive actually turned out to be.  The land (swampland, that is), is completely built up.  There aren't any buildings taller than two stories, and there are lots of trees, and stores and houses.  We were a little disappointed.  But we made our way to a state park to do some snorkeling.  The sand here was much softer, and very pretty, this was on the Atlantic Ocean coast.  We moved over to the Gulf of Mexico, and the kids played in the sand, and I went on a little walk.  I saw lots of cool things, including sharks!!!!   Good thing the kids weren't aware, of that, as they were in the same water.  They were having fun snorkeling.  Lauren was a little hesitant at first, but once she figured out the masks, and breathing tube, she loved it.  We, then got in the car, and finished out drive down to Key West. We were racing against the clock, as we wanted to capture the sunset.  We made it with about 5 minutes to spare.  And I love these pictures.   After that we had dinner at Jimmy Buffets.  And then made our way to our hotel.  The stars in the sky over the water were absolutely beautiful. We all fell asleep as soon as our heads hit the pillows.  

A lazy vacation

Colton just came in

Lauren loves the Ocean 

Austin is ready to go in

Well, we just wanted to hang out at the beach and the pool today.  And the weather was great.    We don't like the sand very much, as it's not the super soft, small kind of sand.  But we did love listening to all kinds of seashells being washed up on the shore.  The sound was very relaxing.  Austin got a bogey board, and had a good time riding the waves.  I even got into the water, a few times.  It's definitely hard work treading water, and I made sure to stay close to shore.  

Lauren's Birthday

Well today is actually Lauren's birthday.  It's hard to believe she is already 6!!  She's such a big girl.  She has gone from being this sweet little girl, and she's growing into her own personality, one that she has to keep up with the boys.  

She spent her birthday, on the beach all day.  She liked the sand, and just collecting sea shells.  We did make her a cool sand cake.  We had dinner at La Fogata.  And I made sure Lauren was made aware, that after today, all of her birthday privileges and celebrations are over, until next December.  

Christmas in Florida

Well we had to leave early this morning, and it was freezing when we left.  The plane ride was nice and smoothe.  After getting all settled in, we had pizza for dinner, and the kids of course had to check out the pool.  The weather in Florida is so nice.  

We're ready for Florida

We we had lots of last minute details to catch up on before going to Florida.  And once again, Lauren was still celebrating her birthday.  Today she opened her presents from her dad.  He always, finds cool toys for her.  A disadvantage to having your birthday so close to Christmas, is you can have a hard time finding toys.  Brad had to look everywhere for the Swim to me Puppy, and he got Lauren her own MP3 player.  

Austin's Winter Band Concert

Well, today, is Brad's favorite evening of the year.....  Austin had his Band Concert at school.  With the boys being at a charter school, some events are combined with the High School, such as Band Concerts.  (That means, that Jazz Band, Intermediate, Percussion, Choir, and Orchestra all play on one night.)   The last concert I went to went by pretty fast, it only lasted about an hour and 20 minutes.  This, however was a little longer...  which we don't understand, because the kids have finals the next morning.  I do have a few pictures of Austin....

He has moved up to first chair, and he was nominated for the Tri M Club.  I'm not sure of what that means, but I'm sure I'll figure it out at the first meeting.  Austin did a great job, and we even got him in a tie, since he's now used to wearing them for basketball.  

Grandma Gail and Grandpa Rick made the trip up to watch the concert.  Thanks, for coming up. 

Crazy Colorado Weather

Well we have had a fairly mild fall.  We have had extreme days in the 80's and then in the 40's.  It's finally starting to feel like winter.  When we woke up on Sunday morning, it had snowed, just as the weatherman had predicted.   But it was also very cold.  The temperatures this week aren't to get above 20.  I am kinda glad that our vacation is just around the corner.  We definitely love warm weather in the middle of winter.  

We spent our weekend visiting others.  We went to a memorial, for a family friend of the Clingman's.  It was down south, and I was able to meet people who retold of memories of Brad, when he was the same size as our kids.  

