spring break | girls day

I let the girls choose our activities for the day and they requested a trip to Barnes and Noble to spend gift cards. We spent way longer than I anticipated at the book store but everyone left with way more books than anticipated as well. Naturally they just wanted to spend the entire afternoon reading. That’s my kind of day. 
Afterwards they requested lunch at Olive Garden. I agreed mostly because B really can’t stand it and it kind of makes me giggle that they like it so much. 

happy birthday, B

Our second day of adventures started with a quiet breakfast in the room. I grabbed bagels from downstairs and the girls watched the runners take off for the Runnin’ of the Green. The starting line was right outside our hotel. It made for a little madness in the morning but the girls had front row seats. 
Our hotel was hoppin’ in the morning. It’s such a beautiful, grand hotel right in my favorite part of the city. 
Enjoying the views
We walked on over to the Hungry Lion for lunch but we were all still feeling breakfast. Luckily they had a sensational brunch menu.

What could be better on your birthday than Kegs and Eggs?
After lunch we had a few hours to hang out before the Nuggets game. We explored Union Station, checked out books at Tattered Cover and the girls got a free ice cream at the Milkbox. When you stay at the Crawford each guest gets one free ice cream each day which may have been the absolute high point for Gwyneth.
The hotel offers a free car service. We rode to the Nuggets game in style. The girls are certain we should trade in B’s Jeep for Tesla now. 
We were so lucky to have a weekend full of great games. The Nuggets pulled off a win and we had so much fun cheering for our home team. 
Annabelle decided she could eat all of these plain…
She changed her mind after ONE! 
B’s sister, Jen, and her family were at the game also. We were able to meet up for a half time beer. 
We had a little time to kill before dinner so we checked out the Crawford bar. It sits above the terminal with great views of the mountains and the city. You have to stay at the hotel to access this bar so it was far less crowded than downstairs. Although quite beautiful it was a bit stuffy for our liking. 
We grabbed B’s birthday dinner at Mercantile. We had been so eager to try this hot spot but we were a little underwhelmed. The food was ok and the service was pretty rotten. We are glad we tried it, but we can’t see a return visit anytime soon. 
We had two fun-filled days celebrating B’s birthday. He’s a great dad and husband and we love him dearly!
I can’t get these pictures to flip but wanted to keep the memories. 

birthday eve | avalanche game

The girls and I planned quite a weekend for B’s birthday. It was the kick off to their spring break also so we didn’t have to worry about bedtimes or homework. We stayed in town but managed to squeeze in a lot of fun. 
Our first day of fun included an Avalanche game, dinner at Mortons and a stay at the Crawford hotel. It was quite a day!
We had great seats for the game just 15 rows off the ice. There were TONS of fights, which Gwyneth loved. I don’t know about that girl. There was lots of scoring too and the Avalanche pulled off the win. 
We grabbed a pre-dinner cocktail and snack at Next Door. Gwyneth was getting hangry and we didn’t want any crabby kiddos at dinner. Annabelle snapped this picture of us and cracked up because it looks like the guy behind us is taking a picture of us too. Ha!
Happy girls after a little snack
After hanging out and enjoying Union Station we walked on over to Mortons for dinner. So much food and fun with this family of ours. We had such a great day and were all quite worn out after a full day of adventures. 

patsy cline

B’s birthday is on Sunday but we kicked off the celebrations on Thursday. The girls spent the evening with a sitter and we had a little pre-bday celebration just for us. 
We grabbed a drink at Blackbelly and then headed to the BDT for Always…Patsy Cline. I love when I do absolutely no research about a show and I can go in with no expectations. Sadly, I didn’t even know much about Patsy Cline’s life or music. The show was entertaining, not one of my favorites, but still very good. The music was outstanding and I had excellent company.
Happy early bday to B!

Painting | Sponges

Gwyneth has been asking for art classes and I have been unsuccessful in finding anything promising for her. I searched and searched and then came up with a plan to give her some creative options at my studio. 
I think she would enjoy venturing out and learning about other mediums of art. I don’t want to limit her to just painting pottery. This is a good start for us right now though. 
While B is working Wednesday evenings, we head to the studio and I will do my best to teach her something new and hopefully have a little fun along the way.
Here we go:
Annabelle had her choice for the evening. She could paint with us or hang with B at the Kitchen. She chose painting but wasn’t quite on board for learning new techniques yet. She painted a mug and did a great job. She quickly decided she wanted to get in on learning the new techniques though too. I think I’m winning them over. 
Tonight we worked on painting with sponges. It’s by far the easiest technique and was a good jumping off point for us. Gwyneth did a great job of experimenting with color layering and was thrilled to make Shamrocks for St. Patty’s day. She made a sample for the studio and then a few shamrocks for gifts for her friends. 
Our first class was a hit and now this girl has my mind spinning with all the possibilities for our sessions together. 

girl scout cookies and VRA movie night

Gwyneth had a sleepover at her BFF,  Ella’s house to celebrate her birthday. Annabelle had a busy day also filled with cookie sales, a movie night and a sleepover with her friend Kierra. These girls certainly keep me on my toes. 
Annabelle’s been on crutches for the past week to help her toe heal faster. It was windy and cold and I think the crutches gave her that extra push because she was selling those cookies like gangbusters.
One of the things that I love about the girls’ school is the community. They offered movie night tonight along with popcorn and nachos. The girls had a great time. 

girl scouts | mall scavenger hunt

Gwyneth has been really excited for this Girl Scout meeting. We did a scavenger hunt around the mall and the girls had to “buy” gifts on a budget. They did an amazing job and were so sweet together. I really enjoy meeting with these little ladies. They are a truly lovely group. 
The prom dresses are out and Gwyneth had to check them out as we were leaving. This girl is so very, very fancy. 

presidents day

We had another early morning flight on our way home from Chicago. (Why do I keep doing this to us???) We arrived home by 9:30 am and were welcomed by snow and cold, cold weather. B and I spent the remainder of the morning working while the girls lounged on the couch and enjoyed their day off school. 
We decided to get out for a bit and grabbed some tacos at Chuy’s and played some games at Dave and Busters. It was a pretty fun ending to a nice, long weekend. 

chicago | baptism

I had to repost this one because this lil’ guy is so stinkin’ cute: 
George was baptized this morning in front of lots of friends and family. He’s the sweetest little baby and reminds me so much of Gwyneth at that age. I think it’s those chubby little Paz cheeks. 
After the service it was pictures time galore 
Smitten cousins
We had a lovely lunch at Francesca’s after the service. Of course, it required a wardrobe change by these little ladies. 
We had an early morning flight the next day so we relaxed at Becky’s house for the evening. We enjoyed pizza and watching movies and holding that little baby. 
Looks like he doesn’t like the awesome Aunt t-shirt I gave him? Or is it that Colorado Rockies Dinger doll? Either way NOT COOL Dude!
Annabelle sure was sad to say goodbye. She could him all day long!