Whew - it's been a week of the dreaded "post-vacation catch up" where I try to tackle things that have been postponed, delayed and otherwise ignored for the all-hallowed Spring Break. And let's just say I'm rejoicing that it's finally Friday, after five days of attempting to get myself and the [just slightly crabby] family past the vacation hangover and back into a somewhat regular routine. So, can I have a beer yet?
We spent spring break with friends in one of our favorite tropical destinations in Mexico. To say it was truly heavenly might be an understatement. There's nothing quite like a sandy beach, crystal blue water, and limited cell service to melt your troubles and stress away. And a few Dos Equis never hurt, either.
So naturally, the vacay centered around lots of quality beach time:
As well as underwater adventures to check out the local wildlife.
And, of course, you can't take a trip to the beach without burying someone in the sand!
To balance out all the action, we made sure to include lots of leisurely swings in the beach hammocks...
...and partake in more than a few afternoon siestas on the sand.
Many hours were spent reading (Mike & I finished five books between us!)
For the daily happy hour, we convened at a favorite watering hole, La Buena Vida.
The swing bar was a perfect spot to rehash the day's activities and enjoy a cold drink.
There was way too much Fanta consumed by the kiddos...
and Riely proved she could be a spokemodel for the brand. Muy delicioso!
And you can't forget the chips, fresh salsa and guacamole (with plenty of margaritas to wash it all down!)
The time spent near the ocean never fails to awe, inspire, rejuvenate, and relax!
We flew back into Denver just in time for a snow storm to hit, making our memories of the beach that much sweeter. There's nothing quite as depressing as trading your flip flops in for a pair of Sorels.
Here's hoping your Friday is sunny, happy and stress-free!
Yes, I just quoted Wayne's World in my blog title. Not exactly eloquent, but I'll blame it on the fact that my brain (and liver) were witness to one pretty great little shindig last weekend:
So for a few months now, my sister-in-law Ali and I have been planning a surprise party for our twin husbands' fortieth birthday milestone. It all started with a plan to pull off the impossible: two girls who are not-so-good at lying trying to surprise two boys who are very good at noticing everything.
The plan was to send them out for a round of golf while we gathered friends and family back at the clubhouse for a post-round celebration. We secretly emailed invitations to guests:
and then coordinated food, decorations and favors in secret meetings while they were at work. I didn't get too many photos pre-party (there was too much anxiety and stress to shoot photos!), so most of these are after the fact, but you get the idea!
Each table was decorated with party and aging-theme quotes (cut with my trusty Silhouette!)
The centerpieces were tin buckets of golf balls, with polka dot ballons tied to the handle. We also scattered imprinted golf tees around:
And for entertainment, I created faux-polaroids of the boys spanning the past 40 years, and spread them around on all the tables. They provided plenty of fodder for jokes about Flock of Seagulls haircuts the whole evening!
And after Ali recently discovered the most delicious cupcake bakery, we had to include a delectable cupcake tower:
So at 1:00 on Saturday afternoon, we sent this crew out to the links:
The twins' older brother, Ben and college friend, Jess were in on the surprise and had strict instructions to keep them on the course until 5:30. They sent us text updates throughout the afternoon and it soon became apparent that the round of golf was going to finish faster than we expected.
Like 45 minutes before the guests were even due to arrive - ack!
So Ali and I took matters into our own hands, highjacking a golf cart (me driving while Ali tried to keep an entire tray of tequila shots from spilling while we drove) and meeting the guys at the 17th hole in hopes of stalling them for as long as possible.
Ultimately, our plan worked. We parked our carts just as the last guests gathered and enthusiastically welcomed the boys to the party:
The lack of reaction can only be attributed to shock, right?!
Much revelry, laughter, story-telling and of course, drinking ensued. We had rented a photobooth to capture some of the festivities and looking through the photos later was proof of the good time that was had:
A definite highlight of the evening was the slide show that Ali put together, highlighting some of the amazing moments from the last 40 years. There weren't many dry eyes left in the house after this tape rolled:
Yeah, it took lots of sneaky planning, much anxiety, a few little white lies, and the inevitable tequila shot to give these two an unforgettable birthday evening, but we managed to get it done. And it was small gesture compared to the unforgettable moments they've given us.
I've spent more than a year waiting for a certain someone to join me in the Big 4-0 category. And today he finally does! Luckily for me, I have the woman's perogative of choosing not to acknowledge birthdays past a certain age, so I can now officially say we're both fabulous and forty.
And looking back over our more than 25 years together, I think we've aged pretty darn well.
Happy Birthday, Michael! Thank you for being my husband, my partner in crime, and my best friend. There's no one I'd rather be forty (or sixty, or eighty, or a hundred and twelve) with. I love you!
My blogging efforts fell a bit flat a bit this week. Wardrobe Wednesday was derailed by the 10 inches of snow we got (along with high winds that produced much deeper drifts around the house) so there was no decent spot to take photos. Plus, my outfits for the week consisted largely of fleece leggings, Sorel snowboots, and a down North Face jacket, which definitely doesn't qualify as fashion-forward. Unless you happen to live in Antarctica.