On Sunday, after church we went to the Krolls.  Trisha made lots of yummy soup.  Great for a cold day.  It was nice to just hang out, and chat.  

After that, we went to watch the Bronco's game with BJ & Kelly.  And we ate lots of yummy food there as well.  Lauren got a birthday present from Annabelle and Gwyneth.  They got her a Hannah Montana Guitar, and Doll.  Yes, it makes, noise, and that's only because, we got Annabelle a musical toy for her birthday.   We can't wait to get an extra special toy for Gwyneth's first birthday....

Lauren's Birthday Month

Lauren and her cupcakes

Well we will be leaving for Florida on Thursday, December 18th, so we are celebrating her birthday all month.  First on December 7th, we had a small family gathering.  We had some yummy Mexican food.  

Next,  we have gotten to a point where we only have big friends parties every other year.  So since Lauren had a huge Snow Princess Party last year.... this year we said she could invite a few friends to dinner.  We did that on Friday, the 12th.  We went to Chuck E Cheese, and had fun.  But I've seemed to of forgotten about my camera.  So no pictures.  Sorry.  

And the closer we get to her birthday, the harder it is for me to believe she is 6 years old.  She definately doesn't look like a toddler any more.  And she's got quite an attitude, that  I don't know  where it came from.  

Basketball

Well, Austin had his first taste of playing Basketball.....  He hasn't played any sports since 4th grade.  So when he asked to play, we thought it would be good.  He played for the school.   The only downfall of this was that the Jr High and High School share the gym.  SO practice was at 6:00 am.  That was a little hard.  Of course the school is expanding, and the new gym should be done for the returning of students from Christmas Break.   And of course, the boys BB season will be over by then. 

 

Well how did the boys do?  Well they played really hard, but between the 7th and 8th grade teams, the 7th grade boys only won three games.  Austin had a total of a 7 points for the entire season.  But he had a lot of fun.  Good Job Austin

Austin did have to dress up for games.  So he had to wear shirt and ties.  We had lots for fun picking out ties, and having Brad help tie his ties.  He is at a stage of life where he doesn't really want a lot of pictures.  So the picture of his back is his first game day, and he wouldn't let me take his picture.  

Austin was glad to have his Grandma Becky come up to a game, and Grandpa Rick came up to a few games.  

$2.99 Party

Well, with the price of gas being out of control... We all were excited to see the price of gas start to fall..... The first time gas dropped below $3.99, I decided we would start having Gas Parties.  So after I picked up the kids from school, we stopped by the nearest Sonic.  It was Happy Hour and we all got yummy drinks.  I then told the kids we would have another Party, when gas dropped to $2.99.   When gas dropped, I  let our friend Rachel pick anywhere she wanted to go.  Rachel choose Cold Stone Creamery.  Good thing the weather was a nice warm day.  I then told the kids we'd have a $1.50 party, and we let Katrina pick where she wanted her afternoon treat.  She first suggested Starbucks, but then changed her mind to Chick-Fil-A.  The kids all had milkshakes.   We are looking forward to gas to continue to decline.  I told Colton, he will get to choose where we go, once gas hits $1.25.  And Lauren will get to decide if gas falls to 99 cents.  She is looking forward to that, and so am I.  

Lunch

Well, today, Lauren and I decided to see what our friends, Michelle and Shelby were up to.  They were able to meet us for lunch at Chick-Fil-A, imagine that.  Well during our discussion, Michelle told me she was getting a new computer, and to my surprise, she ordered a new Mac on Friday.  I was so excited to know someone, who will be going through the learning process of a new computer (especially a Mac).  So, after lunch I told Brad, that I will have someone to learn the new computer with.  That made him glad, since he knows nothing about the Mac's, he's off the hook, when I need help.  I hope Michelle and I will be able to go to some classes together.  And we are both waiting for our computers to arrive.  

