Grandma and Grandpa Weldon's Visit

The only way I could make the Kansas trip work, was having Grandma and Grandpa Weldon come out to watch the boys while Joe was at work. We were lucky enough they were able to help. I didn't make it easy for them with all the boys' sports and school schedules. Luckily, I got back just in time for Spring Break and they were able to stay a few extra days. 

Every year for Christmas, they get us a membership to the Denver Museum of Nature and Science so we like to take them there when they visit. This time, the special exhibit was Creatures of Light. It was all about things that glow naturally. It was a fun exhibit.

The boys wanted to take them Miniature Golfing too so we found a fun course, on a cold day, and hit around some balls.

Thank you for your help, Grandma and Grandpa Weldon. We also enjoy your visits!

Aunt Katie Goes to Kansas

Over Christmas, my sister, Becca, was talking about how worried she was that Mom and Dad's annual trip to Key West was right over her due date for her fourth baby. So, with a little planning, and a lot of help from Grandma and Grandpa Weldon, I volunteered to drive out for a week to help with things until Mom and Dad could get there after their trip. 

I got myself a digital book and headed out to Kansas. I spent the first few days getting used to the routine. School drop-off and pick-up. Gymnastics (which I did solo and everyone thought that meant Baby Alleman arrived). Naps. Baths. Each night we would go over the schedule for the next day with high hopes Becca and Brandon would be at the hospital. And day after day, no baby. I did my Auntly duty and spoiled the kids while I was there. They had pie on Pi day and pudding on St Patrick's Day. 😋I was starting to get worried I wouldn't get to meet the newest member of the family before I had to leave. So, on the 15th, with all the kids at school, Becca and I went out for lunch where I "suggested" she eat pineapple and spicy food and then took a loooong walk around the neighborhood before picking Jonah up from school. I'm sure it was all my suggestions that helped because I was woken up early Friday morning to  let me know they were heading to the hospital. And later that morning, I brought the kids to meet their new brother, Levi!

After naps, I took them to a park (where Jonah and Cora made fast friends so Esther and I hung out) and went home to make a sign for Levi. 

Auntie snuggles are the best

Grilling dinner in the backyard

Matching St Patrick's Day Shirts

I also took the kids to the zoo once Levi was home to keep the house quiet for a while. It was cold so the kids didn't last long but we got to see each of their favorite animals. We even saw the rhinos attacking each other. I thought that was pretty cool.

Then, Mom and Dad got to town so took over grandparent duties and I headed home. It was a fun trip with the Alleman. And I'm glad Levi arrived before I left.

Little Mom

Welcome to the family, Levi!

Josh Turns 12

Josh turned 12 today. How have I been a mom for a dozen years? He's getting too big. He choose Outback for dinner with the Weldons (he loves their mac and cheese). 

Then we came home and he got to open more presents. We had planned on him having a friend over for a sleepover but plans changed and we'll have to reschedule. 

Patrick showing off his muscles with this very large box

Happy Birthday, Josh!

Valentine's Day at School

The boys had Valentine's parties at school again this year. Patrick's class moms had fun games set up for them and this cute craft where they made a picture of themselves blowing hearts. So cute!

Blowing q-tips into hearts

 Daniel's class does what they call a Party with a Purpose for Valentine's day each year. This year his class decorated "coins" to give to the Douglas County Sheriff's office. The officers get coins at work as a sign of appreciation from the public. I thought that was a very cute idea and a great way to teach appreciation for other's service.

Happy Valentine's Day!

20 Year Anniversary

Joe and I celebrate 20 years together on February 14, 2018. So, we celebrated early with dinner and a night at a hotel. 

This is a picture from our very first date. It was Joe's high school dance. 

I thought it would be run to replicate the event so I found us similar outfits for our date.

We even went to dinner at 801 Chophouse, which is not where we went for our first date (that was Macaroni Grill) but it is a restaurant that started in Des Moines and recently opened a location in Cherry Creek so I thought a Des Moines restaurant would be a fun way to bring Iowa to Colorado.

It's been a fun 20 years and I wouldn't want to have spent it with anyone else but you, babe. Here's to many more than 20 more!

Denver Nuggets vs Boston Celtics Basketball game

The Iowa State Alumni Club in Denver hosted a night at the Denver Nuggets as they took on the Boston Celtics. There were a few ISU grads playing for both teams (Monte Morris with the Nuggets and Abdel Nader and Georges Niang with the Celtics) so we thought it would be fun to go watch. Joe's cousin Alex came along and was able to get us great seats. 

The alumni club organized a group to be able to sit court-side for the pregame warmups. We were hoping some of the Iowa State players would come out but they never did. We did get some fun pictures though. 

And we saw Kyrie Irving from the Celtics...

and Jamal Murray with the Nuggets.

 We did catch Nader during warmups closer to the game.

It was an exciting game and the Nuggets only lost by one at the buzzer. It was fun to watch. Nader even got to play a little. 

I look forward to next season if the Nuggets can keep Morris and maybe get a few more Cyclone alumni. 

Liberty Bowl

We even managed to sneak away for a few hours to watch the Iowa State/Memphis game at the local Iowa State bar with the Vargas'. Thanks for watching the kids, Mom and Dad!

It was so much fun watching the game with a bar full of Iowa State fans. It was even better when they won!

We even made the local online newspaper. I love how the reporter made sure to get each or our ages but never bothered to ask where we were from. Apparently, we looked local.

Go State!