a bronx tale

My dad and Melissa are spending some time in Breckenridge this week. They drove down to Denver on Sunday and they offered to hang out with the girls while B and I went to show.

We were torn on taking the girls to this one. I think they would have liked it, but there was some adult language so it was probably for the best. They went to an IMAX movie and explored the Science Museum with my dad and Melissa which they loved.

We arrived early and it was a beautiful day so we sat out on the balcony before the show.

We had box seats right up front for the performance. B and I both agreed this show was one for the books! It was so entertaining. It’s a great story and now we both can’t wait to watch the movie. This show definitely ranks in our top favorites and is a must see.

nuggets vs knicks

We took advantage of the amazing Buzzer Beater deal and purchased tickets for the Nuggets vs Knicks game. Our original tickets were way up in the rafters, but we were able to pounce on upgrades and ended up in the 18th row on the floor. Yesssss! Our seats were amazing and we had a great time.

One of Annabelle’s favorite players, Mudiay, was traded to the Knicks and she was thrilled for the opportunity to see him back in town. She was rooting for her Nuggets, but couldn’t resist rooting for Mudiay too.

Nuggets pulled off a win and it was a great game!!

elf, the musical

School is out for winter break! Woo hoo! The girls had a fabulous celebration at school and were all smiles. As much as they had, they couldn’t wait to start winter break. The highlight it is seems, even though I have so much fun planned for us, is sleeping in every morning.

We had a few moments to relax and then off to Bucca De Beppo for dinner. After dinner we scooted over to the Arvada Center to see Elf, the musical. We saw it years ago in San Francisco so it was interesting to compare. You have to appreciate local community theater and we laughed our way through the show. It was fun and a great kick off for the next few weeks of holiday celebrations!

symphony and aurora holiday party

We stayed the night downtown and had a super lazy morning. So lazy in fact, we missed breakfast. That’s no bueno for Gwyneth.

We went for an early lunch at Tamayo so she quickly turned it around. Lunch was amazing! We enjoyed the endless brunch which is unlimited small plates at Tomayo. We’ve never been with the girls and it’s been ages since B and I have been — we’ve missed this place! It was delicious and will definitely be added back out to downtown dining routine.

After lunch we headed to the Colorado Symphony for the Children’s Christmas concert. It was a fun festive day and the music really got me excited for Christmas!!

After the symphony we high-tailed it down to Southlands. I had proposed going out for dinner, but my staff wanted to stay in and paint. We had dinner at the studio and then everyone painted a Christmas gift. It was nice to get everyone together (minus one employee who studying for finals). It’s nice to squeeze in a few celebrations during the hecticness of the holiday season.

Broncos vs Browns

Those Broncos sure do know how to ruin a fun day!

We spent our day enjoying the holiday sites downtown. We had lunch at Mellow Mushroom which never disappoints. We’ve been struggling lately to find good pizza – all the pizza by us is sub-par. We shared a big ol’ pineapple pizza and it was awesome!

Next stop was Rocket Fizz candy and soda shop. We found some St. Louis favorites:

Then we scooted over to the German Market on 16th Street. There were so many fun booths. Unfortunately we were all so stuffed from lunch we didn’t partake in any of the food or beer stands. Next time for sure!

The Bronco game started at 6 so we didn’t really have time to grab dinner before. We did make a stop at Brooklyn’s for some wings on the way over. Our girls sure do love their wings.

We made it for the game and couldn’t wait to root for our Broncos!

Our dear friend, Lisa told guest services about Gwyneth’s leg surgeries and they moved us from our mile-seats to the lower level. She was very grateful to not have to tackle those stairs. It was such an unexpected and kind surprise.

Well, the Broncos ended up losing. To the Browns (smh!). Man, oh man they can be tough to watch sometimes. We’ll keep on rooting for them even though they sure can let us down.

nutcracker

Every year the girls and I go to see the Nutcracker. And every year I swear it was better than the last!