It's Tax Time

Well, I had a really hard time earlier in the year trying to decide what I would do with my semi-emptynest era, (the time in which all the kids are away at school.)   I  just recently accepted the fact that when I sneeze, during the day when no one is home, no one is there to say Bless You.   It's kinda weird.  I really wanted to work at the Preschool again, but only under the condition of teaching my own class, and that didn't happen.  So I decided, I should try working again for H & R Block.  I started taking classes in early September.  I finished in November, and was hired to start December 2nd.  I have had lots of help from friends, that I am extremely grateful for.  And a few things at Block have changed, but I am looking forward to working at the same office I did 4 years ago.  I can't believe it's been so long since I've worked there.  So, if you hear of any talk about my new J-O-B, you will know what it is.  And if I do take a few breaks from blogging between now and April 15th you'll know why.   

November

Well, since much of the month went by, and I didn't post anything, I do apologize.  I have looked at other's blogs, and I often wonder if time has stopped, especially when I see their blog not updated.  I am working on getting pictures organized.  But I think that I will just start fresh.  I did go through withdrawal, from not being on my computer.  I tell you computers are just like cars.  Once you have the convince of a car, it's hard to be without one.  ( I hate if I have to take my car to the shop.... Like I can't live one day without it.)  Well, I made it over a month without a computer.  I definitely like having a computer.  I am going to just start fresh tomorrow.  And if I think of cool blogworthy events, I will blog a few recaps.  Thanks, Noelia

Ordering my New Computer

Well my computer crashed October 30th.... and it's no fun to be without a computer.  I think that computers fall into the same Necessary Evil category as cars do.  Like cars, computers can be expensive, you can buy a new one very two years, they can be very fragile, and need lots of upkeep.  The benefit of a computer is having the world right at your fingertips.   And not to mention being able to make cool things, like pictures, blogs, carpool schedules, and being able to talk to the kids teachers without calling to disrupt class.   So, I have been kinda lost without my computer.  Maybe even a little depressed, (those are Brad's words.)  I have even convinced myself that maybe I don't need a computer.  But Brad thought that getting a new computer would serve us well.  So now, the search for the new computer.  Brad has a coworker, who has given Brad the idea that buying a Mac might be best for me.  So, that's the plan.  But as many of you know, Brad can't buy anything without making sure he's shopped every online store, and found the best deal available.  So, the Mac's wouldn't be on sale until the day after Thanksgiving.  So, Today is the day, he ordered me a new computer.  I hope it gets here soon!

Black Friday

Well, in previous years, I have gotten up and made a trip at least to Target and Walmart for crazy early morning deals.  But this year we are forgoing presents, as we are going on vacation.  So, I did get up, and I went to one store at the new mall,  I got Lauren a few things for her birthday.   Other than that I just vegged out at home all day.  And the kids enjoyed staying at home, and just playing.  It was kinda nice.  

Thanksgiving

Well this year we decided to have some friends come and join us for Thanksgiving.  I did a lot of cooking, and we were glad,  to have Todd, Adriene, Grayson and Olivia join us.  I cooked way too much food.  All the turkeys were on sale for the same price, so I just grabbed one, and it happened to be 21 pounds.  I wish I had been better about taking beautiful pictures, such as some fellow bloggers, but, being frustrated with my computer, I didn't even take out the camera.  Wish I had.  

 

We all have been very blessed this year, our list of things we are thankful for is long.  We've all been healthy this year, Brad has been busy with a good job, the kids are all doing great in school.  We wish all our friends and family many blessings in the new year.  

Air Soft Gun

Well today as I was getting ready for dinner, I heard Lauren burst out screaming.... I then heard Colton saying, "Don't tell Dad. "  I knew that couldn't be a good sign.  So I asked everyone who was involved to come downstairs.  Lauren told me that Colton has shot her in the chest with his Air Soft Gun.  He said it was an accident.  He thought there weren't any bullets in the gun.  I looked at her chest and she had a nice red mark......  I wasn't too happy.  And Colton is lucky it wasn't her face.  You see the boys got these Air Soft Guns last Christmas, from their favorite Uncle.  I didn't really like the idea of the boys having guns, so they have been in my room for almost a year.   And the first time the boys decide to play with the guns, someone got hurt.   The guns are going to be gone from our house.   And Colton has learned why, I think even toy, and play guns are dangerous.  

