Spring Break 2023

A million years ago, well actually three weeks ago, we packed our suitcases and headed to Los Angelos for a long spring break weekend. All four of us hadn't traveled together in a long while (pre-Covid?) but we found a great house/dog/cat/chicken sitter, rearranged work schedules and hopped on a plane. 

A few months prior, we decided that we should take a family vacation because our time all together is getting shorter (Will graduates in two years!) and we also needed some sun.  It's been a long winter.  We debated which coast, locations, etc., and then I found cheap airfair and hotel in LA so the decision was made.  Glenn was skeptical until I mentioned the La Brea tarpits - which were also what Reina was most excited about oddly.  Long story short, we had a lovely time.  It wasn't without hiccups, teen angst and crowded sleeping arrangements but we made it work.  

Look at these happy faces on the airport shuttle.  Smile for mom!  

Our first stop was the La Brea Tarpits.  It was even cooler than we thought it would be.  Highly recommend if you are in the LA area.  

We set aside the next day for exploring.  Lots of google maps and Glenn serving as the navigator (DIRECTIONS!), we found Dodger Staduim, the Coliseum, another museum and the Hollywood Walk of Fame. 

At a park overlooking Dodger Stadium.  Will gave Glenn a piggy back ride because he can. 

Glenn & Reina

2 out of 3 smiles.  

The ceiling outside of the LA Natural History Museum

The fastest walk through the Hollywood Walk of Fame known to man. I was the only one who was into it so it was a short trip.  

 

Our last full day was designated as Universal Studios Day.  We had a blast.  

Hogsmeade! 

Hogwarts!  We rode a ride inside the castle and it was pretty cool.  I mean, I had my eyes closed for most of it but everybody else seemed to love it.  

The car from Magnum PI!  This was the Studio tour and it was a lot more fun than I expected.  Plus it wasn't a roller coaster.  

Glenn loves the Simpsons! 

Next year's Christmas Card.  Sums up the day in a nutshell.  

On the last day, our flight didn't leave until the evening so we packed up the hotel and headed to the beach.  We picked Venice and it did not disappoint.  It wasn't quite sunbathing weather for the general public but Wyoming teens were quick to strip down and get some UV rays.  

Yes, Glenn is wearing long pants.  As was I.  We were comfy.  But look at that ocean.  

So that was our trip.  It was nice to come home and have the rest of the week to hang out, get driver's licenses, make cake pops and watch movies.  Then it was back to the grind.  Can't wait for the next one.  

A letter to the birthday girl

Dear Reina:  

Yesterday, you had your 14th birthday.  FOURTEEN?!  Unfortunately, you spent the evening before your birthday barfing your guts out so your actual birthday was kind of a bummer.  You stayed home from school but Dad and I took turns keeping an eye on you.  We had to reschedule your birthday party trampoline park extravaganza but we are going to do that next weekend so you get an extended birthday celebration.  

For your birthday, you finally got your own TV.  You also got a lot of generous checks and giftcards, your own fitbit, some earrings and an outfit from Forever 21 but don't forget that Will gets to pick it out.  That should be fun.  

Reina, you are a delight.  I probably say that every year but this year its just the best way to describe you.  You have a wicked sense of humor, interesting insights and interests in a wide variety of topics, highly effective sarcasm and a big, big heart.  You are working your way through eighth grade with good grades and a big group of friends.  You are still taking dance classes and getting better and better at hoop and pointe.  I can't believe you'll be in high school in the fall but you will be more than ready.  

You have discovered the joy that is movies from the 80's and 90's and you love to critique the fashion.  You are picking up more babysitting jobs which is nice because you love taking care of kids and you also love money so it's a good combination.  You like to draw in your downtime and I'm amazed at your talent.  It clearly skipped a generation from my mom straight to you.  

Lest anyone reading this in the future thinks that every day is rainbows and unicorns over here, you do have a delightful temper, too.  (I also know which side of the family that comes from.)  I hope you always stand up for yourself kiddo and make your opinions known.  

Yesterday when you were still feeling rotten, you and I sat together and looked at all of my blog posts from your first year of life.  The last fourteen years have passed in the blink of an eye but when I look at your face, I still see that beautiful little baby girl who wore a giant flower on the her head and sat on her brother's train tracks just so she wouldn't miss a minute of the action.  We love you so much, Reina.  Happy, happy birthday teen girl.  

