All it took was a little hail.

June 6, 2016, hail storm damage repair is complete.

Among all our other repairs -- new roof, new windows, paint, etc -- the pergola was rebuilt and painted last Fall. Last weekend, Griff hung my patio lights, a Christmas gift from Uncle Jerky, and VOILA! The pergola and deck are ready for primetime.

We inherited the pergola when we bought this house six years ago. I wasn't sure about a pergola at first but, as it turns out, it's nice and really makes our deck usable. However, like a number of things we inherited with this house, it was built but not right.

Pre-hail storm, the top slats were rotting and beginning to fall out in small blocks. Post-hail storm, the pergola was shot. There was no repairing it. But, because our pergola had an obvious pre-existing condition, the insurance adjuster would only pay for half of the total repair needed. So...we ponied up the rest and had it rebuilt right.

And, it's awesome.

If you need us this Summer, we'll be on our deck chilling out, maxing, relaxing all cool.

Happy 4th birthday, Sawyer!

Little Brother is officially four years old. It's hard to believe it's already been four years. At the same time, I can't remember life without him.

He originally had a pool party scheduled for the following day (Sunday) with school friends. Unfortunately, on the morning of his birthday (Saturday), an incident occurred involving the stairs, the tile floor, and Sawyer's chin which resulted in six stitches. So...the pool party got moved to our house and became a make-shift Star Wars party.

The good news is (a) Sawyer and his chin are recovering well and (b) the extended family was able to attend as guest passes to the pool were no longer an issue. At our house, we don't require guest passes nor limit the number of guests per household admitted on a single day. Wink, wink.

Sawyer's backyard party featured --

Epic light saber battles. Are you part of the Rebels or a Sith? Looks like Uncle Gabe's a Sith.

A Star Wars jigsaw puzzle for the adults.

Cousins and juice.

Pizza and a table full of friends.

A happy birthday boy who loved being the center of attention.

Cake pops, of course, guarded by an AT-AT. As if anything less should have been expected!

Piñata.

More piñata!

And, a broken open piñata with kiddos collecting its treasures.

All in all, I believe the party was a success. At least that's what the birthday boy told me.

Sawyer, you are such a sweet, fun, funny, smart, loving, and charming little dude. I'm so happy you chose me to be your mama. Thanks for letting us celebrate you. And, I look forward to having a pool party with you next year. Fingers crossed for no more stitches! Love you, Buddy.

Nanoo's table

Nanoo's table got a facelift.

After my Nanoo and Papoo passed in 2000 and 2001, respectively, among other things I received was Nanoo's dining room table. The price was right and I have an affinity towards family hand-me-downs and heirlooms. (My china is also hers.) Now, Nanoo never really used this table. I remember it being in the small dining room area in their house in Omaha. But, for the most part, they used their kitchen table. According to my mother, Nanoo purchased the table in the 1950's to go along with her (my) china that was purchased with her portion of money from her father's estate.

Fast forward to when I received the table. It was in like new condition. There were a few barely noticeable marks on the table and chair legs. I've used it as a kitchen table and we dine at it every day. Most days, we eat breakfast, snacks, lunch, and dinner at it. And, after two toddlers and countless meals, the table was not looking its best. So, we refinished it.

Before. We have re-cushioned the chairs twice -- 2007 and 2012.

The table had a very thin layer of veneer on the top. We weren't sure what to expect in refinishing it. Our hope (with fingers crossed and breath held) was that we wouldn't sand right through the veneer. First step was to use a stripper to take off as much of the existing finish as possible. We used CITISTRIP Safer Paint & Varnish Stripper in an aerosol can. It's supposed to be less toxic than some of the other strippers. Plus, stripper in a can reminds me of genie in a bottle which sounds like so much fun! So...spray and wait 30 minutes.

Ironically, in scraping off the existing stain and finish, we used two of Papoo's old ice scrapers. They were perfect for the job! After scraping was completed, we wiped down the table with paper towels and sudsy water to take off the remaining stripper and old finish.

Our trusty helpers watched as we worked.