School Projects

Well Colton had a project due.  He had to make a poster board of the 7 continents, and label the oceans, and mountains.  Not too hard, but of corse I had to make it more difficult.  I thought it was similar to a project Austin did in 4th grade, where you have to make a relief map of the state of Colorado.  Colton's project was very simple, all he had to do was cut out some continents, and place them on a poster board.  Well, I decided I would help him have the best project in class.  So we were going to make the Oceans and continents out of the salt dough that we were making from scratch.  I had helped him complete about half of his project.... And when I picked him up from school he wanted to show me how his project didn't look like any of the others.  So when we went home, he tore apart all the hard work that I had done, because he wanted his project to look like everyone else's.  Needless to say, I didn't help him at all on the rest of the project.  He said he wanted to do his project all by himself.  He did, and he still got an A, on the assignment.  I will try to post a picture later.  

Election Day

Well, both Brad and I Voted early, last week.   We wanted to make sure that we had enough time, to vote.  And we were very interested in this election.  The kids also became very opinionated about both candidates.  While there was lots of talk, I think I really enjoyed Colton's level of reason.  Especially when it came to taxes.  As he and a friend were talking about who they were voting for, Colton pointed out that the fact that raising taxes on everything, would raise the price of toys that they would be buying.  And that raising taxes is a bad thing.  

Lauren also had a little incident with sharing who a family member voted for.  So FYI, Lauren can't keep a secret.  

We are all so glad that the election is over.  However, we will not get anymore mail or phone calls, what will we do?  

I think we were really able to witness a huge changing point in American History.  Unfortnately, I believe all politicians to live up to their expectations, as politicians.  Which means, I don't expect Barack Obama do be able to fulfill all of his campaign promises.  I think we are all eagerly awaiting the job that he will do in the White House.  

The Golf Year

Well, as we wrap of events of the year, Brad had a pretty good year as far as golfing this year.  His golf season started January 2nd, and ended November 1st.  Yes, we had a really warm fall.  Brad was invited to play golf beyond November 1st, but I kinda mentioned that we've played enough golf this year.  Brad also got to play on lots of nice courses this year.  He hopes to have a repeat in 2009.

October

Well the month sure has flown by.... I can't believe it's almost November. And the weather is starting to change. We were expected to get snow here today, but I was glad the weatherman was wrong. But this morning Lauren and I saw snow on a car in the parking lot, so it's coming soon......

Well I have felt that a lot of my recent pictures are only of football and soccer. And there have been plenty of other activities in our lives besides football and soccer. So for those of you who want to know what else we've been up to here's a list.

• We started out the month on a crazy note! I got locked out of the house. Not fun, and we won't discuss how it was all Felicia's fault. I'm just glad that my friend Michelle F, was home and came to help us out. (None of our neighbors were home, and Lauren had to go potty, and she was hungry, since it was lunch time.) Michelle also helped me, because we were tired of waiting for Felicia, and my car wouldn't start. So you should of seen Michelle and I try to jump my car. I thought Brad would of been proud, but I needed more than a jump, I needed a new battery. Crazy Car!!!


• Austin has decided he wants to give Basketball a try. So we've had evening of Open Gym, and parent meetings, and now practice.... Practice starts at 6:00AM, yes 6:00AM. I probably asked Austin 1000 times, if he was sure he wanted to do this, as Austin can't drive himself to school yet. I think it will work out for Brad to help take him in the mornings. His first game is October 28th.


• Austin also had a lock in at a church with one of his friends... It was at a Catholic Church, and they made Rosaries, for soldiers. Being as how Austin doesn't know what a Rosary is, I'm sure the Youth Group leader had fun explaining it.


