Our "Baby" is TWO!

Karsten's car rides make us giggle a lot.  Every time we drive past a softball field, he yells "SOFTBALL!" with the most excited voice.  Then if no one is currently playing, he takes a deep breathe... sighs and says softly "no... one... playing".  Needless to say - he loves softball and loves watching everyone play!  Since he is so excited about it lately, we decided to have the theme of his Second Birthday be "Softball".  The day started out with some softball practice in the backyard...

Then, we found out you are never too old to get a lesson from your dad...

Time to start the party!  Kasey had helped pick out the baloons for his little brother's party.

We loved this pic, but realized
the Birthday Boy was in the Wrong Seat!

There! That looks better!

Dinner was a wonderful Burrito/Taco bar and as it was a lovely day - we all enjoyed eating outside.  After we ate, we had a quick car race by the kiddos.

And of course some work with the boy's new shovels

Then it was time for Presents and Cake!  Karsten was so excited to get a bunch of new clothes.  As any second child knows... it isn't very often that the second kiddo gets their very own clothes.  Karsten also got some crayons for bathtime play, fun books and Play-Doh!  Play-Doh is a first for the boys in this house.  They have used it at school, but for some reason... we have never had it available in the Cannode house.  It was a Big Hit!

Can I wear that to the next Rams Game, Mom?

Kasey got some cool presents too!

Karsten's cake was cool for many reasons - #1. He Loves Softball... #2. The detail of the baseball shaped cake was unbelievable ... #3. It was made by a Very good friend of ours; our former neighbor, Sandy Tucker.  She did an amazing job and we were so glad to be able to give Karsten a cake that was made with Love.  We sure knew Mommy had the Love, but maybe couldn't make quite the same lovely cake.

Say "Cheese Ball!"

No party is complete until we use the balloons to beat up daddy

Wow - We can't believe how fast two years have gone in this house. It really does move too quick and we are shocked to find out that we don't have a 'baby' in the house anymore.  One thing is for sure... Karsten will always be our sweet, sensitive, caring baby in our eyes.

Annual Pueblo did not disappoint!

Years ago, we started an annual trip to Pueblo with a core group of followers... and even though our families have evolved tremendously, we have kept this tradition alive.  You will notice no pictures of our little ones below.  That is because we have always made the event a kid free zone.  Not because we don't love our little rascals, but because it is fun to connect as adults and not worry about a diaper or hungry kiddo.  This year was a bit different for the Cannodes though.  Evidently, they (whoever 'they' are) disapprove of leaving 2 children under three at home alone for the weekend.  I guess we kinda agreed - so ... plan B included splitting up time in Pueblo for Kris and Amy.  Amy went down Saturday morning alone, Kris came down Sun morning (kids in tow), Amy took the kids back to Denver ~ leaving Kris to enjoy his kid free zone, only to have Amy return Monday morning (after dropping kids in daycare).  It was not an ideal situation, but we feel we pulled it off flawlessly.  Uncle David has always said, "Once they are potty trained; I will babysit" ~ we are calling you out next summer, Uncle David!!

Amy's first day began with an initiation.  In past years, we have had an initiation to our new captain (Josh) and this year... we initiated another boat driver, Jim.  But it wasn't for his driving abilities - it was for his DB sunglasses.  Ms Erika did not disappoint with the presentation!

The rest of the day included plenty of swimming time, as well as a quick trip up to Brokeback Mountain for the boys.  I say 'quick trip' as the boys were summoned back down to the boats due to an incident that involved one beautiful girl, a mean and scary prop... and blood.  Poor Erika was kicking around the back of the boat and ended up kicking the prop with her knee.  We were worried it was pretty deep, but after being analyzed by Five wonderful doctors on the boat and one at the hospital (just in case) - we determined all could be solved with a hello kitty bandaid and a beer (or two).

"What do you think, Doctor?"

What? You never fished with Fries??
Works like a Charm!

 

Such a Cute Couple. Their Love for each other is Amazing!

After our eventful swim session - we decided to take a nice slow boat ride back to the ramp for dinner.  Well, Josh and Jim's boat ~ AKA: Speedy #1 and Speedy #2 ~ Flew back to the ramps.  Amy, Angie and Lindsay, enjoyed their leisurely cruise on the water; taking a few added spins around the lake.  Gave plenty of time for enjoying the fading sun, taking fabulous pictures and of course losing Lindsay's brand new ballcap (Sorry, Linds!)

The Girl's Boat at Pueblo - Nice Lookin' Crew!

That night was filled with a wonderful campfire and food provided by Ms Erika (injuries don't stop this girl from cookin'!).  She had prepared an amazing chili before heading to Pueblo. We just heated it up in a crockpot and ENJOYED!  Actually, all weekend we were really pampered with meals.  Erika made chili one night and a mexican dish (that I can't pronounce) the second night.  We also enjoyed ziplock omlettes each morning and Billy's Chicken Curry on the boat (compliments of Sarah).  Sarah did a Great Job at the curry, considering she hasn't even had Billy's official version.  Very tasty!