The girls and I gushed over our seats. We were lower down than usual and had great views. The Denver ballet puts on a truly great performance and I love creating these memories with my girls.

Before the ballet we grabbed dinner at Corrine’s which has quickly become one of my favorite pre-theater spots.

I have been opting to leave my big camera at home for outings (often because they are not allowed in to theaters or sporting events. It’s nice to not have to haul the bulk of my camera, but I’m always so discouraged when I get home and have crappy phone pictures from our outings. I think I’m going to have to take an online course because as much as I harass my family for pictures they better be good!

disney on ice and hanukkah party

I have taken the girls to see Disney on Ice for years. Every year I think they have outgrown it. I offer it up and they always excitedly say yes. This year was no exception.

We had a girls day downtown and enjoyed lunch before the show. Annabelle and I were shocked to hear Gwyneth order wings. What?!?!

Annabelle’s shocked face when Gwyneth said she loved the wings.

Oh man, Annabelle has been missing her salads. The lack of romaine has been tragic for her. ha!

Show time! It’s really all about the snow cones…and well, the music. I have to admit I like the music.

After the show, we grabbed B and headed over to the Billera’s house for a Hanukkah party. There were several families that joined us and we had such a wonderful time. It was such a fun experience. We ate tons of delicious food, lit the menorah, and everyone had a chance to spin the dreidel! Good times had by all!

scrooge

We were front and center for Scrooge at the Candlelight theater. The food is always an issue when we go here, but I love the shows.

Scrooge is a holiday favorite; B and I use to go every year before we had kids. We have held off taking the girls because we were worried it would be too scary for them. Being up front was a bit creepy, but the girls really enjoyed it. It’s such a great story and is perfection for the holiday season.

nuggets vs bucks

I was so very thankful to have the company of my lovely Gwyneth this morning at work. We had a tree painting party at the Littleton studio and I needed to go over and check in customers and drop off some snacks. This girl really wants to learn to glaze pottery and load kilns, but I was eager to be done for the day so we will save that adventure for another time (soon, very soon. She can’t wait!).

I told her I would take her anywhere she wanted for lunch and B extended the same offer to Annabelle. They ended up at Arby’s and we ended up with crab legs. I’m going to declare victory on this one.

This girl loves seafood and I remembered there was a Joe’s Crab Shack nearby. I had not been in ages, but thought we’d give it a try. It’s a silly place, but the kids crab legs meal was a huge hit!!

Funny bib, but they have never seen this girl hangry!

Gwyneth has been a little spoiled with her crab legs as they have always been cracked for her table side. She said it was hard work to do it herself, but worth it! This girl is such a little foodie.

I signed up for Buzzer Beater passes for the Nuggets which is a phenomenal deal. They offer $15 tickets 24-hours before game time. That $15 is all-in, including fees. For just $60 the four of us can grab last minute seats to a game. Not too shabby at all!

Tonight we gave it and try and grabbed 4 seats to the Nuggets and Milwaukee Bucks game.

We had a pre-game dinner at the Breckenridge Brewery at the stadium. We didn’t have a reservation so we were glad to get a table. That table was right by the door though and it sure was cold. Annabelle wore B’s gloves through most of the meal. Ha!

We made it up to our seats which were about 3 or 4 rows from the top. We were in the rafters! For $15 we weren’t complaining though and we could still see all the action.

It was a great game, but the Nuggets fell apart at the end. They lost the game. Although it wasn’t the outcome we had cheered for we were glad to be there.

sunday funday | football, symphony, bowling

We have one day off a week and it is sacred for this family! The Bronco games are a big part of that day and they have really brought us all together. We have a common interest that gets us all pretty excited – even though, those Broncos have been making us pretty sad lately.

A day like today is my favorite. I love to fill a day with fun and be busy, busy, busy. I love the adventures! The Broncos are out of town so we watched the game downtown along with other disappointed Bronco fans. Man, we need a quarterback…one who can scramble and throw touch downs and perhaps a back up who creates more action on the field than off. Oh Broncos, you make me nuts!