For posterity's sake - I let you know that I didn't love the idea of selfies being taken while someone is lying down so you immediately sent me my phone buzzing with many, MANY incoming pics like these.  Artful staging by the way.  

This is not your favorite picture but this face is so very you.  "MOM!  Take the dang picture!"  

 

Reina's Confirmation

 

Reina was confirmed at our church on Sunday.  She's had a different confirmation experience than most.  She started the process during the Covid shutdown, had a lot of zoom classes, then in-person classes and finally confirmation.  We are proud of her and can't believe that she's growing up so fast.  To wrap up their classes, each confirmand was asked to write a statement of faith.  Here's Reina's (sharing with her permission). 

My faith statement, what God means to me.

                To me, God is faith, God is someone that will always be by you in sadness, anger, fear, grief in any emotional state you might be in. God is a friend, a friend you know is there, a friend that you can talk to, a friend you can trust. He understands you, understands when your angry, sad he understands you always. God knows when your hurt, he knows what you’re feeling and is always with you when you are in pain.

God wants me to live my life with no fear, he wants me to be always happy, sadly he can’t always control that, so when I am suffering he wants me to know that he is always by my side no matter what I am going through.

To those who struggle to believe in God, he isn’t mad, he understands, and he is there to lead you through every step until you find the mindset to believe in him, and if you still don’t, he is always there never mad, never sad, he will love you always. He forgives your sins; he accepts your apologies without any doubt because he knows you love him, and he loves you.

When you are under God’s wings you will never fear death you will never fear pain or grief because you know he is always there for you. Joshua 1:9 “Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be that dismayed, for the lord thy god is with thee wheresoever you go.” The verse from the bible is exactly what I’m trying to say.

A letter to the birthday boy

"Hey Will, let me take your picture with your cake." 

"Okay, but smile this time." 

Pretending to spit on the cake so that no one else will want to eat it.  

Look at that handsome smile.  

Dear Will:  Today you are 15. FIFTEEN! Don't ask me how that's possible.  (I can hear you answering this question with the perfect blend of sarcasm and science, "Well mom, that's how time works.") I just know it's moving all so fast.  You can read this blog whenever you want now so I won't go into embarrassing details about how cute you are when you are snuggling one of the pets or how your sense of humor is both delightful and exasperating, usually in the same thirty seconds.  You probably won't want me to mention that you were  on the honor roll for your first semester of high school.  You also don't love it that we think you are so handsome.  Daily, I'm reminded that you are taller than me by several inches now and I think your dad's next.  Your voice is so low that a few days ago I heard Glenn talking to someone in the kitchen and I thought that a neighbor had stopped by.  Nope, just my kid.  

Will, I hate that I can't find out about any breaking sports news before you do because your phone beats me to it and I only get a hard start when you are either still asleep or sitting in class without your phone handy.  The day the Broncos signed Russell Wilson.... well let's just say that I don't think a lot of studying was happening during your school day.  You are a knowledgeable sports fan and while you don't always have the "hope springs eternal" view of some of your favorite teams, you are always happy when they do well.  

You discovered Wordle a few weeks ago and you like to send me your screenshots of a successful game and you get mad if I give you too many hints.  You've been preparing for next Fall's football season since the last one ended and you have a new baseball season starting up soon.  Your love of all things sport and competition give your dad and I a lot of joy (and heartache sometimes but mostly joy).  We just love to watch you play.  

Happy fifteenth birthday big kid.  

A letter to the birthday girl

 Dear Reina: 

Today you are 13.  THIRTEEN.  (We have two teens in the house but that's a post for another day.) You were sad last night that you weren't going to be twelve anymore but I reminded you that you've been sad about that just about every other year of your life - "but I don't want to be eight!"  You woke us up early and you unwrapped presents before school - just like every other year.  This year, you asked for and received art supplies, clothes and money for clothes. 

Reina, you are such a cool girl.  I'm sure I say that every year too but it's the truth.  You are making your way through your first year of junior high. You wouldn't say it's been fun but you are making some friends and finding new classes that you enjoy.  You are also taking a bunch of dance classes at night and your schedule is busy.  But you still find time to play your computer games and read books in your free time.  

You have a delightful sense of humor that's getting more um... adult every year.  You love to watch old Saturday Night Live clips on Youtube and cackle at Will Ferrell movies.  You still love a good chick flick.  Your favorite book genre is what I call YA Gothic but I don't know if that's really a category. But you love a good story about a house that's haunted by a disgruntled ghost and the tween/teen has to figure out why.  