And today's Give-It-Away Thursday was foiled when I discovered my giveaway box is completely empty. I can't remember the last time I actually saw the bottom of this box, but the contents are, indeed, depleted. Which means there's a supply purge looming in the very near future.
In the meantime, these photos of my family playing at Winter Park last weekend will have to suffice for today's post. But hey, they are awfully cute, if i do say so myself!
This last photo? Just serves as proof that I was actually there, too. And that just because you don't ski doesn't mean you can't enjoy an aprés ski cocktail!
-has become my little kitchen apprentice, doing everything from chopping to measuring to polishing copper. Now I just have to convince her that ironing is fun and I'll be home free.
-grudglingly practices her math flash cards before bed each night.
-is currently writing a story about two second-grade girls named Jenna & Kaley that largely focuses on what they wear to school each day.
-loves showing us all the new moves she learns at her hip hop dance class (and delighting in the fact that she's the only Dickinson with any sense of rhythm.)
he:
-is on a mission to get fit for our spring break trip to Mexico and has been doing P90X every night. Which is slightly different from my regimine of consuming margaritas and tacos.
-is headed to D.C. for a few days to hang with some lobbyists in his stylin' new suit, where he's sure to win friends and influence people. Or at least look hot doing it.
-has decided that it's more calorie-conscious to sip whiskey rather than drink beer.
she:
-thinks that whiskey smells a lot like kerosene. And calories be damned, still loves beer.
-has resolved to snap more photos with her DSLR this month, after the realization that no photos makes scrapbooking very difficult.
-is almost finished with her December Daily album. Alert the folks at Guinness!
This weekend we managed to pack in plenty of festively, frolicking holiday activities. 'Tis the season for busy weekends (and bad blog alliterations!)
We kicked off things with Riely's holiday dance recital at the rec center, where I may have had a bah humbug moment attempting to get decent photographic evidence in the dim lighting and mobs of parents elbowing for prime spots close to the stage. Ahem.
Despite my less than stellar photos, my girly totally stole the show in the March of the Toys tap routine and Candy Cane Tree ballet number (according to this totally unbiased and very proud mama).
We also spent a bit of time basking in the glow of Christmas lights and holiday decor, and watching the favorite family movie,Christmas Vacation. "Is your house on fire, Clark?
No, Aunt Bethany, those are the Christmas lights."
And of course, we partook in one of our very favorite Christmas traditions, getting all dressed up:
and having brunch with this guy:
The only bummer of the weekend? The forecasted snow never arrived - boo! Here's hoping Santa can make our wish for a white Christmas come true.
is alternating reading Geranimo Stilton books and Christmas classics that she's checked out of the library ("...because if I wait 'til December, they won't be checked in!")
is certain she needs her own version of Minecraft after watching her brother play
just got new pink snow boots (size 1 - eeek!)
is practicing for her holiday dance recital in a few weeks
never listens to her mama's advice that she needs a coat. and yet somehow never gets cold.
he...
successfully taught the old dog a new trick: how to shake. and is still working on the "Nice to meet you" part.
is thrilled that basketball season is over (not his favorite sport) and that golf lessons will commence next week.
can rock Jingle Bells on the trumpet like nobody's business.
got a perfect attendance award for first quarter (exciting!) and with it, received a free homework pass (waaaaaay more exciting!).
made a bar graph featuring all the candy he scored trick-or-treating.
can't wait for pecan pie at Thanksgiving.
he...
might be as addicted to the Car & Motorcycle section of Pinterest as his wife is to the Arts & Crafts.
grew a beard for about 4 weeks (contest at work!) and then had to shave the beard for a television interview next week.
is going to be on the CBS Evening News for an upcoming segment on the oil industry.
might be just a little bit nervous/stressed out/tense about the aforementioned interview.
will undoubtedly charm and impress the reporter, cameraman and crew if he just remembers to smile (I keep reminding him -it worked on me!)
she...
is wrapped up in planning for her very favorite holiday in the universe EVER, Thanksgiving dinner!
is trying not to ignore other obligations amidst Thanksgiving planning.
registered for a spring race in hopes of re-igniting her running motivation.
is spending this morning on a little shopping expedition with her mama (who recently joined Twitter - and once she figures it out will undoubtedly be dropping 140-character gems all over the interwebs)
is beyond proud of the other three humans listed here, who make her heart happy on a daily basis.
Can I brag for a minute? There's a certain someone in our household that has me busting at the seams. He's been the model of organization, dedication, and good ol' hard work this fall as he transitioned into a middle schooler. Over the past month, he's also managed to balance nightly homework, basketball practice, chores...and when all his commitments are complete? He asks me if there's anything he can do around the house to help me out. (wha?? I know!) I'm pretty much feeling like I drew the Lucky Card in the kid lottery.
And that fact was only reinforced when we were informed he made high honor roll this past quarter...um, hello Mr. 4.0 GPA! (He's obviously inherited his dad's academic excellence gene. But hey, he got my good looks, people!) So today I'm sharing a little ode to my Hayden Grey. He is truly awesome and he's made this mama so incredibly proud!
S U P P L I E S :
I designed these speech bubbles just for this page, backing them with various BasicGrey papers from the Soleil and Serenade lines.
And speaking of BasicGrey, if you live close enough to shop their warehouse sale, you might want to check this out:
