11 Years and Counting

Sometimes it is hard for us to believe, but we have known each other since Fall 1997 (Coming up on 16 YEARS! WOW!)  We knew each other for about six months prior to dating and have now been married for an Amazing Eleven Years!  I am so blessed each day that Kris is willing to wake up next to me and start each day with a good morning kiss.  This is how I started my anniversary weekend (July 20th ... I know ... Behind in posting - ha).  Went to pick Kris up from work (we try to carpool when we can) and he turned around holding this beautiful boquet!  What a Dashing Young Man I have!

This year, we decided to head to the Melting pot.  I was getting ready for our date and Karsten was brushing his teeth before bed.  I asked him how I looked and this was his response.  Guess I was Ready to  Go!

Melting Pot never disappoints us.  We had a very nice waiter and a lovely location within the historic building.  Never ceases to amaze me that with as many times as we visit; we always end up with a different viewpoint of the restaurant.

Our waiter was so sweet - he even gave us champagne and chocolate covered strawberries to help celebrate the special occasion.

After dinner, we decided since we had childcare (aka: Gma and Gpa Cannode) for the Whole night; that we would head out for some entertainment at Comedy Works.  We had pretty good seats too!  All in all; an Awesome night.  Here is to Many, Many more date nights and evenings cuddling next to each other.  Love You!

Days of Summer

Nothing says summer like a day at the Zoo with friends.  This lovely day was with Shallon, Courtney and Uncle Jim.  It was great weather and fun to catch up with everyone.

Great Pic of the FOUR Kids
(yup, I said 4 ~ Shallon is due in Oct!)

Always gotta have time to Jump!

Seriously, the Cutest Kids EVER!
(Yes, I am biased, but it is still TRUE!)

We recently found the coolest park around.  It has some pretty sweet playground equipment and slides, but it also has a free water park.  Can you say "Perfect Day"!  Here are two of my favorite pics.

One last random Summer Time Moment.  Each year, Molson Coors puts together a Family BBQ.  The kids love the bouncy castles, water slides and of course Face Painting!

Birthday Shenanigans

Four Scores and Four Years ago ... Lee had her 25th Birthday.  It happened to be Kasey's "First Kegger".  He was the only kid at her 25th Bday and the hit of the party.  As time went on... Lee's birthday parties have changed a bit.  Each year is a theme and this year was "Vote for Lee" political theme for her 28th birthday.  A great excuse to go buy the left over 4th of July supplies in the stores and decorate.  This party started out no different then the last three.  Great Friends, Yummy beverages and lots of Laughter.

David is good friends with Kyle through the Fraternity house and decided to join us.  Kasey and Karsten (and of course us too) were thrilled he joined us.  I had to laugh when Uncle David found the puddle and taught my kiddo how to jump in it.  We spend hours telling him not to jump in puddles and to go around, but in this case... it had to be done.

See, Karsten - Jump straight in the middle!"

Like This, Uncle David??

The fun couldn't be with just our kids; soon the children were flocking towards the puddle.  We even had to 'refill' the puddle once since they splashed out so much water.  Ok, I guess one thing changed since her previous parties.  Normally, we are worried about the older guys having too many beverages and acting silly... Well; this time the kids kept us fully entertained.

No worries, there was plenty of Adult supervision that night.

Once the kiddos got tuckered out; we sent them to the master bedroom to cuddle up to a little movie time.  Yup - her 25th Birthday had one little baby present... Now, we had EIGHT children!  Left to Right is: Lilianna, Karsten, Tahlea, Bella, Kasey, Addy, Mady and Miss Lee (Tyson not pictured).  I was dying laughing when Lee came out from the bedroom after checking on them and said "you're kid said somebody ate somebody (Bella); your kid thinks everyone is talking too much during the movie (Addy); and your kid needs a flamingo (Mady)".  Yup, guess the parties have changed a bit, but one thing will never change.  How Much Fun we Have with Great Friends!

Holiday Weekend at Chatfield

What better way to celebrate a Thursday July 4th?  Take off Friday, create a 4 day weekend and go camping.  Since Amy could not take off, we decided to go camping with our favorite camp hosts at Chatfield to make it a 3.5 day weekend.  Once we finished work on Wednesday, we grabbed the loaded up truck, hooked up the boat and headed to Chatfield.  Unfortunately, we didn't get there as early as we wanted to and had to setup our tent as the sun was fading (thank goodness we had plenty of help).  We also had a surprise visit from Geoff and Josie Suk, who stopped by after enjoying some lake time on their boat. 

Karsten & Kasey helping put the tent up

Geoff and Josie Suk lending a hand as well

Karsten & Kasey setting up everything in the tent

After all that hard work it's time for a bedtime story...

...or maybe not, let's have giggle time first

After getting the tent setup and enjoying some relaxation on Wednesday night, it was time to celebrate our nation's Independence Day on Thursday.  That means BBQ's, family and of course fireworks.  Amy started out the day by enjoying a bike ride with Alisa, then it was on to the BBQ portion of the day. 

Karsten watching an early morning balloon over the lake

Enjoying a wonderful Independence Day BBQ

"OK Grandpa, the hot dogs are ready"

Once are stomachs were full, it was time enjoy some fireworks.  Unfortunately since most of Colorado was under a fire ban, due to forest fires, personal fireworks show were out of the question and many cities in the metro area had cancelled their professional shows.  Lucky for us, the Colorado Rockies were going to have a show and we happened to know a great place that oversees Coors Field.  So we loaded up and headed downtown to the Molson Coors tavern and we were not disappointed.  From our vantage point on the 32nd floor, we were able to see not only Coors Field, but the Mile High and Six Flags Elitch Gardens fireworks show also.  The Cannode's were also joined by the Freas', Kyle, Lee and Rick (Kyle's dad).

Looking out over city from the 32nd Tavern

Grandma and Grandpa enjoying a beverage, while Karsten waits for fireworks

"What do you mean the fireworks aren't starting yet?"

"Your right it should be darker"

Mason & Karsten coloring to pass the time

Lee, Amy and Elizabeth enjoying some adult beverages

The view of Coors Field from 32 floors up

At eye level with the Elitch Gardens fireworks

After all of the Independence Day festivities, it was hard to believe that we still had a full weekend to enjoy.  The rest of the weekend was pretty low key, spending most of the time hanging around the camp site.  One highlight of the weekend was the boys playing with some night crawlers that Kris was going to use for fishing and of course some dancing.

The boys showing off their dance moves for everyone

"Let's shake our booty, Karsten"



"Here Karsten, you can have this worm"

"Look at my worm, Mommy"

"Look how squirmy these 2 are"

The best moment of the weekend was the whole family taking an evening cruise on the lake.  The best times in life are always spent with family and this one was no different.

Amy and David having fun on the boat

Karsten informing everyone he is ready to go for a boat ride

Amy and George enjoying the water

Does it get any better than this?

Yes it does!