You are still our social justice warrior and you have a champion of the underdog.  You are a good friend and you are doing your best to get through this tough time in life (COVID, jr high, social unrest, etc. etc. etc.).  We love you kiddo.  Happiest of birthdays and we can't wait to see what the next year brings you.   

Birthday outfit 

Grandma H's birthday card to you, Queenie.  

Mother's Day and Last Weekend and some stuff in between

As I type this, we are under another winter storm advisory.  Depending on how it all sketches out, we could get as much as 4-8 inches of snow tomorrow.  So that's fun. We need the moisture yes yes yes but man, I'm ready for springtime.  This time last weekend I was in Arizona with Vicky and some friends!  I got an airplane!  I got to see my folks and their cute house in Sun City!  I didn't have to make meals for anyone!  It was a delight.  We were supposed to go on the trip last May but Covid happened so we were luckily able to postpone our reservation for this year.  We stayed at the Civana resort outside of Phoenix and we hiked and took yoga classes and other classes that shoved Lucy way outside of her comfort zone.  We also ate beet hummus and cashew cheese (not Lucy) and just had a great time.  

The natural area inside of our resort.  Lots of cacti and cute little quail and bunny rabbits.  

With Vicky on our first hike.  It was warm but there was a surprising amount of shade.  Plus our hike leader took a leisurely pace and we were able to keep up.  Hike #2 had slightly cooler weather but the leader set what Vicky and I called "race pace."  Great workout however.   

It's a picture of the Bronco Baby Mom!  

While I was gone, Glenn held down the fort.  Will ended up getting tested for Covid right before I left but he tested negative also.  So far, for the four of us, we have been tested 5 times.  Will reports that this test was worse than his test back in September.  So Will recovered but the baseball games were rained out.  Rain!  Reina testified before the school board (over Zoom) in support of kids wearing masks until the end of the school year.  She is passionate about that topic - until kids can get vaccinated.  She did a great job, she sounded very organized and confident and I was able to listen in from Az.  

Today is Mother's Day.  We bought a new faucet for the kitchen sink a few weeks ago and it's so cool that I said it should be my present.  How middle-aged is that last sentence?  Anyway, Reina wrote me a nice note, Will said he has a nice note coming and Glenn made me take a nap.  As I stood between my two kiddos at church today (we went to in-person church!) and listened to them recite the Lord's Prayer, I thought that I have everything I need for Mother's Day.  

I was back in the office this week. It wasn't too bad. I missed my sweats but I'll adjust just like a did a year ago.  

A Letter to the Birthday Boy

We interrupt this diary of a semi-quarantine to bring you another blog tradition.  Quick Day 5 update:  It rained overnight and snowed most of the day so our outside time is limited.  Glenn is now working full-time from home.  We worked with the kids to make a list of things we have to do everyday (read for 60 minutes, exercise for 30 minutes, play a board game, etc.)  and the list was received with only mild complaints.  The city and county have closed all restaurants, movie theaters, gyms, etc. for two weeks .  Lucy is hoping to be able to work from home soon.

Dear Will:

Today you are officially a teen. Let's face it, you've been acting teenager-y for a while so it's not a huge shock but when I write it down, goodness.  Thirteen.  At the doctor's office a few weeks ago, you were officially 5'4" (I think) so just a few inches shorter than me.  Your shoe size is officially bigger than mine but not as big as your dad's yet.  Your sarcasm is way above grade level and your sense of humor is delightful, when it isn't hanging out in potty town.  You are getting good grades and while we still think you could be doing even better in school, we are proud of your effort.

For your birthday, you wanted AirPods and a thousand other things but we settled on said AirPods, a weighted blanket and a fancy rubix cube.  You also were gifted a bunch of $$$ from your generous family members so you can buy fancy baseball sunglasses (please don't lose them, sit on them or scratch them until baseball season at least starts) and whatever else is on your wishlist.

Even before all of this Covid chaos, you had chosen to forego a birthday party in lieu of a cash buyout from your dad.  We'd planned on watching basketball tonight but you are resilient and picked a movie at home instead.  You ordered 25 hot wings for dinner and you've made short order of them.  Cake and ice cream await and I need to dig up thirteen candles.

