Ryan's Big Day

It sure is quiet in this house this morning.  Hmmmm.  Seems as though the "kids" might have had a bit too much fun last night.  Well, we still have a birthday to do today, so Mister and I are up and organizing.  Once I get things set up in the kitchen, Trent and the boys show up and I put them to work instantly on the volcano for the cake.  Mister pitches in as well and soon we have one mighty fine looking piece of art.

I get to work decorating the cake with what I hope is Amanda's vision.  When she wakes, she promptly gets Raef started building the decoration that will finish the whole thing beautifully.

Mister takes over while I go work on gifts by placing the trees and shrubs onto the cake.  He adds a puff of smoke to the volcano, Raef delivers the special topper, and soon Ryan is allowed to see the final product.  Whew.

I covered a piece of cardboard with blue paper hoping to make the whole thing look like and island.  I am not sure it worked, but at least it was a valiant effort with many hands involved. Yep, the green is supposed to be sliding over the cliffs.  Too funny.

By the time I have the gifts finished, we are ready to set up the table and hopefully get a picture before everything else needs to replace it.  There is a literal frenzy going on in the kitchen trying to get the food finished before the doorbell starts ringing.

Within moments, it does indeed start to ring and soon there are children running everywhere.  Goodness.  I think I count 10 at one point, the majority little boys but a couple of girls in there as well.  The tramp is filled in no time and the games begin.  Amanda has planned well and there are races,

nerf gun fights which took quite a bit of time in discussion before beginning,

and finally time for cake and ice cream.  Yes, I know I could use some sugar to keep going.

I am not sure whose face I love more here:  Ryan's or Raef's.

Decisions, decisions:  Do you want cake, ice cream, or both?  What type of ice cream?  Some times it was tough to find out the answer.

Now for presents!  Woohoo -- isn't that always the best part for kids?

Mom scores big time with a new Chima Lego set.

We have a hodgepodge bag as a gift.  It takes Ryan a few minutes to get through the card, the shark, the Chima Legos ( I can follow Mom's good example can't I?), and the gift from Grandpa - a small microscope to have fun with and learn at little at the same time.  I think Raef loves it as well.

As the party winds down and people start to leave, we all take a short breather.  Ryan still has another party to go to and Caleb is down for a nap so the house quiets down.  Raef and I play and play on the tramp until I have to stop out of exhaustion.  I love each moment of it, but finally send him off to finish his "Gammy World" on Minecraft.

Once Ryan returns, we open some of the new Lego sets and get to work.  Grandpa and I sit with the boys for quite awhile helping them to work through the directions easily.  Mister gets such a kick out of Ryans tongue and the work it is also doing that he sits in wait for just the perfect picture.

At some point in the day, Mister has snapped a great picture of Amanda and Rhiana.  Super Sisters!  It is so fun to watch the two of them together and the way they connect.

We end the day with a trip down the interstate to Taste of Fort Collins.  It has been a busy day and after a short time wandering the tents and grabbing something to eat, we are on our way back home to sleep.  I am absolutely ready.

A Day in Cheyenne

It is a beautiful day in Cheyenne and I am blessed - truly and sincerely blessed -- to have time with my grandson Caleb.  I say that because this is the first time he warmed up to us right away.  We usually have to work at it for a couple of days.  This morning we are busy playing on the porch only for some reason I can't get the cars in the right order and he keeps chastising me.  Come on Gammy.

Since the older boys are at school and Trent is working, we decided to take Caleb to The Cheyenne Botanic Gardens Children's Village so that he can run and play for awhile.  Once we arrive, he is off and running to his favorite area -- the trucks.  Add in some water and I think it is the perfect entertainment for a little boy.

He is busy the entire time and plays well with others, even sharing when asked.  We have a great time in the sunshine and laugh away at his antics.

There is a long walkway from where the trucks are located and Caleb discovers this and takes off as quick as his little legs will push the dumptruck.  I love it --- all I can think about it Calvin and Hobbes. Each time he takes off down the walkway, Grandpa is in pursuit and herds him back our way.  No fear in this little guy.

He runs the entire time we are there -- no wonder he takes such long naps.  Goodness, I just am amazed at the amount of energy spent.  He never stops.

Once we return home, it is lunchtime.  Grandpa and Caleb are sitting at the table together and I walk around the corner to see a new form of shortcut eating taking place.  In the corner, I see Mister trying to get a shot before the moment ends.  Looks like he succeeded.

Soon this little guy heads for a nap and we go shopping to get ready for the party.  It is tomorrow and there is still plenty to do.  Rhiana arrives tonight as well, so we are planning dinner and then Mister and I are going to babysit so that the "young uns" can go out and party a bit.

