Spring Has Sprung.

We're pasty white, dirty-faced, and boogie-nosed, but at least we're outside!

Go Falcons!

Spring is here, and so is the start of soccer season! Payton is once again playing for the Comets (a combination of Grizzlies and Rainbow Unicorns). Now that he is five, Brady decided that he would like to play on a team as well! We got an e-mail a few weeks back that there were enough boys to form a new team, but they needed a volunteer coach. So, I volunteered myself (and Opa!) to help the team out. We got to choose the team name, so Brady came up with the Falcons, and all the other boys agreed on it. We've had three practices and one game. There are six boys on the team, and they play 3 v 3 with small hockey goals and no goalie. Let's just say it's an adventure. Brady is wild, loud, and can hardly pay attention. But compared to a few of the other boys, he's an angel! I am happy if the boys know which goal we are trying to score on and which goal we are trying to defend. I am also happy if there is no pushing of our opponents, smack talking, or crying (we've already dealt with all three :)) We lost our first game about 10-1, but that 1 goal made everything ok. The boys had a great time, and can't wait for this week's game! Wes took some snapshots as I was on the field directing traffic/herding cats...

A Goal Kick for Brady!
James, Brady, & Evan.Go Brady Go!
Leading the pack (not sure how...)
Opa on the sidelines.
We finally scored a goal!
Nice form Brady...
And of course, the post game tunnel.
It will be fun to watch the boys improve throughout the season. Go Falcons!

A Long Time Ago, In A Galaxy Far Far Away...

...our first born son turned five! This year, Brady wanted a Star Wars themed party at Pump It Up. The whole family joined us, along with two of Brady's friends from school--Eli and Narian. We had the entire place to ourselves, so there was plenty of room for the kids and grown ups to have a blast! We played for an hour, then headed into the party room for dinner and presents. We ran out of time at the end, so we headed back to our house for some ice cream and R2D2 birthday cake. It was an awesome night, and we had a wonderful time celebrating Brady.

Brady, we love you so much. You are smart, funny, and tough. You love numbers, calendars, and playing Alberton's Monopoly with Oma. You are meticulous and love following Lego instructions. You are extremely LOUD, so hopefully we'll master your inside voice before you turn six! Hopefully please and thank you will start to come more naturally as well :) You have turned what could be mountains into molehills...super-itchy eczema legs, allergies, the inability to breath through your nose, and glasses...you have taken it all in stride. You love video games...Wii, Kinect, the computer, it doesn't really matter, you're good at it. You love your dad like no other, you've told us he's your best friend. There is nothing better than playing with him...football, soccer, basketball, or even Jedi Knights (see the end of the video). You are one amazing little boy and we are so blessed to call you our son. Happy Birthday Buddy.

Payton...or...Picasso?

Every night, I dig through Payton's backpack to find homework, sign her planner, and take out whatever treasures she may have collected throughout the course of the day. (If you know Payton, there are ALWAYS treasures...rocks, stuffed animals, drawings, you name it!) Last week, I found a crinkled up half sheet of paper. I thought it was trash, but on second glance, saw that Payton was one of only 30 students out of everyone at Twain who had a piece of artwork chosen for a Youth Art Show!

SO, last Wednesday, we headed over to the Curtis Art Gallery to see the exhibit.
There was a ton of artwork from all over the city...Cherry Creek Schools, middle schools, even Arapahoe. Each school had 15-20 pieces covering one wall of the gallery. Payton, Oma, and Brady trying to find Payton's work!Here is Payton's piece. It is a type of South American art. She drew this bird using nothing but her own creativity. Her art teacher, Mrs. Maxwell was there and she said she just loved the rosy cheeks Payton gave the bird!What a masterpiece!Great work Payton, you are becoming such a good artist!

Brady's New Trick.

When Brady turned 2 1/2, Uncle Ken and Aunt Peg gave him one of the twin's old bikes. He absolutely LOVED tearing around the neighborhood on that thing. It was the perfect bike for him to learn how to petal, steer, and get the feel of riding a bike. It was getting a little too small, however, so Santa brought Brady a brand new bicycle for Christmas. (The old bike will now be safely tucked away for Landon to use!)

This past week, Wes decided that it was time for Brady to get rid of the training wheels. We tried it once before and he wasn't quite ready. But, Brady seemed up to the challenge this time.

So, off the training wheels came. And around the block Wes and Brady went. By the time they came around the circle, Brady was riding on his own! He needed a little help getting on and off, but over the course of the next week and a few tips from Opa, he was doing really well. He is learning all about the rules of the road, how to stop and start, and he and his daddy have already gone on several long bike rides to Grandma Inge's and back!

We are very proud of our ALMOST FIVE year old! Good job Brady Boy!

Three Little Monkeys...

5280 @ CRU

This past Saturday night, Wes and I were able to go out for a 5280 meal at the Cru Wine Bar with Jesse and Kacey. We haven't gone out with them in forever, especially without kids, so it was so fun to sit, eat, drink, relax, and catch up.
Wes and I have been to Cru for the past few years on New Year's Eve, so we were excited to get to go again. The food is awesome, like all the stuff you see on Top Chef. I watch that show all the time and always wish I could try the food. So, just to give you an idea, I copied what Wes and I ordered from their menu...

First Course: Wes had the saffron risotto balls with lamb & manchego, I had the pork belly confit--crispy colorado pork belly with carmelized onion polenta and roasted apple chutney. We also each ordered a flight of wine...thus the TWELVE wine glasses that filled our table!
Second Course: Wes ordered the granny smith apple and candied bacon stuffed pork chop with sage brown butter risotto, and I ordered the petite filet with garlic mashed potatoes and asparagus.

Dessert: We both ordered the vanilla bean cheesecake with cinnamon brown butter crust and peach compote. Certainly the highlight of the meal for both of us. So good we didn't bother with a picture. This was Kacey's dark chocolate lava cake with rasberry coulis.
We certainly enjoyed the food, but hanging out with the Craigs definitely made our night. Thanks Jesse and Kacey for a great evening! Let's do it again soon!