Will, you are such a cool kid. You have some good friends but you don't like hanging out in big crowds.  You love your sports teams and you found the silver lining in the cancellation of  NCAA March Madness by remarking that at least Carolina won't break their streak of making the tournament.  You love to beat me to the breaking news on ESPN and sometimes you even manage to get the scoop before I do.  You are working hard in baseball and as soon as this snow melts, you'll be back outside throwing a ball against the fence or shooting hoops.

This morning as I was leaving for work, I made sure to point out to you that at that very moment, thirteen years ago, I was yelling in the car while your Dad drove me to the hospital (he parked in the parking garage and made me walk all of the way to the emergency room, a sin I clearly haven't forgiven) and a few rather painful hours later, you made your arrival into the world.  Since then, you've been a mute little toddler, a preschooler obsessed with fireman, pirates and Legos and now a full-blown sports nut. Through it all sweetie, you've been a boy that we can be proud of.  Will, you were the first one to call me "Mom" and that's something I'll carry with me no matter how grown-up you get.  Just slow it down a little, for me?

The birthday boy and his airpods

Spring Break shenanigans

Last week was our Spring Break.  It was a nice break and the weather was even spring-like at times.  Glenn and Will took a few days to go turkey hunting in Kansas for Will's first official hunt but Glenn will write about that on the next blog post. Reina and I stayed here and I worked for a few days while she helped her grandparents with the little cousins.  On Wednesday, the little cousins came over to our house for the day.  I realized that while a lot of my friends were posting pictures of beaches and sunshine and exotic vacations, I was getting to watch Toddler Cousin eat soup and I think I might have had the better end of that deal. 

Who wouldn't want to watch this kiddo feed himself soup?!

While the guys were gone, Reina and I had some fun girl time.  We watched more chic flicks, ate meals that weren't cooked in our home and took the dogs on some walks/bike rides.  It was a fun to hang out with my favorite 10-yr old.  

Sled dogs and a bike riding maniac in front. 

 When Will and Glenn got back, the kids and I packed up for a few days in Denver.  I heard about the City Pass from one of my co-workers and it was such a great deal.  For a big discount, the kids and I had access to the zoo, aquarium, children's museum and the natural history museum and we managed to squeeze in all of those places and shopping and eating into 2 1/2 days.  It was one of those little trips where everyone was in a mostly good mood, the kids got along and we didn't have any hiccups.  It was a really nice way to kick off the last part of the school year.

Reina at the aquarium

Reina sipping on a fancy shark drink at the aquarium restaurant.  

While at the aquarium, we got drenched by some hungry sting-rays.  It might've been the highlight of the week for Reina because I was soaked and ended up with a mouthful of sting-ray infused salt water. 

After the aquarium, we checked out the Children's Museum.  Most of it was designed for kiddos younger than my two but they still had a lot of fun.  Will got bucked off the little kid zipline which was entertaining for the rest of us. 

Look!  They do like each other although that could also be a chokehold. 

My big kid. 

I took 0 pictures at the zoo, probably because I like to look at the animals almost as much/more than the kiddos. We walked all over, saw most of the babies which is always a highlight and had some ice cream.  That night, with the help of the hotel staff and some strangers, we figured out how to take the light rail into downtown Denver so that we could eat dinner at the Hard Rock Cafe, which was one of Will's requests for the weekend.  He particularly likes their club sandwiches, who knew?  

Will and a lot of food. 

One of Reina's requests was to see the big blue bear outside of the Convention Center. 

Two kids and a big blue bear bottom 

Another shot of the big kid

On the last morning, we got moving pretty early and made it to the Natural History Museum for a few hours before meeting Pop-Pop and Grandma H for lunch.  The kids spotted a virtual reality space exhibit and insisted on getting in line for that right away.  I was going to opt out but I saw how much fun the people in front of us in line had so I decided to give it a try.  Turns out, I accidentally got on a roller coaster.  We wore virtual reality goggles and then the seats move up and down so that you feel like you are (in our case) in a submarine in a prehistoric ocean.  About 30 seconds into the ride, I felt Reina's little hand snake over and grab mine and I was just as happy to hold her's.  The ride was only 5 minutes long but I'm not sure my stomach has stopped feeling squeamish.  

R & W on the side closest to us.  They opted to stay and try the outer space experience while I sat that one out.  

So it was a nice Spring Break.  We get back into the swing of things tomorrow with a busy week of schoolwork, volleyball, confirmation and Glenn's birthday party.  Whoooo!