Stripped, sanded, and ready for staining. I couldn't believe we got as much off the table as we did. Fortunately, we never went through the veneer either. (Uncross fingers and release held breath here.) At this point, I should disclose that Griff did way more of the work than me. He's so good at this sort of project and very patient with a newbie like me. So, thank you, Griff!

One coat applied of Minwax PolyShades in Mission Oak. Next we waited six hours before lightly sanding and reapplying.

Tick tock. Tick tock. Tick tock.

After. Two coats of Minwax later, the table came back inside for breakfast today. I can't believe how great it turned out. I absolutely love it.

Midway through the project, Griff asked if I thought it would look totally different or just the same as when we started. I told him that I didn't want it to look different. I just wanted it restored so it would look good again for another however many years.

Hopefully Nanoo and Papoo are pleased. I am.

Holy birthday, Batman. He's 3!

Happy birthday to you.

Happy birthday to you.

Happy birthday, dear Sawyer.

Happy birthday to you!

Sawyer is officially three years old. Now I no longer have to respond, "He's just shy of three," or "He's three," only to be corrected by the boy who was just shy of three that he is in fact NOT three.

Last year it was fire trucks. This year, he's all about superheroes. So, we had a superhero party. In spite of the rain that tried to stop our fun, we still had a great time. Along with family and friends, there were games, snacks, birthday cake, and bubbles. Most importantly, there was a happy birthday boy.

The dining room table with our Metropolis sky scene.

And, superhero capes for all the superheroes in attendance.

Captain America fruit tray. America...heck, yeah!

#3 birthday cake. Chocolate bundt cakes with vanilla frosting and sprinkles.

Team Anderson aka Super Friends.

Our sweet friend, Adam, and the birthday boy.

Both proudly rocking their capes!

Happy birthday, dear Sawyer...

Leah, Sawyer, and Madelyn.

Notice all the doting grandparents in the background?

Cousins.

Thank you to everyone who came and celebrated three years with this handsome little dude. And, to everyone who couldn't make it, we missed you and hope to see you soon.

Best friends

Balloon festival

Slow to get started, the balloon festival was well worth this morning's early wake up.

We were out the door shortly after 600A, caught the shuttle, and made it to the launch field by approximately 630A. Right on time.

Based on the pilot balloon (Def: A small balloon used to determine wind velocity) that was sent up, there was a little too much wind to send up all the balloons right at the start. We couldn't feel the wind on the ground but could see the looming grey clouds leftover from a small weather front that was breaking up.

Regardless, one by one, about half of the balloons launched as the morning went along. In all, we probably saw 20-25 and each one was as exciting as the first.

Some our favorite moments included:

The balloon that was inflated and launched literally on top of us. It was the first one of the morning, too, so we had no idea what to expect. But, it was cool.

Video to be posted later.

The balloon -- Madelyn and I named it "Purple Lightning" -- that snuck up on everyone only to dip into the lake and then seemingly go straight up the ski jump ramp. (Dipping into the lake was part of the balloon rodeo portion and the teams were judged on this skill.)

The next balloon -- "Rainbow" also named by Madelyn and I -- to dip into the lake which actually skimmed all the way across the lake. Quite a daredevil feat! I wouldn't have been a brave camper had I been in the Rainbow's basket.

Donuts and coffee which lifted everyone on Team Anderson's spirits before the balloons really got started.

A sky full of beautiful hot air balloons and some fun for a group of country mice from the city.

I definitely recommend this to anyone and look forward to doing it again sometime.

Father's Day and some other fun.

Written by our first ever guest blogger, Griff.

Last weekend we celebrated Sawyer's second birthday by spending a day at Tiny Town with family and friends. (A separate birthday blog is still to come.)

Looking into a tiny house.

Cousins and cake pops.

Come on in, Aunt Shelley!

Waiting for the Tiny Town train.

Uncle Gabe and Aunt Kari gave Sawyer a real fishing rod for his birthday. It reminded me of the rods Gabe and I used to take fishing when we went with our Grandad. Madelyn and Sawyer were both quite taken with the rod and I promised them we could all go fishing soon. 