Once the boys arrive home from school, Raef and I get online so that I can show him the blog pictures from Egypt.  We have talked on the phone prior to our visit and he told me about a camp he is going to this summer and is all about mummies and stuff.  He looks through all the pictures, asking questions and getting as much information as he can from me.  When we finish that, he gets his Minecraft game and starts to build a land called "Gammy" and it is Egypt.  As he works on it, I let him know that he needs to put a sarcophagus in his tomb.  We have a large discussion on exactly what that is and I think he understands.  My mind is changed a short time later when he, Ryan, and I are talking.  I ask if he put the sarcophagus in the tomb and he asks again what that is and I go through the explanation again -- relating it to a coffin.  Soon Ryan asks, "what is a coffin?"  Raef's swift reply is, "that is what vampires sleep in."  What??  I give up.  I am laughing so hard as I rely the conversation to Mister -- everything we talked about came down to vampires.  Too funny.

Amanda and I had gone shopping during Caleb's nap and picked up all the things we would need for the party, including some gifts.  He had wanted a Lego Ninjago - one of the last ones he didn't have, but we were unable to locate it.  Lego had come out with a new line - Chima and so we changed plans and went that way.  That meant that our idea for the cake had to change and we were going from the desert to the jungle.  Okaaaay.  At the hobby store we found a mold for a plaster volcano and it was now time to assemble it in order for it to set by morning.  Raef and I get to work on it, having a great time trying to keep the whole thing together.  It rapidly becomes a four-person project involving binder clips and much laughter.  Raef even has plaster on his face by the time we are finished -- whew, glad that is done.

I peek out the window and Mister has embraced his inner child and is playing on the tramp with the boys.  He is out there for almost an hour and comes into the house ready to collapse.  Go Grandpa.

After dinner, the "kids" meet up with some friends and head down to Fort Collins for the evening.  We finish playing with our little charges and soon it is bedtime for all of us.  The boys get a special story from Grandpa before bed and our day is done.  We are soon in bed as well.

Colorado Hoppin'

We are headed north for a few days in Wyoming with Amanda and her family.  It is Ryan's birthday party weekend -- yep, his birthday was 3 weeks ago but as you know, it has been a busy month.  Since the flights out of Dallas are a bit iffy, we decide to make a connection in Houston.  It sounds odd, but after last weekend, I really don't wish to be stuck at an airport right now.  Once we arrive in Houston, we are given seats to Denver and guess what plane we are on ---- that's right, the new Dreamliner.  What an awesome plane!

Mister and I have decided to  have a play day in Colorado and to check out some of the local breweries that have been on our list for awhile.  Once we pick up our car, we find a cool little Mexican restaurant called Santiago's and enjoyed a few breakfast burritos.  Okay, now we are ready to start the day.

First up, is Longmont, Colorado and the Oscar Blues Brewery and the Tasty Weasel Taproom.

The instant we walk in the door, we discover that they are canning.  Yay!  I absolutely love these moments where I am able to observe the automation process firsthand.  It is so loud, but oh so quick as well.  Dales Pale Ale cans everywhere!  After watching for quite awhile, we decide to taste a few of their brews and the Mr. Robusto stout turns out to be so very good.  It is still fairly early in the day, so we take our time and just visit for awhile.

From here, we drive into downtown Longmont.  What a great area.  After finding a spot to park, we walk a few blocks down to The Pumphouse Brewery.  Since we each had just a single burrito this morning, we order a bowl of soup and a curry hummus wrap to split while we enjoy sampling some of their beer.  This place is packed and we have hit right during lunch.

When we finish, we drive towards our next destination, but since it doesn't open until 3 --- well, it is nap time.  We find a park with a shady tree, pull over and lay the seats back for some much needed shuteye.  Between the early morning travel and a couple of beers, it doesn't take long and we are both sound asleep.  I wake first and open the doors for a breeze while taking out my Kindle and laying back to read and let Mister continue his rest for awhile.

At around 3, I wake him and we are soon on our way to the one brewery we have wanted to visit each time we drive through here.  Left Hand Brewing makes one of my all time favorite brews: Milk Stout.  Unfortunately, they are remodeling right now and so have set up a temporary taproom with a smaller menu available.  We give a couple new ones a try and then I have to break down and get my fave.  Oh my, it is sooooo good.

Soon, it is time to hit the road for Cheyenne and start our fun with family.  We arrive at the gate, meet up with Amanda, and are soon helping her unload groceries and playing with the boys.  Let the party begin.

Another Recital - Back to Billings

It is time for another trip north.  I know, I know -- I am asking the same question.  Wasn't I just there?  Well, yes, but it is time to go again.  Elena's dance recital is this weekend and I wish to see it.  Mister has elected to stay home and rest so off I go into the sky on my own.