A letter to the birthday boy

Dear Will:  Today you are TWELVE.  Officially a tween, not yet a teen and growing before our eyes.  You told me tonight that this was one of your best birthdays and that made me and your Dad really happy.  You woke us up around 6:15 this morning to open presents.  We surprised you with a fancy new controller for your X-box, some clothes and socks (!!!) and a cookbook just for teens.  Reina picked out a Fortnite pinata for you and when you were done opening everything, Dad gave you your first hunting rifle.  I think your Dad is just as excited to have you hunt with him as he's been for any of his solo hunts.  You and I had lunch at school together and then at the end of the day, I brought donuts to your class.  All 40+ kids in both sixth grade classes serenaded you with "Happy Birthday" and I believe it was the long 90 seconds of your year.  

Opening presents in the wee hours of the morning.  

Will, we are really proud of the young man you are becoming. I know that sounds like something super old to say, but it's really true.  You have a marvelous sense of humor, you are super sweet to your cousins, you and your sister have days when you really have fun together, you are a terrific teammate, you hustle on the field and the court, you are paying more attention to your schoolwork and take pride in your good grades and you love beating us in card game.  In case I'm making you sound too angelic, you love a good prank, you are crazy competitive in video games and many card games end in someone (you?) screaming and you grumble when you have to feed the dogs even though you love your Tootsie girl and she loves you too.  You are getting more interested in cooking and you'll see videos of people cooking on Youtube and you try it out at home.  The ramen dish topped off with american cheese was a big hit with you and Reina.  I thought it sounded a little bizarre but I applaud your creativity! 

A boy and his dogs and the sunlight streaming in.

Don't forget the cat.  I did tell her to smile for the camera. 

 You are gearing up for Junior High.  Every moment of sixth grade feels like "the last..." Today was the last day I'll bring you lunch at school for your birthday.  Well actually I'll probably bring it next year but I don't think I'll be invited to stay.  We've had your last elementary school basketball game and soon we'll have the last track meet, school program and sob sob sob. 

You picked Taco Johns for your meal and I only forgot the queso sauce.  We ate in the hallway because you said the cafeteria was full. I think the other sixth graders just aren't ready for my awesomeness.  

You thought the previous picture was too cheesy and you prefer this broody teen look.  You sure are cute.  

You asked to postpone your birthday dinner until the weekend so that Reina can join us - she had dance tonight.  You asked for homemade spaghetti tonight and we celebrated with a homemade chocolate cake with oreos in the frosting - that you had requested earlier in the week.  You actually wanted a giant oreo cake but I didn't have that creativity in me just yet.  Maybe next year? As we ate cake, we watched the videos that your dad took 12 years ago in the days leading up to your arrival and our time with you at the hospital.  In the video, you hollered when Dad and the nurses gave you a bath and when you are storming around the house now, I can see flickers of that squealing little almost 8-pounder from 2007. It brought tears to our eyes to see your cute little face and big blue eyes.  It's hard to believe that little guy is almost as tall as me and can almost beat me in a game of Horse.  Almost. 

Happy birthday big kid.  I hope 2019 is filled with winning sports teams, good books and some terrific adventures. 

A letter to the birthday girl

A girl and her phone

Dear Reina:  Today you are 10.  Ten!  How in the world did that happen?  I think I start all of your birthday letters with that phrase but this year it rings especially true.  You are taller every day and I can still tuck you into my armpit (does that sound weird?) but probably not for long.  You are still a few shoe sizes smaller than me but that window is rapidly closing too.  You have fabulous taste in shoewear so I don't think I'll mind sharing when the time comes.  You are so excited to be double digits and your enthusiasm has rubbed off on the rest of us.

This morning, you unwrapped a doll and some stuff for your dollhouse.  You also received a movie and a phone charger.  I hid your phone in one of the cupboards and tried to get you to believe that we weren't sure it would arrive in time. I called your phone while I was pretending to take your picture and your eyes lit up when you heard it ringing.  You told me a few days ago that you've been waiting for your phone since Will opened his a little less than two years ago.  You have a snazzy phone cover picked out by Aunt Vicky and you are ready for this new piece of technology. 

Reina, what can I say about the last year?  You are one of my favorite people to hang out with, when we aren't rolling our eyes at each other.  You are a good friend and you have a nice bunch of girls and a few guys who you like to hang out with.  You are still enjoying your dance classes and you are less grumpy about practicing piano (most of the time).  Your drawings and doodles are ever present in my purse, car, on top of the kitchen table, your desk, etc.  In the evening when I'm washing dishes, I'll play old songs on my phone and rather than roll your eyes at my 80's and 90's classics, you'll often sing right along. 

