Happy Birthday Dana

Our dear friend Dana ALWAYS plans her own Birthday gathering. She typically picks a location and we all meet for a few drinks. This year Dana was too busy to do much for herself and it turned out to be a good year for that! I had a great idea to throw Dana a much deserved surprise Birthday party. With the help of Dana's wonderful sisters, Brooke and Sonya, and her long-time friend Cara, we put together an amazing surprise party for Dana. 

 Brooke and Sonya thought that Dry Dock Brewery would be the perfect spot. So, we ventured out of Englewood and into Aurora. It really was a great place because they allowed us to bring our own food so we had a great potluck spread! 

I love Pinterest!

 Wes and Cara worked together to make a VERY impressive bunt cake spread!

Seriously amazing! Cara has outdone herself again. 

We had a great spread of food. 

 Lindsay having some baby time with Ava.  

 Everybody chimed in to sing "Happy Birthday" to Dana and her Mom. It was actually Cheri's Birthday and she was excited to celebrate with such a wonderful group of friends and family. 

I forgot the candles so Cara and I ventured out to find some. We accidently purchased trick candles, so it took a few attempts to put the candles out!

 I was so happy to have the opportunity to meet some of Dana's family members.

Dana was so surprised and everybody had such a wonderful time celebrating with her. Thank you to all who brought a dish to share and such great company to enjoy!

Happy Birthday Dana! 

Sunday Night Bowling

Bowling is our favorite past time. We love going to Moe's because we love the food, the drink, the atmosphere, and the location. Nate and I have actually gotten quite good at bowling!

 Elizabeth has gotten quite good as well...

 ...having said that, after having to walk between lanes for stray gutter balls (even though she had bumpers) Nate had to give her a few pointers on her ball release! The 180 degree toss wasn't working so well. 

ADORABLE!

Even more than bowling, Abby enjoys sliding down the  ball ramp!

As you can see, I was beating Nate the entire game but I fell apart at the end and he won by six pins.

Trampoline Fun!

Christine and I decided that we should do something fun with the girls after dragging them out to the cemetery. Christine had the idea to go to a jumpy-castle place but had never been to an indoor trampoline park!!!

Abby was pretty excited for the jumpy pirate ship! The giant trampolines were no match, which was a good thing because apparently they don't allow three year-olds on the large trampolines. 

Elizabeth enjoyed it as well! However, she enjoyed racing Christine and I on the big trampolines (hence my back injury)!   

 We worked really hard to catch some in-the-air shots! 

And then we were spent! We certainly wore the girls out! 

Thanks for the idea Christine! We really enjoyed visiting with you and I know the girls loved getting to know you a little better! 

An Eastwood Outting

Following the Broncos game, I hit the town with my Dad, Mom, Uncle, and cousin. Christine and Carl were visiting from Georgia. We went to the Irish Rover where my Dad has some of his artwork displayed. Then, we went to Punch Bowl Social, the newest addition to the "ground zero" social life. 

Me and my dear cousin Christine. It had been a while since she and I have seen one another and we had a really great time hanging out and catching up! 

 We hit Famous Pizza for a rejuvinating meal before heading to Ogden Street South for some late-night karaoke. 

Uncle Carl and Dad sporing their old school hockey jerseys. 

On Monday, we went to visit Grandma Patricia's and Aunt Mona's grave site. Then we hit the Columbine Lounge to feed the uncles' steak cravings! Christine, Elizabeth, Abigail, and I hit Jump Street after the grave site. We had bit plans to have brunch the next day, but the flu engulfed Elizabeth and I the night before. We missed out on our goodbye, but we had a great time and made some wonderful family memories. 

Hopefully the time in between won't be as long this time. Nate and I have always wanted to visit Augusta, GA.!

Bittersweet Defeat

I think that we all know how this story ends! Broncos play the Ravens, Ravens unexpectedly beat the Broncos and everybody goes home depressed and disappointed. We certainly did not see our precious football season ending in such defeat, but we will look forward to next season. Meanwhile, here are some fun photos form the day. 

 Roozing ALWAYS brings cupcakes which are an instant hit with the kids. Orange Bronco frosting was found in every crevice of my house! 

 Dan is sporting the classic Johnny Elway jersey! Well played!

 Decker-ed out in orange and blue! (That was awesome-cheesy!)

 Homemade orange and blue cookies. 

 Cora, Riley and Abigail had a fairy-princess-Bronco tea party!

 Quite the spread.

 I adore this photo! These two are the best of friends and I think this photo says a lot about their future together!

 Doug and Lindsay!

It was an intense game! I went out on the town with my family after the game and Denver was depressed. Needless to say, we were glad that we decided not to buy tickets to the game. 

Also, GO BRONCOS! We were disappointed, but we still love Payton Manning and the Denver Football Broncos! We look forward to what next year brings.