Bright-Eyed Girl

Sunrise and Snow

He Rides, I Run

Today I was able to fulfill one of my long-time dreams, which is to take my child out for a run with me.

I should be more specific.

My dream has always been to go for a run with one of my kids (who for a long time were merely figments of my imagination), to actually exercise with them. Growing up I'd ride my bike next to my dad, and as I got older, I'd run side by side with him. Eventually I reached the point of being able to outrun my father, which was a dichotomy of awesomeness and heartbreak. And once I had kids of my own--even before--I imagined doing the same with them, giving them the same experience I had growing up.

Instead of pushing Isaac in the stroller today, for the very first time, he rode his bike next to me while I ran. It was an adventure to be sure, since Isaac is still learning, but so fun and exciting. I thought back to all those runs/rides next to my dad down our old dirt road up north. How I'd have to work so hard to keep up with him down the sandy lane, just as Isaac was working hard to balance and keep up with me today. It was all so special, both the memories and the experience.

Thanks for the great adventure, buddy, and for fulfilling a dream for me, in so many ways.

All in the Family: Isaac's Take

(And a little of Emma's perspective in the upper left corner, too.)

Birthday Date Night

Tonight we were able to celebrate Ben's birthday as a couple, thanks to our awesome babysitter, Maile. Originally we planned a trip to a popular whiskey bar in the Denver Metro area, which unfortunately had a kitchen fire and was temporarily closed, we would find out. The good news is that we chose a restaurant we'd never heard of close to the bar, and it turned out to be the highlight of our evening.

The restaurant was small and crowded when we walked in, so rather than wait for a table, we found a couple of seats at the bar, next to the open kitchen, for dinner. Right from the start I enjoyed the feel of the restaurant, and for the rest of the evening, I was impressed again and again by Brazen. From the ambiance and quality service to the attention to detail with the food and drink, nothing was overlooked tonight. We had a delicious meal, and the bartender (mixologist?) made custom drink orders for us. It was such a nice evening, and very special since our dates are few and far between these days. Ben and I connect through sharing good food and drink, but with two young kids, there isn't much lingering over decadent meals these days. Tonight was perfect for us.

Our delicious cocktails and the first course, mushroom pappardelle. My favorite dish!

Chicken with house made cornbread and whiskey butter pan sauce. (Are you drooling yet?)

And finally, a deconstructed lemon bar (with lemon curd!). So, so good. 

Happy birthday, love! Here's to another year of good food and drink. . . among other things!

Daddy's Birthday

The finished sign. 

The goods. (Storm Trooper wrapping paper was Isaac's idea. Wine, definitely my idea.)

As always, blueberry birthday pie.

The cuties, excited and waiting for Daddy to get home from work. 

Happy birthday to my smart, hard-working, single speed-wheeling, whisky-loving husband. We've made such a wonderful life together, and I'm thankful for you every day. Isaac, Emma and I love you so much!

Painting for Daddy

Little Athletes

My Valentines