Mollie has been home alone with the kids for basically two straight weeks. I have been home on the weekends. However, she informed me on Saturday morning that she was in need of some alone time to actually get some errands done. So, Madelyn, Sawyer, and I loaded up the car and headed to Fly'n B Park for some fishing. I had never been to Fly'n B before, but it is one of three fishing spots that the Highlands Ranch Metro District stocks and maintains. It's actually very close to Madelyn's school - Ben Franklin Academy - and is just a few miles from our house! 

Rod in the water. Patiently waiting.

Still waiting.

And, waiting a little more. Sawyer spotted an airplane in the sky at least.

We didn't catch anything this time but we had a great time and are already talking about our next fishing outing.

On Sunday morning morning, Mollie and the kids gave me a very nice new tool chest.

Organized and ready to roll.

Then I took Madelyn and Sawyer to the park. We had a great time playing on the playground, swinging, and running the bases on the baseball diamond.

     

I'm very lucky to have two wonderful children and an amazing wife to share my life with. Thanks for a great weekend and a wonderful Father's Day!

2013 Platte River Half Marathon: Check.

The ladies of Team Anderson finishing the Platte River Half Marathon.

April 7, 2013

My time wasn't as fast as the Colfax Half Marathon last year BUT I still completed it. And, for the most part, I achieved all my race goals. I don't set a hard and fast time goal but rather several goals. Some are measurable and others are subjective. This way, even if I don't set a personal best each time, I'm not disappointed and can still appreciate all that I did accomplish. (Maybe I should have been a psychologist or therapist instead of accountant.)

The Platte River Half Marathon starts in old Littleton and follows the Platte River Trail north to 8th Ave. From there, it crosses over I-25 and all the railroad tracks and finishes at 10th and Osage near the Buckhorn Exchange. Most of the race is on a slight decline except for the last 1-1/2 miles.

After coming down the overpass at mile 13 and returning to flat ground, I noticed a sign off to my left. Someone had made a sign for their friend, Mollie, and I remember thinking, "Hey, her name's spelled like mine. That's cool." When that group started jumping and hooting and hollering, that's when I realized the Mollie on their sign was referring to me! Shelley and friends had made an awesome sign "Mollie, P-P-P-Push it!" and were quite the cheering squad. For some reason, I was so surprised to see them at that point but still happy and grateful. Thanks, Shelley and friends!

Another block or so later, I recognized a curly haired girl sitting on her father's shoulders. I also recognized the girl's father along with her younger brother. It was my family! When I got close enough, I said, "Want to come with me?" and Madelyn hopped down off Griff's shoulders and ran the last two blocks with me. Thank goodness she wore her running shoes that day! It was a real treat to finish with her. I think she was very proud of herself as she proceeded to wear the finisher's medal all day. And, she enjoyed the post-race expo including apples, playground time, and ice cream bars immensely. Everyone enjoyed the Light Rail ride back to the car especially Sawyer.

I'll likely wait until Madelyn's in kindergarten and Sawyer's in preschool to do my next half marathon. That's really not even that far away. Who knows? Maybe I'll get up the courage to do a full marathon...or maybe not. At any rate, I'm enjoying exercising again for fun instead of following a rigorous training schedule while juggling preschool, sicknesses, and uncooperative Spring weather that acts more like Winter.

Congratulations to Teresa Bauerle on running your first half marathon! I'm happy to have been a part of it with you. :)

BRF (Best Running Friend).

Yesterday morning as I stretched post-run in the front yard while Sawyer slept in the stroller, it occurred to me that running with my babies really is one of my favorite things. Yes, I realize that they aren't babies anymore. And, I realize that I shouldn't call them my babies but I still do. It's a hard habit to break.

Sleeping baby.

February 2013

With Madelyn gone at school two mornings a week, Sawyer and I are logging our miles with the single BOB. Some days we end at the playground. Some days we literally run errands. But, more often that not, we just go out for a few miles and some fresh air. We still use the double BOB sometimes, when Madelyn's around, but I find myself scheduling my runs for days when I only have one kid with me.

