Snow Day

Once again Colorado's weather has come through and delivered cold and/or snow just in time for halloween. Yes, Mother Nature didn't let us down.

She delivered quite a good storm on Wednesday and Thursday. The Denver Metro Area got close to a foot and a half of snow although today only about two or three inches remain.

On Wednesday my Mom trekked down here to watch the kiddos, God bless her (thanks Dad for bringing her), but on Thursday I opted to work from home and watch the girls rather than waste prime working hours on a longer-than-normal commute that would have involved dropping them off up north before heading in to work. Working from home while watching the kids typically doesn't work so well... shocker, but I woke up Thursday morning, determined to make it work. Overall, the day was a success! I got a ton of work done and keeping the kids entertained required a lot less TV than I was afraid it would. They did a lot of crafts; mainly drawing and stickers.

Just before lunch, I got the girls bundled up for some time in the snow. Honestly, I probably spent more time getting them dressed for the snow than they spent playing in it. They had a great time and I was super excited that they could play out in our finished-this-summer side yard where they have a playhouse and could wander around without worrying about dog bombs lurking under the snow (Sophie's only allowed in the other yard). I cleared a little path across the patio so that they could easily get to the playhouse, and then they took care of the rest. They spent most of the time digging with shovels and passing snow through the playhouse window so that they could "cook" it for dinner. I also convinced them to follow me on a trek around the yard during which I led them through all the deepest snow drifts. All the while I snapped photos of them toiling through with their short little legs ;) They were real troopers.

After thoroughly exhausting them, we went in for chicken soup, mmmmmmm, and then they went down hard for some serious nap action. Then, it was back to work for me.

10 Years Together

Victoria Vivian and I have been together 10 years. Yes, October 8th marks our 10th Dating Anniversary.

Yes, yes, I said Dating Anniversary, but don't laugh yet because, in addition to the Dating Anniversary and the obvious Wedding Anniversary, we also celebrate our Engagement Anniversary (it's in February). So now that we've spilled our guts about the milestones we celebrate, go ahead and fire away ;)

I'm not sure how or why we threw the Engagement Anniversary in (Viv, help me out here), but I think we've always liked celebrating our first date because it lets us really acknowledge the great two-and-a-half years we spent together before getting married. Maybe this isn't that uncommon of a thing to celebrate. All you couples out there, sound off.

To bring it all back around, the main reason this is post-worthy is that it's 10 years. 10 years! That's a third of my life, and I'm excited by the fact that with each year the ratio of My-Life-Before-Vivian:My-Life-With-Vivian tips more and more in favor of the latter. In digging through our old photos to find the gems you see before you, the importance of this ratio really sunk in. I mean 10 years is a long time, but when it represent one third of the time that you've had to become who you are, it becomes obvious that our relationship is a big part of who we are. As we go forward this "we" is going to grow to be an even bigger part of me and Vivian, and I love that.

Disney World 2009

Brrrr... after a week in sunny Florida, this Colorado fall weather
is kind of brutal.  Yes, we paid Disney World another visit this year, but no 15K runs were on the agenda this time.  This was an end of summer vacation with the Pierz Family.  We always have an easy time hanging out.  Just call us Pierzarrios (think mash-up like Tomkat, Bennifer, or Brangelina).  The kids had a blast together as well.  The Marielle-Alex duo was in full affect, and Lila was thrilled with all girl power that was going on between her and our girls.  I think Harper and Lila are starting to become quite a duo as well.

With the economic downturn and all, Disney had some pretty compelling late-season deals available, so yay for us (that's a SYTYCD reference just for Sarah).

We stayed at Disney's Coronado Springs Resort.  This was the first time that we've stayed at an actual Disney Resort.  I would recommend it for the shuttle service alone.  despite the fact that some of the shuttle rides were kind of long, the frequency was way better than at other hotels we've stayed at; plus, not dealing with parking lots and trams was nice.  And resort guests get some other sweet perks like extended park hours.  Since Disney's not paying for this endorsement I'll stop there.

