Analise's Celebrations

Analise's birthday celebrations were spread out this year. Honestly, we had a hard time coming up with a birthday party idea for friends. 1 - it's hard to find things to do in February. 2 - even harder in February in our town. We went around and around with ideas. She really wanted pedicures, but I couldn't justify paying for pedicures in the winter when she and friends don't wear sandals. She then asked for a "nail-icure." So I looked into manicures and thought we could do that. Long story short, that idea didn't work out. I kept asking myself what she really enjoyed doing, and the answer was always, "swimming."  After talking with her about it, we decided to have her party at the YMCA, even though we had done that last year with a couple of friends. 

We started the fun off with having her two closest friends come over for pizza balls and manicures by Grandma. The picture is lousy, but it reminds me of the time and care Grandma spent doing their nails.

From there we met up with the other girls at the Y.

She invited seven sweet girl friends, and all but one could come. We hung out at the Y; they played for a bit, ate a cookie that I surprised her with, and then they had a great time swimming. God even blessed me with a discounted price!

 Analise fell in love with chipmunks after feeding them in Estes Park last August.

Analise's birthday weekend was spent playing in Colorado. She got earrings from Aunt Sarena, and she was SO excited. As soon as volleyball season is over, she will get her ears pierced.

 She opened a couple of gifts at the hotel before leaving.

 I made her a pasta dish for dinner, and she was happy. We stuck a candle in the French bread.

The following Sunday night we celebrated with the Luke family. It was the one night in the month that everyone could get together. Crazy.

She requested taco soup for dinner. I made some Texas Roadhouse rolls to go with it, and Grandma surprised her with chocolate covered strawberries.

 The year to receive more bands for her loom.

 She also got some money to put towards a new bike.

 Sarah and the boys got her the soundtrack to Frozen. We have listened to it over and over. And she thinks it's the coolest thing ever to read the words on the cd jacket.

Analise wanted a Minion cake this year. I gave it my best effort.

 It took a lot of air to blow out 10 candles.

 These two are best buds and have been since they were born. They resurrected these play tunnels and used them just like they did many years ago.

It was a fun night together with family, and Analise felt loved. (And momma felt worn out. :))

Analise is 10

I can't believe I have been a mom for 10 years already. And I can't believe I am a mother of a 10 year old. Double digits. Here is a look back at how she has grown and changed. One thing that has remained is her smile and joy. Analise means gracious and consecrated to God. 

And her middle name, Joy, seems fitting for her.

Feb. 16, 2004 weighing 8 lbs. 8 oz.

A week old

 Age 1

 2

 4

 5

 7

 8

 9

 Feb. 16, 2014

One of her gifts this year was a photo book I made with pictures of her from birth to present. I spent hours and hours looking back at pictures, and though it was long, I enjoyed the reflecting of her life.

She has been such a blessing to our family. We love you, Analise!

Colorado pt. 2

Saturday morning the girls were up right at 7:00. When I told them they could go swimming, they were thrilled. They had the pool to themselves and enjoyed it; even Sadie was in the water most of the time.

After breakfast, I told the girls what we were going to do...and I knew it would make Analise's day.

We went to tour the Bronco's stadium, and again God went before us. I had read that reservations were recommended, but I honestly thought we wouldn't need them. However, it was full for the time we wanted to tour. Thankfully some people didn't show up, so we were about the join the tour. We all enjoyed it; Sadie and Maisie were good sports despite getting a little bored.  I enjoyed seeing the behind the scenes, and I was reminded how much money flows through a place like that. It's ridiculous.

 Here is my almost 10 year old standing next to gate 10.

 The above picture is in one of the more expensive suites. Insane amount of money to sit there. Someplace I will never be again.

Maisie is standing by the door for the officials who make the calls on the reviews. They have guards standing by the door on game day. It's off limits for tours.

 Behind this door are $10k seats for those who want to spend that money to say they sat exactly at mile high elevation.

 Sadie and Flat Stanley with Denver's skyline behind them.

 Visitors locker room; it was huge!

 The best stop on the tour was obviously the field. We couldn't walk on it, but we were able to walk the track next to it.

 Dad, you should be so proud that your girls love football.

 Thanks sweetie for taking me, I mean Analise, to do something she loved.

 This is the Broncos locker room - another off limits.

 Not sure why this is outside the stadium, but I needed to get a picture of my mac and cheese lover with it. (She gets the love from her Aunt Peg.)

The only thing that would have made that time better would have been meeting Peyton. :)

After the tour, we went to our friend's house for lunch. It was great seeing their family again and meeting the new 4 week old baby. Naseem and Jami are always so gracious to let us come, and they made us a delicious lunch!

After lunch we took a nice walk along a path that allowed us to see lots of things:

Pike's Peak

 Mountains

 Downtown Denver

 Pike's Peak, just a little more zoom

 Brandon and Naseem - college and lifelong friends

 Maisie liked talking to these cows along our path.

After our walk we headed to California Pizza Kitchen to meet Dave, Sarena and Danny for dinner. It was great catching up with them, since we hadn't seen them since Christmas.

They went back to the hotel with us for a bit, and we talked some more while the girls swam.

They gave Analise her birthday gift - earrings. She was SO excited!

It was a great day filled with family and friends. And it never hurts seeing the mountains at the same time. :)