For her 4th birthday, Madelyn received a pair of NIKE shoes from Aunt Kari and Uncle Gabe. She immediately called them her running shoes. Then a day or two later, she said something to me about being able to run with me now that she has running shoes, too. Last week, she ran the last 100 or so yards of my run with me. It was so sweet and I think I felt my heart melt.

Every now and then, I apologize to Griff for my rubbing off on our kids. I'm really not trying to brainwash them! It just happens. However, I do love that my love for running is rubbing off on at least one of them. Hopefully it will on Sawyer, too, as he gets older.

The window of running with Madelyn and Sawyer in the stroller closes a little more each day. And, I see that but I'm okay with it. We've got so many more milestones ahead of us. Perhaps in a few more years, my babies with their running shoes will become my little running buddies and family runs will take on a whole new look.

A few fun stroller pictures to follow -

Mile High Madelyn after her very first swimming lesson ever.

Not exactly a running picture but still pretty awesome.

June 2010

Little Brother, during the bald phase, slumbering through pumpkin patching.

Again, not a running picture but demonstrating all the places our wheels have gone.

October 2011

There was a time when naps at home were few and far between.

But, a trip out in the stroller was guaranteed to put little people to sleep.

November 2011

Family run on a Saturday morning.

Taking a quick break at Marcy Park in Highlands Ranch.

June 2012

January

It's been almost a month since my last post and I don't really have a good excuse. I could blame it on the technical difficulties I've been having with Blogger on the computer. But, most of my blogging is done through my phone or the iPad. Time does seem to be moving really fast lately though. Maybe that's my problem! We're just too busy having fun.

After ringing in the new year, we celebrated our sweet, sweet Madelyn's 4th birthday. Her annual check up was good. The doctor re-confirmed that she's still a genius and, it turns out, a little on the smaller side. She was in the 25th-30th percentiles on both height and weight -- a petite little thing!

We hosted her first kid-oriented birthday party. Eleven of her friends, and their parents joined us, during the Broncos play off game for the Fun Bus. In spite of the cold -- the kids had no idea it was 12 degrees -- a GREAT time was had by all. Purple cake pops were served along with chocolate milk. The only thing that might have made the day better would have been a Broncos win. Oh well.

 Fun Bus. Hello, old friend.

The grand finale - sliding out the back of the bus.

I think each kid did this at least a half dozen times.

Happy birthday, dear Madelyn.

Purple cake pops like the lady requested.

The gumballs were hit, too. Kids and adults dug in after the cake pops were gone.

Somehow I didn't see that one coming.

The following weekend, Madelyn and I took a trip to Chicago for a girls' weekend with Auntie Kate and Aunt Trish. What fun! We got free DirecTV on our flight out so Madelyn watched Madagascar 3, a household favorite. Upon arriving in Chicago, we lunched and later got manicures and pedicures at ZaZaZoo Nail Salon. A friend of mine, the former director of SPAVital at Pura Vida, who now lives in Chicago, recommended it as a good salon for mommy-and-me manicures. Madelyn's nails were beautiful and it was a real treat.

Living it up.

The skyline on a COLD January day.

On Sunday, we brunched at Tweet where Kate and Trish pointed out "the actor from The Bodyguard." I corrected them as him being from Dumb & Dumber which just happens to be one of my favorite movies. Griff says all my movie quotes come from that movie but I'd have to replay the tape of the last ten years to confirm or disprove that fact. Thanks to Trish, though, I got my picture taken with him - Mike Starr!  He was incredibly gracious and very kind. Although he may not be there every Sunday, I highly recommend Tweet. Their food is delish, the service is excellent, and it's very kid and family friendly.

"Pills are good!"

Enjoying a delicious fruit salad at Tweet.

On Monday, Auntie Kate, Madelyn, and I visited the Shedd Aquarium. Somehow, it still cost us $78 to get in on free day but it was worth the price of admission. We saw everything there was to see including the Jellies exhibit and had a blast.

After returning to Colorado, Anderson & Co experienced a bout of the stomach flu. No one was spared. That was the pits but we're all back and on the mend. Life is getting back to normal. Madelyn returns to school and gymnastics, half marathon training with my little running partner (Sawyer) resumes, and Griff will be in and out of town again for work. Bring on February!