Despite the fact that we've been to Disney World several times (Marc = 5, Marielle = 3, Harper = 2, Vivian = ∞), and despite the fact that I'm always protesting going so frequently, I'm always excited about how much the kids love it.  Although age definitely plays a part in what the kids appreciate, without a doubt, there is something for kids of all ages.  This year Marielle definitely new what rides she really wanted to go on.  The Dumbo Ride was number one on her agenda with the carousel (actually, the girls referred to it as the "princess" carousel) as a close second.  After that, it was all of the remaining Fantasy Land rides like Peter Pan, Winnie the Pooh, and It's a Small World.  For Harper it was the Magic Kingdom, in its entirety, or bust.  No really, as far as she was concerned, Disney World began and ended with the Magic Kingdom.  Epcot, Hollywood Studios, and even the Animal Kingdom were all only pit stops on the way to "Disney World."

For us it was exciting to see Harper's reaction to everything.  She spent the entire journey through It's a Small World pointing out everything she could.  The whole time it was, "Look at that giraffe! Those guys are dancing!  I see some flowers!  Those flowers are shaped like hearts!  I like those heart flowers!"  She also wanted to interact with everything rather than just take it all in like last year.  She hugged every character she came across and wanted to participate in every show we went to.  She emphatically shouted out her name when a kid twenty feet away was asked his name.  It was hilarious.

For Marielle we were excited that she would be able to go on some of the "bigger" rides.  We ended up a little disappointed that in her petite-ness she was technically too short for the 40" minimum for most of those rides.  However, between us carrying her and her standing on her tip-toes when the park attendants checked her, she was able to get a few of the good rides under her belt.  She rode Soarin', Thunder Mountain, Splash Mountain, and Goofy's Barnstormer.  She was a little reluctant to ride Splash Mountain.  We walking by as one group was taking the plunge.

Marielle said, "I don't think I want to ride that."

I replied, with excitement, "Do you hear that, everyone is cheering!

To which she flatly replied, "they're not cheering, they're screaming..."

After applying the "you have to try it once" mantra that we use for tasting new foods, she gave it a try and loved it.  She was quite bummed that she couldn't go a second time because the park attendant at the head of the line picked up on her less-than-40-inch stature.

Little Ballerina

Marielle has been begging me to sign her up for two things: (1) dance and (2) soccer. Check, and check. I signed Marielle up for ballet a couple of weeks ago and she started soccer this weekend (post to come). Since the recital is still several weeks away, I thought I'd focus on more juicy petty, less dance-related aspects of her class in the near term.  A few weeks ago at Marielle’s second day of ballet lessons, I received a “Note from the Teacher.” It sited two infractions. 

Infraction 1: This one represents the bulk of the Teacher's note, and we'll call it the “Friendly Dress Code Reminder.” Apparently, I only bought pink ballet shoes and not all leather, pink ballet shoes. Ok, so if I had carefully read the instructions I would have seen that the ballet shoes had to be all leather. I guess I figured at age four they didn’t need the regulation ballet shoes, so I just bought the ones at Target for like $6. Wrong. So last week I made a yet another trip to the ballet store and bought pink regulation ballet shoes. They are all leather.  Yes, the ballet class I signed Marielle up for is strict on the attire. Per the Dress Code all ballerinas must wear: (1) a pink or black leotard, no sparkles or decoration of any sort allowed; (2) pink ballet tights; (3) hair back in a bun without loose hair strands (preschool ballet is allowed a ponytail thank goodness); and (4) pink ballet shoes.  But hey, who's counting.  They're four after all.  So...

Infraction 2: Not teaching Marielle to point her toes before ballet class? OK, so along with the dress code reminder was a little note that said “Marielle can’t really point her toes, smiley face.” Excuse me. This is day two of preschool ballet and you’re pointing out that Marielle can’t point her toes. Am I supposed to teach her that at home? Is there a pre-preschool ballet class that we missed? I sort of thought that pointing your toes was the kind of thing that you learn in ballet class, but I guess not.

On a separate note, buying a black leotard also proved to be a mistake. In the video that the ballet school posted online, the majority of the girls were wearing black leotards, so, wanting Marielle to fit in, I bought a black leotard. After her first class Marielle quickly informed me that “all of the other girls” were wearing pink (not black) leotards. I actually giggled a little bit to myself after she requested a pink leotard. Regardless of what the other kids were wearing Marielle would of course want pink. So, we went to the ballet store and bought a pink leotard before class. Actually, Marc went out and bought it. He was very frazzled and overwhelmed by how many different pink leotards he had to choose from, but after following the dress code rules (see above) and his better judgment, he managed just fine.  If I had known what was to come, I would've had him look over all the rules and maybe he would've caught our shoe faux pas.

