Kris is 34! Can you Believe it!

Kris tried to let his birthday sneak by, but no one was willing to let it go.  You only turn THIRTY-FOUR (yep... I don't even think Kasey or Karsten can count that high yet) once in a lifetime.  Timing worked out great this year.  Denver has an annual event called "5280 Restaurant Week" and this year, it fell on Kris' birthday.  Thanks to our good friend and Godfather - we had a sitter for the night and were off to Miyama Japanese Steakhouse and Sushi Bar!  Kris got the Tempannaki he was craving and we even shared some Spicy Tuna rolls! YUM!  After dinner, they sang to the birthday boy and brought him a house specialty to celebrate his birthday.

After the big dinner, we went home to open some presents and enjoy some Boston Cream Pie.  Jim and Sarah celebrated with us and we finished our night off relaxing in our hot tub with friends.

Just what Kris' needs...
a hot seat for hunting and a reason to go to Bass Pro (gift cards attached)

I wonder if Kris can find a good home for this.

Kris' folks were not quite in Colorado yet on Kris' birthday.  When they returned, we set up a fun dinner with Family to celebrate 'Round Two' of Kris' 34th Birthday.  (Did I mention yet he is THIRTY FOUR!).  We got at our table and waited for Uncle David to arrive.  Kasey kept shouting 'Umpca David!' at Every Single person that walked by... until at last! There he was!  It became quite humorous.

Kasey and Grandpa sharing a beverage

We had a lovely dinner at Red Lobster (a staple to celebrate Kris' birthday) and then headed home to watch the kids play 'Dinosaur' with Grandma and Grandpa.  This is essentially swinging your arms up and down while Roaring at your opponent.  You then run away, giggle and repeat, repeat, repeat.... Love how these kiddos keep us entertained!

Snow Sports of 2012

Snow Sports of 2012... or as Kris calls it: "Death March 2012."  He seems to think his family is trying to kill him by taking him cross country skiing and more recently, snowshoeing. We decided to get a group of friends together for a lovely day up in the mountains. We were unsure if the boys would enjoy it, but as it was outdoors and beautiful scenery; we had the highest hopes.

Why are the Fat Kids leading the group?

Our hopes were correct. They Loved It! Karsten enjoyed the perspective being up so high and loved hollering at the Ryerson's pup. Kasey was his usual ham of a self. You couldn't get a normal pic as he was having way too much fun making silly faces and messing with dad's head.  We went a fast 5 miles and were looking forward to an unhealthy lunch afterwards; which we all felt we Earned.

Karsten chillin' on Mom's back.

We are not sure what Kasey is doing, but Kris is still smiling.

The "Death March" 2012 group.
(minus Kris and Kasey... our photo experts)

We did have a bit of excitement at the end of our adventure. I think the guys just wanted to do something 'manly' like using their big pick up trucks to haul something. One of our friends hit an ice patch and guided his truck safely into a snowbank. We were thoroughly impressed with how well he maneuvered the truck in the fast, chaotic situation. This could've been a very terrible story if someone were hurt or if it damaged the truck. Good news is... Everyone was safe and the truck only had minimal damage with some plastic breaking off the truck. We weren't going to take any pictures, but once we saw a Toyota pulling not one... but TWO Chevy trucks... the pic was a Must.

Attempt #1 - Chevy pulling Chevy.

Attempt #1 1/2 - Kris pulling both trucks.

Attempt #2 - Toyota pulling both Chevy truck's...
Can you Say Toyota Commercial?!?!

Thank you to our friends for making this such a fun trip.  Kris wonders what is in store next?  We are thinking we will be nice to Kris and choose something a little less of a work out ~ maybe snow mobiling!