Day two, Kris showed up at the campsite and 6:30 am, with Kasey and Karsten.  That meant he had to have gotten out of bed at 4am! WOW - he must've been really excited for Pueblo!  Thank goodness the kids could sleep in the car!  After a yummy breakfast for all - Amy watched as her boat was lowered into the water and cried a little while she had to drive home.  Actually ~ Amy was really excited to get back to Denver as she had a play date at the Denver Zoo with the Geelan Girls and had a Girls Night with Alisa (dinner and a movie) that followed!

Once Amy left it was time to head out for some water sports, Amy's favorite part.  Unfortunately for Amy, the wind would not cooperate on her day at Pueblo, but the water was perfect once she left.  A few people were able to wakeboard and Sarah, Lindsay & Angie even tried their hand at water skiing.  Not everyone was successful water skiing but a good time was had by all.

 

The wakeboarder's boat

Jim waiting to wakeboard

What do you guys think of my life jacket?  Jealous?

Angie's attempt at water skiing

Once everyone was exhausted from water sports it was time to go relax and enjoy some adult beverages.  Sunday is usually a day of rest at Pueblo since everyone is heading back, this year Sunday would be the 2nd day, not the last.  Kris was even able to enjoy some Brokeback time with the boys since he missed it on Saturday.  While the boys were on the mountain, the girls spent their time floating around the boats.  Although the Ryerson's and Prehm's were spending their last day at the lake, everyone was able to have a good time.  The Prehm's even managed to stay for a night time "booze cruise" after dinner, which included less booze than usual due to the marathon drinking day. 

The girls enjoying floating the lake

The boys descending Brokeback

Thank goodness for this rope

Whoa...almost lost it there for a minute

On Monday morning, after dropping off the boys at Daycare, Amy headed back down to Pueblo.  She had heard the Cannode boat broke down (sniff, sniff) and she was sad to hear that the Ryersons and Prehms both had to leave on Sunday, but we made the most of the day with the remaining crew and one remaining boat.  Due to the amount of people on the boat - we chose to just dock up in a cove and enjoy the view, the water and plenty of good chatter. 

The Proud, The True, ... The Pueblo Girls!

I just wish Angie could Relax a little...

Why are you guys hiding from the sun...
did someone have too much already?

Although we will be the first to admit - this was NOT a normal Pueblo .... we were not disappointed.  There were many laughs to be had and is Pueblo tradition... something of the Cannodes broke down.  At least Parts of Pueblo were considered 'normal' ~ ha.  Thanks to all for returning year after year.  We were sad to see certain friends not be able to make it (Sivahops, Suks, and Froistads), but also had fun with some first timers (Sarah, Angie and Lindsay).  Thanks for helping to make another Pueblo year Memorable and we Can't wait for Next Year!

Makes the shuttling back and forth all worth it.

Family Weekend on Steriods

Ever wonder what a ten pound bag of fun looks like over a tiny little weekend?  Well; I can tell you that no other family can pack this much fun successfully into one weekend.

We started out with a Molson Coors Employee Appreciation Picnic.  Amy assumed a picnic at a park with burgers and brats.  Instead, she found out how Molson Coors throws a party.  The food was unbelievable; with shredded bbq pork, spicy mango chicken with risotto and of course chicken fingers and mac and cheese for the kids.  Don't forget the beverages which were provided!  They also had bouncy castles, water slides, face painting, hula dancers, a dunk tank and more!  What fun!  Kasey wanted to get his face painted; so we headed over.  Amy had to show him how it was done first as he had never gotten his face painted before.  Then it was Kasey's turn and he did Amazing.  Was all smiles and kept giggling as she tickled him with the paint.  Unfortunately, by the time Amy went over to get Karsten... the face painters were packing up shop.  Next year, Karsten.

How does it look??

ROAARR!!!!

We also had some fun in the sun with the boys.  As we are nearing the end of summer - we are trying to get our last 'swim days' in for the kids.  Gma and Gpa enjoyed watching them splash around and loved even more the cuddle time in between when the boys needed to warm up a bit.

Make sure no cold gets inside, Gma.

Gpa enjoying cuddle time with his Grandbaby.

Getting warmer...almost ready for some more pool time.

Sat night was the Bronco's first pre-season home game and Amy and Kris were Ready for a date night!  Gma and Gpa Cannode watched the boys (which we know they just Hated!) and we rolled out ready to tailgate.  We went to our usual spot and had a great time enjoying some fancy Killians and Blue moon and made chicken burritos for dinner.  The game was a little lack luster as it was preseason, but our seats were Amazing!  We dropped our season tickets this year and instead are now purchasing Arnie's tickets since they have now moved away from Denver.  We are now on the 5th level... Front Row!  Such Fun!

Sunday was another family day.  We took the kids to the Rockies game and they were Enthralled with it!  Super excited about Everything Baseball!  In fact, Karsten loves it so much, we are having his 2nd B-day theme to be Softball... Stay tuned for his big day on the 25th!  Kasey was so into cheering.  He threw his arms in the air and screamed.  Just Loved It!  Not only did the Rockies win, but we also got a free concert after the Rockies game.  Third Day, a Christian Rock Band, performed for the fans after the game was over. It was inspirational and just an all around Blast!

Even Mickey Mouse Loves the Rockies!

Our Molson Coors seats

"Third Day"

Of course... not everyone made it through the concert

What a weekend of Fun!