Ice skating

Ice skating with the Forsbergs in Louisville was a blast. Mason started very tentative, holding on to the sides and to us, but ended the day going around on his own multiple times around the rink. He got into much more than roller skating.

Audrey didn't go far without us, but also had fun. We can't wait to go again. Next time we will checkout the rink in downtown Denver which costs only $2 for rentals and has classes on Saturday mornings.

The kids and Bill also went on a carriage ride.

Movie and Zoo Lights

We met the Prices to see Rise of the Guardians (great movie), had dinner at CPK and went to see the Zoo lights. A great time!

Merry Christmas

Days off

We are off until January 2nd. I started a day early, taking Friday Dec 21st, 2012 (end of the world) off as well. But Friday was busier than most of my work days. Starting with a dentist appointment after dropping off the kids, followed by volunteering at Mason's gingerbread building at his school, picking up and setting up Christmas lunch for the basement crew back at home, Audrey's Christmas party at her school, after which it was time to pick up Mason from school. I was so tired, I was almost hoping for the end of the world.

Field trip

Mason's school had a winter festivities field trip Monday. He was thrilled to ride the school bus, see Santa, get his face painted and more. Santa, his second visit this season, told him he could have the Hot wheels track and cars in addition to the LEGO castle set. Really Santa? Didn't he think that tracking down the sold out and discontinued LEGO castle set was enough? I guess his elves are really magic. I digress...
School wanted all the kids dressed up for the event and suggested "Sunday's best". I can tell you that the middle schoolers interpreted Sunday's best very differently. As I dropped off Mason Monday morning, I saw a wide range of proper dresses and shirt/ties and on the other side of the spectrum, mini skirts and Friday night's best.

Roller skating

Mason went to his friend Blake's birthday party this weekend at Skate City.

Plan A was Bill would take Mason to Blake's party on Saturday and I would take Audrey to her friend Addy's party on Sunday (during the Broncos game). But Bill was very tired on Saturday and ended up napping with Audrey.

Plan B became I would take Mason to the party, but would not get on skates. I rented Mason a "helper" for him to skate with. Perfect plan until he kept falling even with his helper and was looking frustrated.

I had to go to Plan C which involved me getting on skates, which I haven't done in many years (my rollerblades are still in good condition in the basement). I was able to go around and help, but did fall on my behind once, and that still hurts!

Although Mason never really felt comfortable on skates, he had a great time. He even said to Bill he wanted to go back. I will for sure make Bill take him.

High white

Mason earned his new belt in Tae Kwon Do - high white. Yay! He tested a couple of weeks ago and had his oral test today. Da Vinci Center teaches Tae Kwon Do more traditionally and really makes the kids work hard to move up. Mason has been going weekly for more than a year. He had moved up a class a few months ago, but this was his first test.

Tuesday at Old Chicago

Tuesday nights at Old Chicago are perfect for kids. They let the kids assemble their own pizzas and they have a balloon lady that comes to every table.

Basement week 3

The basement is coming along. Every weekday and some Saturdays we hear the work being done in the basement. Once the noise stops, we go down to take a peak. Here are some updated pictures with the rooms pretty much defined, insulated, and metal frame up.

Visit from Shef

We haven't seen Shef (Bill's brother who lives in New Zealand) for over 3 years. He stopped by Denver on his way to the East Coast and we got to visit a few hours on Saturday. He brought the kids a bag of candy (a.k.a. Instant friendship).

We hope to one day visit him in New Zealand.

Santa Fly In

We went to the Rocky Mountain Airport near us for their annual Santa Fly In event. Unlike previous years, they had the event during the day instead of the evening. The weather was beautiful in the mid 60s, which is amazing for December. Santa flew in in a helicopter, told stories, sang songs and saw every child. They had games, a sleigh/tractor ride, face painting and a giant obstacle inflatable. All free, which is even better.

Making Christmas cookies

Lots of fun. Lots of work between making the cookies, icing and decorating. May not be a yearly tradition, but I'm glad we did it.