• Austin is also actively participating in Student Council.  Along with volunteering his services, he enjoys volunteering me to help out with things.  For homecoming we baked about 300 cookies, and worked to decorate them.   

•  Colton has continued to do well with Football.  It's lots of fun to go to games.  And I have lots of pictures.   Their team has remained undefeated.  Until the playoffs..... They won their first game, and then were moved up a division.  And the second and third playoff games, didn't go in our favor.  They won their last game.   I volunteered to put together a slideshow, and wouldn't you know it my computer decided to crash.  

• Having a computer is what I have determined to be a necessary  evil.  In today's society it's hard to get by without one.  And when it crashes, I go through much agony.  I Just got my new computer, on Friday,  December 5th.  But, Brad has been working on putting new programs and getting it all set for my standards.  

• Lauren has had lots of fun and is adjusting to kindergarten still.  Her teachers tell me she is shy at school, but also mature.  She enjoyed her field trip to the pumpkin patch, and her Halloween Parade at school.    She finished up the soccer season with her team being undefeated.  She only scored one goal all season, but she played up, and was on the 1st grade team.  

Elitch's

Well, we have had great fall weather, and we know that before we know it, it's going to be cold. So today we planned to head to Elitch's one last time. Well at church we ran into the twins who are on Colton's team. They, Colton, Christian and Cody, all made plans during church for the boys to come over to our house. (Colton didn't know we were planning on going to Elitch's.) So they were even more excited to find out that we were all going to Elitch's. The boys all had a lot of fun. And after Elitch's they all just played on the comptuter, and football outside.

Saturday

Well today, we were lucky enough to have afternoon games. Lauren's game was first @ Noon. Grandpa Rick came to watch the game. And Grandma Becky came up too. The Wildcats won their 3rd game in a row. We stopped keeping score after it was 12 to 2. Lauren hasn't had a goal yet. But she played well.
Next we were onto Colton's game. The game was in Commerce City, and the team was also undefeated. I think we were a little nervous about this game. We got there a little late, and Colton had lots of cheerleaders. Grandma Becky, Grandpa Rick, Jake, Emily, and the Kroll Family all came to watch. It was a really good game. Colton did have a few times where he had gotten hurt. One time, we thought he had a really bad Charlie Horse, but when we got home, he actually was bruised very badly on his thigh. (He pointed out that it resembles the shape of an eighth note.) But the Chargers won again. They have now won all of their games. And after the game, the Commerce City team handed out trophies, since it was like their homecoming. It was fun for our team to get the winning trophey.
After that we just had a relaxing afternoon.

9.26

Well, we had a lazy morning.... I got Lauren off to school, and Bilette came over to work on making hair bows. I bought a lot of ribbon last year, and didn't use it. So now, I'm trying to make bows for Halloween, and to match some of Lauren's clothes. I do like making bows, and as soon as I'm done, I think I will finally be able to convert the "Craft Room", back into the "Dining Room."
We were going to try to go to the Aquarium, but that didn't work out, which was fine, because after we got Lauren from school, we all just watched tv and had down time. We rarely have days where we are not on the go. So it was nice.
Tonight Colton and his fellow football teammates are all going to the Mountain Range Football game. The boys were able to be on the field and watch warm ups. They all had a lot of fun. I think Colton's best part was the Cheerleaders. So we had to give him a hard time about that...
And tonight Austin was invited to a friend's swim met. He had fun, and after we went to Bj and Kelly's. We had fun just hanging out.

Confrences

Well the boys don't have school on Friday due to Confreneces this week. Colton had his on Wednesday. And they went well. He's turned into a good student. And Austin has a great start to his 8th grade year. He's working hard and it shows. We are very proud of them both.

Summer is Offically Over

Lauren really likes going to baseball games.
Sonia and Austin
Colton, where did you get the Cotton Candy from?
There were lots of empty seats.

