June 5th - June 11th, Aysia and Aidan spent time with their cousins, Taylor and Takoda, in Ryan Park, Wyoming (near Saratoga Springs). For the most part our children report that they had a good time. Unfortunately Elizabeth (a workaholic) worked more than she promised and the weather seemed too rainy to play outside much, still the kids managed to keep themselves entertained.
A few years ago Ron and Elizabeth decided that their happiness together meant that they live the lifestyle taken from the Cowboy era. Elizabeth sold her home in Mountain Green, Utah and moved to Saratoga Springs, WY with Ron, her husband, and their two younger children, Taylor and Takoda, until they could build a log home for themselves in Ryan Park almost a year later. Ryan Park is a small community of log homes, a couple of mini mart stores, and a fire station with year round local attractions as snowmobiling, cross country skiing, hiking, biking, camping, fishing, boating and all terrain vehicles. There are schools in the region but take at least an hours bus drive to reach each day and with neighbors and local towns distant from one another, having children to play with is only a favorite pastime. Therefore, having Aysia and Aidan there to visit for the week becomes a real treat for their children. It also exposes our children to something other than television, video games, radio stations, crowded stores and traffic hour.
Sunday, June 13, 2010
Rebecca's Surprise Birthday Party
Since my last update, we were all preparing to celebrate Rebecca's 40th birthday. To begin, we were fortunate to be invited to Gad and DeAnn's on Wednesday to have a delightful and scrumptious dinner. Then, on Thursday we spontaneously decided to eat downtown Gateway at Z'Tejas, a southwestern grill. Immediately following dinner we hurried home to share cake and ice cream with her parents.
Although these couple of days seem rather uneventful, this was purposely planned so that a surprise birthday party on Saturdays wouldn't be suspected. In fact, I had mentioned to Rebecca that we would be going on our date night Saturday evening and that I had already arranged for the children to eat dinner at Gramee's house. So when the time came we all hopped into our vehicle and preceded to Gramee's. Rebecca's immediately learned of our plans when she saws multiple cars parked along the street side. Rebecca isn't one to draw attention to herself and to have a party on her behalf, she almost didn't want to get out of the car. Luckily she conceded and we all ultimately had a very good time.
Taunie Anderson, Rebecca's closest family-friend was very helpful in organizing the entire party. I was adamant on having the party catered and I previously learned that Rebecca's preference was to have a "fiesta." This means both a "party" and suggestive of a Mexican cuisine. So...after several days of research to see if anyone catered Mexican food and to be safe enough to eat without incident, the Red Iguana came to the rescue. Killer Nacho Grande, Chile Verde, Chicken Enchiladas, black beans, Spanish rice, and corn and flour tortillas were on the menu. Dessert included cake, chocolate chip cookies and ice cream. If anyone walked away hungry it was their fault since we had so much food leftover.
I must admit that I was pretty worried about the weather this particular day too. For some nonsensical reason I had assumed it would be a hot and summer day but, in fact it was a rainy and cold day. Luckily for Christmas we were given a patio heater that proved very beneficial.
All in all the party was a success and I think Rebecca has since forgiven me for something she says she really didn't want. Happy Birthday Rebecca! We all love you--especially me!
One other item worth noting (or warning you about), the beans have NEVER been so loaded EVER before.
Although these couple of days seem rather uneventful, this was purposely planned so that a surprise birthday party on Saturdays wouldn't be suspected. In fact, I had mentioned to Rebecca that we would be going on our date night Saturday evening and that I had already arranged for the children to eat dinner at Gramee's house. So when the time came we all hopped into our vehicle and preceded to Gramee's. Rebecca's immediately learned of our plans when she saws multiple cars parked along the street side. Rebecca isn't one to draw attention to herself and to have a party on her behalf, she almost didn't want to get out of the car. Luckily she conceded and we all ultimately had a very good time.
Taunie Anderson, Rebecca's closest family-friend was very helpful in organizing the entire party. I was adamant on having the party catered and I previously learned that Rebecca's preference was to have a "fiesta." This means both a "party" and suggestive of a Mexican cuisine. So...after several days of research to see if anyone catered Mexican food and to be safe enough to eat without incident, the Red Iguana came to the rescue. Killer Nacho Grande, Chile Verde, Chicken Enchiladas, black beans, Spanish rice, and corn and flour tortillas were on the menu. Dessert included cake, chocolate chip cookies and ice cream. If anyone walked away hungry it was their fault since we had so much food leftover.
I must admit that I was pretty worried about the weather this particular day too. For some nonsensical reason I had assumed it would be a hot and summer day but, in fact it was a rainy and cold day. Luckily for Christmas we were given a patio heater that proved very beneficial.
All in all the party was a success and I think Rebecca has since forgiven me for something she says she really didn't want. Happy Birthday Rebecca! We all love you--especially me!
One other item worth noting (or warning you about), the beans have NEVER been so loaded EVER before.
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