Meanwhile... Back at the Ranch

While Keith and I were resting and relaxing in Vegas, Oliver and Grandma Garner were having fun of their own here in Colorado. HUGE Thanks to Grandma Garner for spending the weekend with Oliver so we could take our first weekend away. We couldn't have done it without your help!

Here are a few of my favorite photos that Grandma took.

Oliver's hair was getting shaggy, so I asked Grandma to take Oliver in for a haircut. It was all good as long as the lady didn't interrupt the Sesame Street episode he was glued to. Since he was such a good boy he got a sucker. Since he was with Grandma he was spoiled and had his FIRST sucker. He didn't even know what they were and hesitated.

Since he didn't know what the sucker was, Grandma had to tell him to put it in his mouth.

Hmm... I think he might like it.

Yes, I think the new discovery of yummy sweetness is a big hit with Oliver.

I don't even know what to think of this outfit. Good thing Oliver doesn't mind.

Oliver and Grandma had good times playing in the sunshine at the park.

Oliver is loving the discoveries that come with spring time.

Creating a masterpiece while enjoying the warm weather.

It's tough work hanging with Grandma. Sometimes, a boy just has to lounge in his under wear. chew on his tooth brush and hold on tight to a balloon.

It is also important to take your toys for a neighborhood stroll.

It was great to be home to see our munchkin!!

Happy Mothers Day!

Happy Mothers Day! This is one of my new favorite days of the year. It makes me sit back and think about all of the great parts about being a Mom. I'm thankful every day that Oliver made me a Mom, especially when he gives me big bear hugs and sloppy kisses. Ahhh... they're the best! Unfortunately, Oliver was a little under the weather and not up for celebrating. He was up at 4:30 AM but Keith let me sleep in. (Isn't he the best?!) At 7:30 when I got up I noticed Oliver wasn't quite himself. He had been very cranky all morning and he was very sleepy during breakfast. After we had the super yummy french toast Keith made me, I took Oliver up to his room for quiet time. We thought he might just need a nap. He made it through 1.5 books and then he was sound asleep. After a cuddle from Mom (I still think there is nothing like a Mom cuddle) I put him down for a morning nap. 4 hours later, he woke up in a great mood. He ate a great lunch of chicken noodle soup and crackers. Then he played happily in the living room. The plan was to go and get a new golf bag for Mothers Day. Since Oliver felt up for it, we headed out. Keith and I were a bit under the weather as well. We think it is allergies, but maybe we all have a touch of a cold. Who knows?!

We headed off to Golfsmith. I asked for a new golf bag and Keith thought I needed new clubs. Ok, so I've had mine since 1992, but can clubs really change that much? Well, I was shocked at how much different they are now. While I was testing out the new clubs Oliver was working on his putting. Of course, his style of putting was just putting as many balls as he could find in the hole. This was fine until he started getting close to customers who were actually putting. If we would have let him he would have put their balls in his hole also. He also enjoyed bouncing the balls down the aisles. It kept him happy, which kept up happy and willing to spend money. Talk about customer service! It didn't hurt that there weren't too many people in there. Do Mom's not shop golf on Mothers Day?

It started as a request for a new bag. After testing irons, woods and a driver, I walked out with a new bag complete with new clubs. SWEET! I am quite exited to try them out. The BAG (beer and golf) League starts on Tuesday so I hope the clubs help shave a stroke or two off of my game. Do you wonder what kind of golf league starts with beer in the title? Well, one that was started with employees from Coors, of course. Watch out guys, I'm ready now!

After our great purchase (complete with coupons, cha ching!) Oliver and I posed out front the store. What a great son to buy his Mom new clubs! It is quite possible that he noticed Dad's wallet was a little lighter than it was before. Or, he may have been trying to figure out how to get it in his own pocket!
After our shopping trip, Oliver took me to Cherry Cricket for a burger. Not a fancy place, my favorite burger place in Denver and a great place when the weather is crummy. That's right, another weekend of rain. This is our sixth weekend in a row of crummy weather, but who's counting. At least it's nice during the week, which gives me a good excuse to get out of the office and walk up clear creek for some exercise and fresh air.
This isn't our best picture, but it is us on Mothers Day.

To all of you Mom's out there... HAPPY MOTHERS DAY!!!