Well today, was the last game of the season for my Rockies. I wish they would of been able to of had a season like they did last year. I went to all of the playoff games, but I didn't make it to the World Series. ( Which is probably why they lost.) It's hard to believe that that was only a year ago. Those were the most awesome games I have ever been to.

And this summer, I didn't make that many games. The last game we went to was in July, when Brad and I sat in the Box.

I did take a few pictures. (This was the only time I took my camera to Coors Field.)There was really nobody at the game, and we lost to the Diamondbacks. Well there is always next year. And I'm glad that we'll be able to take the kids this year to Spring Training. And I'm always up for going to a game.

Saturday

Well, since I was gone, I didn't get any sports pictures today, and I missed both games. Colton has been pretty close to making an interception. So I told him if he makes an interception, and I'm not there to see it I will be really mad. Well he didn't, but he still played well and the Chargers won their 4th game in a row. Lauren also had a game. She played well and the Wildcats won their 2nd game in a row. We're still waiting for her to get a goal.

Women of Faith

Today, I went to Women of Faith, with Rebecca, and Emily. After the preconfrence we checked into our hotel, and Rebecca and I waited for Emily (she had to work today). We did have these great Sliders, or mini hamburgers, and they had the best sweet pickles I have ever had. And even though I love pickles, I don't ever eat sweet pickles. After we met up with Emily, and had dinner again, we walked down to Union station and watched the Coors Field fireworks. They were gorgeous. And all this week the moon has changed into that orange fall big bright moon. And tonight the moon was rising against the fireworks, and downtown. I sure wish I had my camera. (I really need to carry it with me at all times. )
Since, I was gone today, and Lauren didn't have school, I had to make arrangements for Lauren. So she spent the night with Sabrina. They had a fun day just hanging out and playing. Thanks Leona.

Racoony Coon

Here is Racoony Coon with her babies, they are leaving our yard.
This is the same day, Squirelly Whirly is here for lunch.
Well, I'm not sure if you knew this but everyday, since we have lived in this house, we have had our own little pet named Squirelly Whirly. Everyday, when Lauren and I sit down for lunch, we look out our kitchen window, and we find her... Yes everyday. Well this morning, we were sitting eatting breakfast, and I noticed, an animal on the fence. And it looked like one of our neighbor's outside cats. But it was coming toward the house, and I put my hand over my mouth, so I wouldn't scream. It was a racoon, and following behing this racoon, was 4 baby racoons. I immediately showed the kids, and got my camera. Unfortunately, I didn't have the settings very good, and as soon as that mom Racoon saw me, I got the evil eye. She was headed toward the tree in our backyard, and it was the same tree, that the Racoon Brad saw earlier in the summer jumped into. So we wonder when we will see Racoony Coon and her babies again. We think she lives between us and our neighbors.

The Week

Well, it may seem as though we don't have anything to do except football and soccer... Well that's definately not the case...A good friend of mine is working on a real day to day blog, and I hope to make one of my own soon. So what exactly happens on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday??? Well we have a lot of schedules and calendars to keep us busy. School schedules and carpools are a big thing. With the kids at different schools, I have to color code my calendar and keep everyone straight. Our next big commitment is football. When I signed up I had no idea. But, with the sun setting earlier, practices have been becoming shorter. And I'm glad Colton is on a team with some neighbors, and that they help me out, when Colton needs a ride home. And I am working on a few things myself. I started going to Jazzercise again. And they just started a Body Challenge. Where anyone who wants puts in $25, and everyweek everyone is weighed in. The top 3 to lose the most weight split the money. So I really need to get myself to Jazzercise. And I am planning on returning to H & R Block this year. I started taking classes earlier this month.

