Denver Zoo Lights with the Hullabaloos

While Jon was home we definitely wanted to see our Hullabaloos, so we set up a Zoo Lights date at the Denver Zoo.  Jon and I have never been so we were excited to see all the animals, Christmas lights, and of course the Hullabaloos.

Our first family squishy!

There were a lot of lights

but not many animals.

But lets be honest - we really went to see these crazy little animals.

In fact most of the animals we saw were just running in circles 

with kids on their backs.

Crazy!

It was cold but we made sure to bundle up

and cuddle close!

 

Thank you for such a great night Hullabaloos - we miss you sooo much!

Charmian

31 Already

July 19, 2010

This year I was lucky enough to have a birthweek instead of just a birthday. 

My birthweek started July 17th by having dinner with the Hullabaloo's at Cafe Brazil.  Nicole's birthday is just a few days after mine so we got together for a Hullaberger dinner to celebrate, and celebrate we did.  We started our meal with fried plantains with a spicy dipping sauce, fresh bread, and some fabulous drinks.  I was in hog heaven and we were just beginning.  Dinner came and there wasn't a meal on the table that wasn't absolutely delicious.  I was so stuffed but I couldn't stop there we finished with cheesecake and ice cream.  Delicious!!

On the 18th my Mom (Grandma), Mother in Law (Oma), and I had a wonderful birthday lunch at The White Chocolate Grill and then spent the afternoon working on the baby registry and topped off the day with Cold Stone Creamery.

On my actual birthday me, my "Twin" (Twin because we have the exact same birthday not because we look alike.), and another one of our girlfriend's from work had a delicious lunch at the Cheesecake Factory. It was so good but unfortunately we had to hurry through lunch so we could get back to work.

On the 20th my department threw me a delightful little get together complete with my favorite Papa John's Pizza and a GIANT Mrs. Field's cookie.

We finished off my birthday week with an awesome dinner with the Reederman's at Strings Restaurant where our friend Lance Bartow is the executive chef.  Lisa has this amazing ability to make every birthday super special and this one was no exception.  We got to the restaurant and Lisa had a beautiful tiara and flowers sitting on the table for me.  Dinner was incredible - so fresh and delicious.  It was the meal that wouldn't end and every new course was even better than the last.  It wouldn't be a birthday dinner if we didn't finish of the meal with dessert which, if you can believe it, was even better than dinner.

All in all it was a great birthday, and I definitely think I can get behind this birthweek thing.

Thank you all for making this year's celebrations incredible!!

Charmian

Moab

June 16th - 20th 2010

Moab... Utah's red sand Sahara Desert.  Red sand and spires shooting into the sky as far as you can see.  The only way you'll find shade is by standing in the shadow of the spires because their is no vegetation of any kind...

Well that's what I was expecting so when I saw this...

I was a little disappointed.

Now don't get me wrong Moab was beautiful and awesome, just not what I was expecting. 

We went with the Hullabaloos and it was so much fun.  There was plenty of good food, lizard catching,

and at least one little adventure everyday. 

Delicate Arch

White Rim Overlook

Home Sweet Home

(aka Our Campsite)

I can definitely see why this is one of Jon's favorite places on earth.

I'm so glad I FINALY got the chance to share it with him.

Charmian

First time on the Rock

First let me tell you about the "Hullabaloo" family.  They have been our frineds for years now and WE LOVE THEM.  They are the best, we've had many awesome nights that have turned into awesome weekends because we just couldn't get ourselves to leave. 

Well Jon and Nicole (mom) met at the rock climbing gym years ago, six to be exact.  She was the perky little climbing girl that had the nerve to bring her infant to the gym with her.  Jon prayed that she wouldn't ask him to climb with her and luckily she did.  The infant, Mikaela, was the first baby Jon held, fed, and changed and Jon absolutely fell in love with her, just like an uncle should he was wrapped around her little finger and he's been there ever since.  After Jon passed the coolness test we were invited to go climbing with them and meet Andrew (dad). This just happened to be my first outdoor climbing adventure.  Well I made quite the impression when I started crying.  I made it to the top of the rock and back down safely, but still cried like a baby.    

Okay now back to this past weekend. Whatever the reason, whether it was her young start in the rock climbing gym or maybe the climbing genes she got from her mama, Mikaela is quite a natural at climbing.  After a few very successful gym trips with Mikaela and her brother Jake,  Nicole decided it was time to try out the real thing, and climb outside.  Nicole and Andrew brought us along and we are so glad we were there to witness Mikaela and Jake's maiden, real rock, voyage.

I always say the first foot is the hardest.  Here is Mikaela getting help with that first tricky foot.

Jake's turn.

There were a few tears but I think it's a requirement your first time on the rock.  Of course the kids did great and they can't wait for our next trip.  I just hope I can still fit in a harness.