Canvas and Cocktails

It was Christy's birthday while we were in Denver. We got a babysitter one night and we wanted to hit the town. Christy had also made us reservations at Canvas and Cocktails. I must admit, I am not the most artistic person and was a little nervous about painting a 16 x 20 canvas. But the cocktail part was making me give it a shot! Both of my sisters were very excited about doing it.

We had the sitter come early so that we could go shopping, grab a bite to eat and then PAINT!!!! Christy took us to Hot Mama's. It was an awesome little boutique shop. We actually have one in Grand Rapids but I have never been there yet. We had a blast trying on tons of clothes for each other. The two sales ladies were amazing. They kept bringing us clothes to try. We all found several things and were so happy...

Since, we spent so much time there, we didn't have time OR money actually left to hit more shopping. We grabbed a quick dinner and went to Canvas and Cocktails.

What a cool place... It was amazing. The owner was the cutest, most trendy lady. She showed us step-by-step how to do the painting. I am a very detailed person and followed her painting exactly. My sisters actually laughed because mine looked a lot like our instructors. When she said, "About 16 circles". I counted 16 circles...

There was also great music blaring. It reminded me of a piano bar. We painted, danced and sang along. I would love to go back again.

When we were finished with that, the night was still young. We headed over to Bar Louie's. Christy heard from Joel and he said that all the kids were asleep and the sitter went home. We could stay out as long as we wanted!!!!!!! It was great to be able to have so much fun without worrying about the kids. We got a text a little after 11:00pm saying to come home quick!!!!! Blake had thrown up all over Eyvind's head. OH NO!!!!!!! Luckily we were only 10 minutes away. Charlene and I were feeling so horrible for our boys. It was very dramatic for both of them, but we finally got them back to bed. Thankfully Blake felt much better the next day. Not quite sure why he got sick?????? Maybe the pool that we were at earlier in the day.

BEFORE...

Christy wore the tiara because she was the birthday girl!!!!

Our final projects

We had so much fun. One of my most favorite girls nights OUT!!!!

American Girl Night Out on the TOWN!!

Christy told me before we got to Denver that they had an American Girl store right at their mall - Did I mention all the great shopping and restaurants right by her house????? I couldn't believe it!!!!!!! I think that I need to go out and visit her without my kids sometime...

I really wanted to take my girls to American Girl and let them pick out something. They didn't have a restaurant at this store, but Cheesecake Factory is right next door and has little seats for the dolls.

The girls were so excited. They spent quite a while prepping their dolls to go out for their fancy night. Emily was such a great cousin and helped my girls get their dolls dressed and hair done. Off we went. Blake was being a great sport about it. I was bribing him with a stop to GameStop!

We decided to do dinner first. Caitlin was so cute. She ordered herself and STAR dinner. She shared her food with STAR. She even had a little plate with food on it in front of her doll.

After a yummy dinner - lots of carbs for me, since our household has been doing LOW CARB forever now, we were off to shop. All three girls decided to get the dolls ears pierced. Caitlin picked out an iceskating outfit and Madison picked out a tap costume.

We had a great time!!!!

Getting KIT and STAR ready for their big night...

Caitlin was so excited

Madison and KIT

Caitlin and STAR

Cheesecake Factory FUN

Blake being a great sport...

Let the Fun BEGIN - Denver Trip!

We had a great trip. My children couldn't have been better - except Blake throwing up all over the airplane on our way home...

We arrived late Thursday night. Thankfully Christy met us at baggage claim and helped me get the kids and bags to the car. My kids were so excited to meet their two little cats. They played with them and visited with Emily for a while, until about 1am our time. I was exhausted!

We woke up in the morning to a dusting of snow and walked Emily to school. This was going to be the coldest day while we are out here. It still seemed warm to us!!!!! It was great to see the mountains. Blake was already talking about seeing rattlesnakes... We have been learning as much as we could about Colorado for a few weeks now.

My kids love zoos and animals. Christy and I took my three to the Denver Zoo on Friday since Emily was in school and has already been there before. We had such a wonderful time. I just love seeing my kids so happy and enjoying themselves. Blake is just a walking animal encyclopedia. He taught me so much that day!!!!

My Three Little MONKEYS!!!!!!

I love that my kids are never afraid to try anything new with animals. Blake had two birds fighting on his arm. He didn't even flinch. I was trying to get them off of him!

Aunt Christy helped Caitlin get started. She was a little nervous at first!

Madison will do anything that Blake does...

My girls love getting their picture taken. Caitlin is always asking for me to take her picture. I love their little poses.

The Count Down

The kids and I are heading out to Denver to visit with my sisters. My sister Christy lives in Denver and my other sister, Charlene will be coming from St. Louis. They both have one child each. My kids love to visit with their cousins!!!! This will be my first time on the airplane with just my kids. I am a little nervous about going SOLO, but am hoping for the best. We have a late flight out Thursday night - maybe they will sleep!!!!! We made up a little sign and posted it in our kitchen to help us see how many days we have left. We have never made it out to visit my sister yet. The kids are sooo excited!

Powder Puff Derby

Madison was so excited about the derby after watching Blake's car do so well on Saturday. The Powder Puff Derby was on Sunday. She was a little sad that hers didn't do quite as well as Blake's and she didn't get a trophy. She did better than I had thought she would. She should have won a trophy for her enthusiasm and SMILE!!!!

On Your Mark, Get Set, GO!!!!

What a fun day!!!! It was also very LONG. The better the car does, the longer you end up staying. We stayed till the end because Blake won a trophy :)

We didn't even get a test run of the track. We had no idea how well the car would run. The first race was with his den. I was a little anxious because I just wanted it to get to the end of the track. Blake's car came in first place. They do the best of three runs. He was the first place winner!!!!! He qualified for semi-finals. We were so excited.

He did very well. His car was quick. He ended up winning a trophy for being the top racer in his den. This was his first trophy EVER. It has been a treasure at our house.

When Blake's name was called to go up on stage to receive his trophy, the girls were clapping and cheering. Madison actually had tears in her eyes and said that she was so proud of Blake. That made my whole day ---- they really do love each other!!!!!

Before the race...
Blake picked out these decals.
Great job Daddy!!!!!
Blake did a little dance when his car came in first.
He was very serious during the race.
His car is in slot GREEN.
It was a long wait...All worth it...
Our Proud little CUB SCOUT!!!

Sand Paper, Paint, and Daddy

Both Blake and Madison made cars for the pinewood derby. I thought that it was a great project for daddy to help the kids with. Brett and I both made and raced cars in the PineWood Derby with our church groups when we were younger. I actually won one year!!!!! I still remember my little purple with sparkles car.

Blake's cub scout den had a meeting in which they cut our their cars. One of the dads had a shop in Paw Paw where he had lots of saws. He cut it out for them after they made their design. That was a great help. We let Madison pick out a pre-cut car from Hobby Lobby.

Next came the sanding... The kids thought it was really hard work. Blake complained that his hand got too hot. We told them to take a break. Brett worked with the kids to get them all sanded down just right. Next came the several coats of paint and then the decals. They worked on the cars for several night getting them just right. Race day was quickly approaching!!!!!