rodeo

I was a chaperone today for the girls’ school field trip. They had so many parent volunteers each parents basically just took their kids for the day to explore.

We spent the day at the National Western Stockshow. We walked through the petting farm, watched the rodeo, had some fun treats, and met up with the girls’ friends. It was a pretty fun way to spend the day away from school and work.

The only complaint I heard was that they had to wear their uniforms, but Annabelle managed to hide most of hers under her jacket.

happy birthday, sarah

We met up with a great group of old friends for a birthday party today. Sarah turned 10 and we had a blast celebrating her with a grand skating party. It was such a blast to see old friends, new friends, and all those big smiles!

This is my favorite picture of the day. I asked the girls for a pic and they were posed and ready to go. As soon as I snapped the picture Annabelle went down! Her wheels just went out from under her and she took G down with her too. They were not hurt and they thought it was hilarious that I captured their big fall.

boondocks

Annabelle’s dear friend, Olivia joined us for a day of fun. I love that these two have kept in touch and always pick up right where they left off. I wish they could get together more often because they are really the sweetest of friends.

I asked Gwyneth if she would like to have a friend join us too but she said no. I think she was pretty excited to keep up with the big girls. They included her in everything and the three of them had such a fun time. I had quite a good time running around with them as well!

We started the day at Boondocks. It was too cold to be outside but we did give the go-karts one go round.

We then bowled a game.

I purchased a fun pack for each of them which included 2 adventures (they chose go-karts and bowling) and $5 in arcade fees. They sure did make those arcade coins last. They played lots of games and won so many tickets. On Gwyneth’s last game she hit a jackpot of over 500 tickets.

I was so proud of these ladies. They pooled all their tickets together and split them equally so they could all get one big prize.

After the arcade we raced over to the movies to see Ferdinand. I was really excited for this one – I loved reading the book to the girls when they were little. Unfortunately it didn’t quite hold my interest and I felt myself nodding off a few times.

It was a fun-filled lovely day!

empty quiver

Gwyneth is still having a blast with Girl Scouts. She was pretty excited with this month’s meeting. We visited the Empty Quiver for archery lessons. It was such a fun meeting tonight as many siblings and moms joined in on the fun. I loved having everyone get involved. I’m quick to hide behind my camera, but it was great to set the camera down and pick up a bow with my little ladies. I think I even impressed those girls of mine by hitting THREE bulls eyes.

The girls have requested a family night here. It sure would be fun to bring B along and see what he can do! We’re a competitive little crew…ha!

kids can swim

It is always a little tough to get back in the groove after the holidays. Tonight was the first night back to swimming and it was a bit of struggle to get moving. Once the girls arrived and hopped back in the water they were thrilled to be at it again.

They swim twice a week and are in a very low-key class called Kids Can Swim. They swim for an hour each session practicing their strokes and flip turns and then get to play games and just goof around. They always ask to stay and swim afterwards. Once they get in the water it is hard to get them out. They spend the second hour mostly racing down the slides. I’m happy oblige this swim request because I usually just sit and read my book. Two hours of uninterrupted reading time is a pretty sweet deal.

happy new year

Goodbye 2017! Welcome 2018!

We were worn out from our holiday travels and made a very conscious decision to stay home on New Years Eve. We did some unpacking, reading, laundry, and whole of lounging and relaxing.

The girls left their Christmas gifts and were eager to return to them. They had plenty of games and crafts to keep them entertained.

We welcomed the New Year with sushi and games. Everyone made it to midnight and we all watched the ball drop together.

The next day we went to see Jumanji. I was worried Gwyneth would be scared (she can be easily spooked) but she left her way through the show. I love Kevin Hart and he was great in this movie.

Not a bad start to the new year! Can’t wait to see what the year has in store.

homeward bound

We had a late night flight so we were able to spend the day with my mom, Becky and her family. It was still bitterly cold which made for many cancelled flights and delays. We were delayed about 30 minutes but we were thankful we made it out.

Love those Chicago cousins.

We finally made it home and the baggage belts broke at DIA. It took over an hour to get our bags, but we finally walked in the door at midnight. Phew! What a trip! It was marvelous to see my family, but it sure is nice to be home.

chicago | mortons

Becky welcomed a new baby in October and it was insanely cold in Chicago. I do believe the high was FOUR! Yes, four. Single digits and painful. I do not miss that one bit about living there. We hung out around Becky’s house most of our visit.

Eating is pretty much the name of the game with my family so we enjoyed Lou Malnati’s deep dish pizza and Portillo hot dogs for take out. Our final evening we got all dolled up and went to Mortons. If you’re counting that’s twice in a matter of a week for us but it wouldn’t be a Paz gathering without it.

san fran to chicago

The San Francisco leg of our trip came to a conclusion after we exchanged gifts. Aunt Stacy’s gifts were the real crowd pleaser with matching hats and footie sweatpants. There is really just no way to compete.

I love those little California cousins and will miss them terribly. I wish we had more time with them which is always the case. Looking forward to visits again next summer; hopefully sooner if we can sneak it in.

We were treated to quite a flight from San Francisco to Chicago. We hopped on the plane with Poppy and Melissa. It is a long flight and we were incredibly spoiled. Don’t worry we flew Frontier home so we are keeping our heads grounded.

We arrived in the Chicago burbs in time for dinner with my mom, Becky and her family. We didn’t do much but travel, but that can sure take it out of you…even in the lap of luxury.

san fran | nutcracker

We got a later start today which was much appreciated after our early morning yesterday. We had a leisurely lunch at Colibri Mexican Bistro. I shared some spicy chicken taquitos with Annabelle and Maeva. I got quite the kick out of watching them eat the hot sauce. Annabelle continues to astonish me in her love of spicy foods. I love her sense of adventure and willingness to try new things….as long as there is a big glass of water available for afterwards to cool her burning mouth!

Our group split up after lunch — those walking to the Nutcracker and those walking with Maeva who is hobbling along these days in a boot. (The story I hear is that she slipped and fell on a pencil!). I joined the walkers which included B, my dad, Melissa, Gwyneth and Eliana.

We walked through a not so great part of time, which is being very kind. Stacy had warned us, but we wanted to walk. I was still shocked by how uncomfortable it was walking with 2 little girls through that area. Gwyneth was a bit nervous and securely attached to my side. We made it through just fine, but it wasn’t enjoyable and I wouldn’t do it again.

We arrived at City Hall with a few minutes to spare before the Nutcracker. It is called the Palace for the People and lives up to its name. It is stunning inside and we were thrilled to see several weddings and wedding photos occurring.

From a far the tree looks like it’s covered in lights, but when you get close you find it is covered with origami cranes. Fabulous!

After exploring City Hall, we headed across the street for the San Francisco Ballet’s performance of the Nutcracker. We just saw the attended the Nutcracker in Denver last week and it was so interesting to see the differences in the performances. The consensus from the Colorado crew was the dancing may been a better at the San Fran ballet, but we enjoyed the familiarity and silliness of the Denver ballet.

We had a long walk and it was warm in the theater. This lead to a few heavy eyelids in our party. Everyone loved the show, but its easy to get a little comfy and cozy during the ballet.

We took the cable car back to the hotel and boy, oh boy was Annabelle ecstatic that she was able to hang on to the side with her dad. I do believe that made her entire trip and she couldn’t stop gushing.