princess

cupcakes and ice cream

Just a day of sweets! Gwyneth and I made some festive cupcakes — getting in the spirit of Halloween around here. It’s not my favorite holiday but baking sure does make it more likeable. Gwyneth is quite a natural, especially when it comes to sprinkles. 

Annabelle had a swim party with a friend and B had a birthday party but we all met up for dinner afterwards. The girls picked Hu Hot which is just a few doors down from our pottery shop. It is definitely not my favorite, but they really wanted to try it. I have to admit it was a nice change and the girls really enjoyed it. Plus, we let them get a cherry Coke. What’s not to like?

Afterwards we stopped at Justice to get a few additions to their fall wardrobe and then stopped for a little scoop of ice cream. It was a wonderfully peaceful evening and so nice to be together as a family.

yaya was here

I sent my store manager (and friend) to California for training this week. I was happy to run the store during the day on my own but that left a half hour gap in the afternoon when I needed to pick up the girls from school and when the afternoon shift started. YaYa to the rescue. She flew out for the week to help. She did most of the driving to school and activities so I could work which was a huge help. She also watched the girls several nights so B and I could have some time together and attend some adult events. It was a great week and we are very appreciative. 
Breakfast for dinner with Yaya! 
Thursday night we celebrated our friend Don’s 40th birthday. 
I always tell my girls to choose their friends wisely. The same people they are causing trouble with right now could be the same people they are causing trouble with when they are 40 — if they are lucky! That’s the story of these guys. They met when they were 6 and 7 years old and are still friends ringing in their 40th birthdays. They are good guys. Really good guys. And they are funny. Really, really funny. 
Brandon and B. Brandon was the best man at our wedding! 

Lisa and Me. One of my dearest friends.
B and the birthday boy, Don! 
The party was a surprise and they had quite the turnout. It was a blast!
I love this picture of B. He never does shots and the birthday boy requested them. He looks both reluctant and mischievous. 

Friday night we received free tickets to the Avalanche game. It’s preseason, but that didn’t matter to us. We had great seats and cheered for our team. 

Gwyneth snagged one of thos falling parachutes and a free Avalanche tshirt. 

We went to see the Storks movie, which I have heard was really good. You can kind of see that Gwyneth was not doing so hot. This girl needs her sleep and she has been going, going, going. I got a gentle nudge that she wasn’t feeling well and we made it out of the theater in time for her to throw up – everywhere. I felt so bad for this girl. I took her home, she got a shower and then we ran back to pick up Annabelle and YaYa when the movie was over. Phew!

Sunday my mom watched the girls and B and I enjoyed an adult day downtown. We had free tickets for the Rockies game and we sat in the rooktop bar rooting for the Rockies AND watching the Broncos. That is a hearty helping of Colorado sports!

Afterward we cruised around downtown hitting some of our old favorite hang outs. Thanks to my mom for such an amazing week!

paint day with gwyneth

We are trying to figure out this double-business-owning-life. We’re not perfect and we have certainly had our setbacks. We have moments of near-tears and frustration and “what the…?”.  Beyond all that, it has been better than I could have ever anticipated. We are learning new things. We are working together as a family. We are dividing and conquering. We’re doing the best we can. We’re working hard and appreciation our opportunities and each other. 
Both businesses were hopping today, so Annabelle went to the Kitchen with B and Gwyneth joined me at Color Me Mine. It’s not sad to go to work with us. We work at pretty cool places. 
Instead of painting another monkey, penguin, or dolphin I told Gwyneth to pick out something big. Something that she could work on for a few weeks or even better a few months. She picked out this gigantic ice cream cone and got right to work. 
I adore this girl and her positive attitude and her fabulous smile. I was able to get so much done today and got to look over and see that sweet little face all day. I tell ya, this new gig ain’t bad at all. 
Our neighbor joined Gwyneth for some painting time. 
We grabbed a quick lunch and then met Annabelle and B at the Kitchen to help with a birthday party that evening. 
And then we went home and the girls got comfy together for the rest of the night. They were happy to be together and snuggling and watching a movie on Annabelle’s iPad. Our days are no longer conventional, but it’s working for us and we are just glad to have each other. 