Sunday

Well today, we all had different directions to go in.... Brad, Austin and Lauren went early this morning to the Juvinile Diabetis Walk for our friend Graham. They all got blue shirts and matching visors. Colton and I stayed home and went to church, we've been in a bad habit this summer. I think we went to church in Castle Rock more often this summer, than our own church.
Well after church Colton and I had to go to his Football fundraiser at Outback. As we got into Brad's car, the car wouldn't start. We had a dead battery. Luckily, we had some help from Jeff and Julie. They jumped the car, and we went to Outback. Well, at Outback the car didn't start again. And Brad meet us, and of corse, he wanted to know what I did to his car. Well the car didn't start the rest of the day without being jumped. And Brad had to go to the Broncos' game with his Dad.
The Broncos' game was okay in the first half, and then they started to blow it. The end result was a huge comeback, and an awesome game to of been present at. On the way home Brad was listening to the KOA radio guys, and all they could do was talk about " how if you were at that game you will be telling your kids kids about how awesome of a game it was." So he was lucky enough to see a much talked about game.
But when he got home, he still had to deal with the car. He couldn't get a new battery, so he'll deal with it first thing tomorrow.
But we did get a call from Dave. We all talked to him for a long while. The kids sure do miss Dave and Em, and we hope to see them soon.

The Weekend

Here is Colton on the far left. He's chasing down the other team.
Colton and his teammate stop a touchdown.

There were a lot of touchdowns for the Chargers.
Well yesterday, it rained a little, well actually a lot. So Lauren had no game, due to the field being so wet. But she did still have to take her team pictures. And Colton's game was moved to a different field. Today they played the Giants, who won the Championship last year, and are in a more competitive division. Grandma Becky and Grandpa John came up to watch the game. And once again the boys played really well. They are on a great winning streak, as they are 3-0. Colton had a few great plays. And once again, I have taken like 200 pictures. (which is why I have a hard time downloading, editing, and posting pictures, because there are too many to choose from.)

After the game, Brad and the boys had lunch with Grandma and Grandpa at Chipotle. And then we just had a lazy afternoon.

Friday

Well today, I got to go on a field trip. I went with Austin, and his class to see a play called 1776. It was in Greeley, and there wasn't room on the bus, so I drove and Bilette came along too and kept me company. It was nice to be driving Brad's car, and we even used Stella (his GPS). The play was great. And I learned a lot of new things about the writing of the Declaration of Independence. And the play was going great until one kid, from our school was caught throwing pennies into the orchastra pit. That didn't go over well. (Austin told me later, that every student had to write an apology to the Theater. He didn't like that.)
Well, since I was gone all day... where did Lauren go after school? Well Kelly came to pick Lauren up and they spent the afternoon together. It's funny to hear all the info that Kelly got out of Lauren... Such as our afternoon activites. So, how did Kelly keep Lauren entertained? They had a little trip to the mall. And that little trip included lunch at Panda Express, because that's where Lauren and I always eat at the mall. And next on their agenda, was a stop at Build-A-Bear. Lauren, Annabelle and Gwyneth all got new bears, Lauren worked hard on stuffing them and naming them. Lauren's new bear is named Annabelle. And Annabelle's bear is named Lauren and Gwyneth's bears are named Annabelle.
Thanks, so much Kelly. Lauren had so much fun with you and the girls.

The Zoo

Well today, Lauren and I went to the Zoo with Kelly, Annabelle and GG..... It was a great day for the zoo. It wasn't crowded, and the weather wasn't soo hot. I pulled Lauren and Annabelle around in the wagon. And if you can believe it, neither Kelly or I brought along our cameras, so sorry there are no pictures.

More Games

Before the game, the teams say the YMCA Pledge
Lauren is waiting to go in.

Lauren ran a lot today.

Today, Lauren had her first soccer game of the fall season. She is playing on a team with her friend from last spring. But our friend in in 1st grade, and when you play 1st grade soccer you play on bigger fields and with a goalie. Her team, the Wildcats won, but they did get tired from running up and down the field.

Here is Colton.
Colton has the red sleeves and is starting to tackle.
Great game Chargers.

Well today Colton had his second football game. And it was early, we had to be at the fields by 8am. But the Chargers did really good, and they won their second game. We have been very pleased with the coaches. They do really good at NOT yelling at the boys.