Dinner with the Boberg's

Saturday night we had the Boberg's over for Cajun Stuffed Pork Chops. Yum! AnnMarie and I work together and our boys go to the same school. Andrew is still a bit young (6 months) to run around with Oliver and Mathew, but the three of them will be having fun together in no time. I think the highlight of the evening for Oliver was running around with Mathew. Especially when they were chasing balls in the back yard. We had a great time and hope to spend more time with them this summer.

Mathew and Oliver working on the alphabet train.

Oliver and Mathew in the back yard
I thought this great when Oliver put his arm around Mathew. Mathew was quite exited about the peppermints and wanted me to take a picture of that.

Bubbling Over with Bubbles

As you know, Oliver LOVES bubbles. The bubble bath he has had has been kind of weak, so we got him some new bubble bath that was complete with watermelon scent. Yum! We tested it out tonight. He wasn't quite sure what to think of the tub full of suds, but he warmed up to the idea.

I don't think he is too thrilled with the photos of him in the tub yet.

Ahh... there is our smile guy!
Hmm.... not too sure what to think of the bubblicious hat.

Maybe it is OK, or Dad is entertaining.

"Mom, seriously? Must you take photos of EVERYTHING?!"

Valentine's Day Lives On

Not that you were wondering, but if you were, the Valentine's Day balloon lives on. Up until about a week ago it still had full power to float high at the ceiling. In the last week it seems to be giving up and is now floating about a foot off the ground. Oliver still drags it around the house and occasionally plays the tune "How sweet it is, to be loved by you". When we bought it the tag said the song would last for 50 plays. I think we hit 50 in March and it still sings on. I'm thinking once it can't hold itself up off of the floor it will go to balloon heaven. In the meantime, it is the balloon with the most bang for our buck.

To The Park!

After gloom and rain yesterday, the sun came out today. YAY!
We headed to the park for some sunshine and fresh air. This is always a big hit with Oliver.

"Come on, Mom. The slide is straight ahead! No doddling"

Keith and Oliver at the top of the slide.

Big Mamou-licious!

Last night we had some friends over to enjoy Keith's famous Big Mamous Chicken on Pasta. This is a dish that is inspired from his Cajun roots that his whole family loves. Lucky for our friends, you can never make a small batch of Big Mamous so we invite them over to share.

Oliver, Jin and Noah digging into their dinner of Macaroni and Cheese and Mini Corn Dogs. We figured the spice of Big Mamous would be a bit much for their little taste buds.

Parker was even there to enjoy the dinner but he isn't quite big enough to sit at the kids table.

I thought the women usually oogled over babies. Here is proof that men do it too!
Parker with his Daddy Craig.

I FINALLY got to hold the little guy! YAY! He was so tiny and looks a lot like his Mom.

Oliver and Jin hit it off and were dishing out hugs left and right. It was too cute!

It happens to be Michelle's birthday this week so we combined dessert with a celebration for her.

Keith lighting the candles with Michelle's son Noah keeping a close eye on the progress.

Happy Birthday Michelle!

Jin and Oliver after singing Happy Birthday

Cake Time!

After the party I noticed that I have photos of kids and not adults. Wow, how things have changed!

Is this a date?

Cake Face!

Grandma Garner - This picture is for you. Once in a great while we splurge and let Oliver have some of the good stuff.

Of course, after cake Oliver was wired and enjoyed some one on one time with Bryan after everyone else left.

Oliver is an equal opportunity hugger and even handed over a few to Bryan.We had a great evening with friends. Thanks to everyone for coming!

Oregon Coast Vacation

This past weekend we ventured up to the Oregon coast to meet up with Carrie's family. It was Dad's 60th birthday, which seemed like a great excuse to get together. Grandma, Grandpa, Shane and Rio came down from Chewelah, WA (near Spokane) and Jerry came over from the Portland area. We also had some other family come to town; Dad's brother Bruce, his wife Roberta and their son Beau with his family Becky and Hazel. We all had a great time. Keith and I really had a nice relaxing weekend and enjoyed the slower pace that we don't usually get at home. On our way from the Portland airport to our destination in Rockaway Beach, we stopped off at Cannon Beach. We were greeted with a blue sky day.

Keith, Oliver and Carrie at Cannon Beach

There was a truck doing some work that Keith and Oliver were quite impressed with.

Take a good look at these blue skies. We didn't see them except for a small patch here and there for the rest of the weekend.

Playing in the sand

Oliver with his first shell find

Having fun on the beach

BEHOLD... DIRT!

Our sunset view from our balcony in Rockaway Beach