rockies: kids run the bases

The girls’ troops joined forces for a running of the bases event at Coors Field. Both troops had a terrific turnout and both our ladies were so happy for the fun day with friends. We kept moving higher and higher up in the stadium for shade. It was a pretty warm day in the sun. 
All the kiddos enjoyed dip n dots and had lots of giggles. 
After the game we all got to walk on to the field which was pretty flippin’ cool and then the kiddos got to run the bases. There were lots and lots of people there so not many chances for pictures, but I was able to snap a few. The girls were thrilled with the opportunity to make such special memories with their sweet friends. 
Neighbors and friends
Ready to run: 
There goes Gwyneth: 
Annabelle in her fabulous tie dye maxi skirt and kangaroo sneakers. That girl certainly has style. 
They did it!

rain

Crazy Colorado weather!
We experienced huge drops of rain as the sun peaked through the clouds and was shining bright on us. Such a bizarre feeling and so, so beautiful. We just had to run around in the rain and splash in the  puddles that quickly formed. I love this time in Colorado. Everything is starting to change colors and the evenings are so wonderfully, nice and cool. 
Who doesn’t love fall storms and rainbows???

movie: petes dragon

Gwyneth went to a friends house, B went to the kitchen and I had a day with just Miss Annabelle. That one on one time is so special. She is such a character and cracks me up. 
We received two free passes from our neighborhood to critique a movie. Gwyneth was too afraid to see Pete’s Dragon so while she was with a friend we decided to check it out. I loved the original and I’m not a huge fan of remakes, so I was a bit hesitant. 
Annabelle and I both really enjoyed it! We got a bag of popcorn as big as her head and got comfy in our big ol’ reclining chairs. It was a little creepy at the beginning and quite sad (Gwyneth is a sensitive soul and doesn’t like to be scared at the movies and she hates when they kill off the parents, so it was a good choice seeing this one without her). It was entertaining and a great way to spend the day with this gal. 
I was catching up with Gwyneth and found Annabelle like this at the end of the day. Showered, doing homework and wearing heals. There are just no words….
You gotta love her!

labor day

After closing on Color Me Mine we knew we wouldn’t be able to travel for the holiday weekend. I worked at the store for a lot of the weekend and we were pretty busy on Monday for the holiday. We did sneak away for a little staycation near home. Our family sure does enjoy a hotel stay and swim in a hotel pool. We were only able to get away for one night, but it’s enough to reconnect and refocus. 
Unfortunately Miss Annabelle was not feeling great. She was fighting a terrible chest cold and was really dragging. She took a good nap in the afternoon and still managed a little swim in the pool. She was the first one asleep that night, which NEVER happens. She woke up the next morning back to her self again. I’m glad she was able to relax and get better. I hate when the kiddos are not feeling well. 
After a good night sleep, B went to the Kitchen and I asked the girls if they wanted to go for a swim. They declined and requested breakfast in bed and a movie marathon. Not a bad idea at all! 

color me mine

Gwyneth finally received her birthday gift. She had gift cards just burning a hole in her pocket and couldn’t decide what to do with them. She finally decided she wanted a sewing machine and she got a good one. She’s been sewing every evening and just loves it. I do love seeing this crafty girl in action. 
I finally closed on Color Me Mine at the Orchards. The previous owner wanted to retire and I was ready to start a new adventure. It was a looooong and rather painful process, but now that its finally done and we’re running the store I couldn’t be happier. There is a big ol’ learning curve and I’m figuring it out slowly. The girls are pretty darn happy about it too. 
August 31st we joined the staff for the final inventory count and then took over ownership on September 1st. 
I am blessed to have such a loving, caring and very patient family. I got very lucky in the husband and kiddo department. These peeps sure are good to me. 
We inherited the store in a bit of a mess and spent the first few weeks just trying to get cleaned up. 
There is still a lot of work to be done, but we’re getting there! 
Just a few of the papers that had to be reviewed with my attorneys. This is just my lease. The stacks of papers were endless. I think I had a headache for 3 months straight. 
But the work was worth it and here we are. What more can a gal ask for?

camping

We were on the fence about this camping trip. The forecast called for rain and we didn’t want to spend our weekend in the tent playing Uno (a weekend playing Uno is pretty awesome, but muddy shoes and wet socks are the real bummer). 
We decided to go for it and I’m so glad we did! We packed up the car, picked up the girls,and headed up to Jellystone Park, outside of Estes. We got a great little camp site with a lot of privacy, quite close to restrooms, and the weather held out for us. It sprinkled a bit, but the rest of the weekend was nice and cool and relaxing. 
Who would have thought I would love camping? I’ve never considered myself an outdoors kind of girl, but I’m hooked on camping. I love being in the mountains, the relaxing, the quiet, the lack of cell service, no ipads, no laundry to be done or house to be cleaned, and no emails to be checked. It just makes my heart happy to be with my family and doing absolutely nothing with absolutely no expectations or distractions. We reconnect, laugh, hike, play games, and make some meals and snacks together. It’s really, really good. 
While B set up camp the girls escaped to the arcade for a bit. 
B did all the heavy lifting setting up our camp. He’s good to us. 
B and Gwyneth took dinner duty Friday night. 
Annabelle entertained them with her dancing while they roasted hot dogs. 
After dinner, G and I went for a long walk and explored the camp site. We played mini golf and came up a plan for the next day. That one on one time with the girls is pretty great. 
The next morning we had breakfast and then Annabelle and I went for a little hike. She wanted to check out the horses across the road. 
We wandered a bit and she told me the amazing stories of fourth grade. She can tell a story and she can tell a lot of them. I’m glad she’s a talker and still shares her tales with me. 
Our home away from home for the weekend. 
We decided to sneak away from the campsite for lunch. We went to Villa Tatra a little polish restaurant in the hills that didn’t seem to mind that we were a bit grimy from camping. The polish dishes were authentic and delicious and a nice little break from camping food. 
(I get that we are on a campsite with an arcade, bathrooms, and can sneak away for lunch and that isn’t really “camping” to some. It works for us. We love sleeping in our big ol’ tent outside all together and it’s a good stepping stone for us. So hush!)
We enjoyed some polish brews and the girls had shirley temples. 
And then back to our campsite we went. We set up ladderball and went for more hikes and cruised around in our golf cart. 
How chic is this girl?
Ready to roll
The pavilions hosted a carnival theme and there were games set up for the kiddos. We played for a bit. 
Played a little mini golf
and then went back to our site to roast marshmallows. 
The next morning we were up bright and early for breakfast and to do a little more exploring.
The girls and I hiked around while B packed up our campsite (because he’s an amazing dad and husband and he does that kind of stuff for us and we love him so much!)
The girls picked their favorite spots and asked for pictures. 
And posed themselves and were too stinkin’ cute. 
I love having this quiet time with my family. I feel recharged and reconnected with them and ready for the week ahead.
I also feel very dirty and can’t wait to get home and shower, but it was absolutely beautiful while it lasted! 

trumpet

Nothing like waiting ’til the last minute….
(did you know I am a procrastinator? I have tons of to do lists.  I let them get super long and load them with “due dates”.  Then I wait until the absolute last minute to complete every task. It’s quite deliberate, highly organized, prioritized procrastination….and it drives my husband absolutely mad. I’ve tried to change my ways, but I just can’t. I am who I am and it always gets done…)
So…. the night before band was to begin for Annabelle, I picked the girls up from swimming lessons after school and we headed off to the music store. (yep, we got the band information the last week of school before summer break. now that is some serious procrastination!) Annabelle had tried out many instruments at school and had her heart set on the trumpet. 
We found a great rent to own program where if she decides she doesn’t want to play after a year we can turn the trumpet in for another instrument. Those suckers are expensive. I had no idea what we were getting ourselves into. 
I love that she picked the trumpet. B and I both played as kids; although neither of us remembers much and were both horrible about practicing. 
This was my entertainment as I prepared dinner…

I think she really likes it. 

We found the furthest points in the house – my closet and the basement. With all the doors closed in between you can not hear the practicing. This requires sitting in the closet with the door closed, but something tells me I should get a nice little lounge chair and grab my books. Don’t get me wrong, I love that sweet, sweet sound of practice but converting my closet to a silent little reading nook may just happen….I will put it on my to do list.