I arrive easily -- yay -- and am picked  up by Rhiana and Malea as Elena is at a rehearsal.  We go to the house so that I can settle in and visit a little.  When I go upstairs to put my things away, I spot this scene in Elena's room and my heart is so full knowing that she is using her tea set and at the same time taking such good care of it.

Rhiana has made arrangements for a sitter this evening so that the two of us can spend some time together -- very cool.  I watch Malea while she goes to get Elena and then after a short playtime with the girls, we head to the Montana Brewing Co.  for dinner and a drink.  Awesome.

I spend the next day at the house with Britanie, the girls' nanny.  We visit while we work -- she with the girls and me on costumes and projects.  It turns out that one of the costumes has to be almost totally remade in order for it to fit and so I spend quite a bit of time on it.  Rhiana has a list of items to buy today so that we can have everything ready for the dress rehearsal tonight.

Once I finish the costumes, I take Elena over to Matt and Becca's to play with Hyrum and Zyra while I visit with Becca.  On the way -- ugh --- I get stopped for a most ridiculous ticket.  GRRR.

I do manage to play a game of Go Fish with all three of my grands before leaving and heading back to get hair and makeup ready for tonight.  It is going to be a long day for Missy.  I cannot believe that I have spent an entire day without taking a single picture.  What is wrong with me?

Rhiana has dropped off all the needed items to put Elena's garment bag together for the night.  I get everything packed while Britanie gets her hair done and she is ready to go when Mom arrives.  She is gone for 4 1/2 hours and returns with her things in shambles.  What the heck happened?  We are missing parts and things are torn off -- crap.  Once I get everything reasonably accounted for and a list for Rhiana on what is missing, Elena and I are off to bed for a sleepover.  Yep, I am enjoying it as much as she is.

The next morning there is an art show at the Moss Mansion and so we call Matt and Becca to see if they want to meet there.  They do and the rush is on to get out the door.  Elena will only be able to stay for awhile as she has another rehearsal today, but we will do what we can before she leaves.  First stop:  face painting.  Elena chooses her design and is ready to go.  Matt and family arrive while she is getting painted and help Hyrum and Zyra choose their designs as well.  They are next in line, although I am not at all sure that Hyrum is happy with this activity at all.  Nice farmers tan Son.

Within moments, Hyrum insists that it all be washed off.  Oh well.  Off to the games tent we go.  There is a ring toss that Elena does easily, granting her a prize.  Then it is Zyra's turn and she cheats and walks up and puts a ring on the peg (lower white peg in picture).  After being told that she can't step off the pad she is standing on, she winds up and pitches a second ring.  Laughter breaks out everywhere as she actually rings the red peg.  Amazing.  Next up is the lollipop pull.  Why am I always missing Hyrum as he takes his turn?

Becca has gotten some cotton candy for the kids and Elena has decided that she wants to paint a rock so both activities are going at the same time.  During this, Zyra determines that she doesn't want the face paint any longer either.  Goodness.  Soon Rhiana has to take Elena to the theater and the rest of us wander through the art tents.  I have a great deal of fun showing Hyrum and Zyra the way some of the things are made and what they are made out of.  It is a good time and when we finish, we all walk back to their car while Malea and I continue on to the house.  Rhiana and Elena will be back soon, so we play in the backyard for awhile.

When Mommy and Elena return, it is tramp time for the three of them.  I cannot believe how much Malea likes to just bounce in the center.  She is all smiles.  The girls play for awhile and then it is nap time.  Tonight will be another very late night so rest is required.  I go upstairs too and Elena wants to nap with me.  Well, of course.

Once we were awake and refreshed, I ask Elena if we can take a couple of pictures in her costumes since so many things have been going on this month and her picture date got lost in the confusion.  She agrees and so we put on costumes and head into the backyard for a couple of shots.  Obviously since it is me photographing, they are not the caliber of a professional studio, but at least we have a couple.

The evening is spent dropping Elena off, having a nice glass of wine with Rhiana, watching the recital and laughing ourselves silly as Elena keeps looking for her mommy, and finish the night with ice cream at Perkins.  Ah yes, traditions do continue.

"Where is that dang spot I'm supposed to be standing?"

It has been a great visit and I am so glad I have been able to be a part of it.  I am off to the airport the next day bright and early BUT don't get out of town.  I spend the whole dang day at the Billings airport and then am picked up by Matt to sleep for a few hours and then try again.  Once the first flight left without seats again, I ask Becca to drive me to Bozeman and fly out of there.  Yay, it works and I am glad to be home.  Billings is so tough to get in and out of --- drat.

Lobster Dinner at Home - Delicious

Mister's Mom had given us a beautiful lobster dinner as a gift and tonight seemed like a great night to put it to use.  Does this not look oh so delicious?  Lobster, clams, shrimp, crab, mussels -- oh my.