Dad and I often talk about your big heart.   We tried watching a nature show the other night but we had to turn the channel when wolf pups were in danger.  You like to help others and you've been a great babysitter when we've taken care of your little cousins more the last few months.  You cried when I told you about Aunt Vicky's diagnosis but you've prayed for her and held my hand when I was sad and you've been such a trooper. 

You've discovered a love of musicals and chic flicks and you still have a delightful sense of humor. You still love a good cat video and giggle like crazy during America's Funniest Home Videos. People falling down is still hilarious.  You are crazy competitive at card games and Uno often ends in someone screaming.  I taught you and your brother how to play Speed this weekend and you picked it up in a flash. 

Reina, you have so much to be excited about as you turn 10.  You are rocking 4th grade and we have some fun things to look forward to this spring and summer. Keep that wonderful sense of adventure.  We love you Reina girl.  Happy birthday! 

More basketball and more family visiting!

Last weekend, we had an amazing visit with the Dunlap aunts and Uncle Doug.  It was such a nice treat.  I had to work a little bit more than I wanted to but we still managed to do some shopping, eat some delicious food courtesy of our new Uncle and just hang out. It was almost like a little mini-vacation in January.  When we weren't shopping or eating, we also watched a certain almost 12-yr old play some basketball.  I don't know how but I managed to not take a single picture all weekend but luckily Aunt Vicky had my back.  

Post-game picture.  A little reluctant but that's basically what amounts to a smile from a pre-teen. 

Will's team is sponsored by CRMC which just happens to be where Aunt Vicky works and where she's getting her treatment.  Go CRMC!

Uncle Glenn on snuggle duty.  It''s hard for me to admit but the Baby Cousin likes Uncle "Gen" more than me!!  What?!  

cutie alert!  

On Sunday, Reina and I along with Grandma and the baby cousins went to see "The Kid Who Would Be King."  I'm always up for a King Arthur tale and this one was a lot of fun.  It was a little scary at times and I had to cover Baby Cousin's eyes.  I could tell when it was really scary because he wouldn't bat my hand away.  Preschool cousin spent most of the movie on Grandma's lap.  Reina and I have been dissecting the story all week and now I have to find her a good King Arthur book. 

Now we are back to real life.  We'll have to find something fun to do this Sunday because no one gives a fig for the Super Bowl.  Go Rams?  Will has to make a diorama about China and Reina is busy planning her upcoming birthday/slumber party.  Stay tuned......

A night at the ballpark and back to school shopping

On Saturday, the kids and I zipped down to Denver for a Rockies game and some back to school clothes shopping.  Glenn stayed in Wyoming and helped out a ranch that's managed by one of our friends.  A friend and her two boys joined us and down the interstate we went.  

We picked a great game to attend. It was Wyoming night at Coors Field so we were surrounded by UW fans and fellow Wyoming-ites.  Well, the game wasn't great to start, but it definitely ended up that way.  https://www.mlb.com/rockies/video/share/must-c-mcmahons-walk-off-homer/c-2375037483?tid=47074596 

The Rockies were behind the entire game and in the bottom of the 9th, down 2-0, a rookie hit a 3-run walk-off homerun and it was one of the most fun sporting events I've seen in person. Will was screaming his head, the other mom and I were astonished and even Reina was yelling.  It was so fun.  What a great memory.  

Our seats, way up in the altitude.  Great view of the field and homeplate.  

Purple and silver hair - it ended up being rally hair.  The little kids started it off.  Reina and her friend were getting restless in the third inning so I took them for a walk around the stadium.  A barber shop was set up and giving out free hair color.  Reina was all in naturally and opted for purple and glitter.  When we got back to our seats, the big brothers wanted a turn.  It ended up being rally hair and obviously the key to the victory.  

Post-game victory picture.  Great game!  

 

The kids and I spent the night in Denver and woke up to shop on Sunday.  We headed to the mall and had a pretty good time, all things considered.  Sometimes shopping is a trainwreck and other times, we find what everyone needs with few tears and little bloodshed.  Sunday was one of those days. 

The register at a girls-centric store was having technological difficulties so we had to stand in line for a long time.  Reina kept herself amused easily but Will had to get creative.  That's a blob of hair extensions, although it could easily be his hair.  

Not to be outdone....