So again, I know that I intentionally signed Marielle up for what I consider a real ballet studio. I wanted the rules and the structure, so I'm just going to shut my mouth and roll with it (after venting in this post). After all, Marielle seems to be having fun and has already started doing some graceful moves around the house. Her sister starts ballet this week and I can’t wait to see the two girls “practice” their moves together. Anyway, Harper’s ballet post will be soon to come.

East Meets West

A few weeks ago our great friends from Japan, the Drews, visited. Unfortunately Marc was out of town, but that didn't stop us from having a great time. Marc's really not that much fun anyway ;)


Our friendship with the Drews is one of those that just picks up where it left off. There is no adjustment time needed, we sort of just jump in like no time has passed, when really it's been years since we've seen each other. They're ahead in the count since they've been out to see us more times than we've visited them in Japan. We did go and see them in Virginia, but I don't think that counts for much once you start measuring trips in terms of international travel.

We didn't have anything too ambitious on the agenda during their visit. Catching up and hanging out was key. We did go to eat at some restaurants (Snooze, Heaven Star, The Med), took a walk to and played at the park/playground, splashed in the blow up pool (at least the kids did), and went shopping (my favorite activity). Really there was a lot of hanging out and watching our kids play like they were old friends. In short, we had a great time (there was even some impromptu hand-holding), and we are hoping that two years won't pass before we see them again.

You are Talking to Yourself

Yesterday I asked Marielle to do something for me several times. When she didn't respond I asked her if she was listening to me, to which she said:

"No, I think you're talking to yourself."

I put Marielle in timeout for talking back to her mom, but I have to admit that I thought her comment, which she thought was honest, was funny.

Morning Dancing and Singing

This morning Harper started singing what I believe is a variation on a Demi Lovata song. Dancing (aka Harper spinning on the floor laying down) also accompanied this lovely song.

Don't walk away from me like you always do
Come back
Come back to me
Come back
Come back like you always do

repeat 10 times

The Girl Misses Her Dad

Marc has only been gone four days, but Marielle has definitely started missing her daddy. Yesterday afternoon she told me that she “didn’t understand how long daddy was going to be gone.” Before bed she told me that she missed her dad and was sad that he wasn’t helping to tuck her in. This morning Marielle begged me not to go to work. When I told her that I had to go she pleaded for me to take her with me. When I told her I couldn’t take her she just started crying and yelling “mommy please.” I was only able to leave by letting her Auntie Sarah hold her back while I left and locked the door behind me.

I feel bad that Marc’s short trip has been so hard for her. I am sure that she is at this moment having fun playing in the sun and will soon adjust to Marc’s temporary absence. However, I can’t help but feel sad that my little girl, who has no real concept of time, doesn’t realize that Marc will be back in no time. I am also a bit anxious about the fact that when he comes back he is going to leave a couple of weeks later for another several week trip.

For the time being, I made a calendar that we can use to track how many days it will be until Marc comes home. I’ll have Marielle and Harper put stickers on each day that passes and I’m sure that with a little more cuddles and time Marielle will be just fine.

Harper at Two

1. Is a very happy little girl who loves to smile
2. Loves dinosaurs and does a very impressive dinosaur roar
3. Is very adventurous and will climb everything and anything
4. Makes the best pretend mad face
5. Loves fruit gummy snacks and will ask for them all day
6. Loves the color purple
7. Is such a cuddle bug. She is always willing to give hugs and kisses and usually asks for them
8. Wants to be like her cool big sister whom she loves dearly
9. Is not afraid to let her big sister know that she will not be pushed around
10. Loves Sandra Boynton books, especially the one about dinosaurs
11. Knows all of her colors, but is still working on her numbers
12. Loves Tinkerbell and all the Disney princesses
13. Loves to dance and has the cutest butt wiggle and sashay dance moves
14. Knows most of the words to the Leaving on a Jet Plane song
15. If allowed into bed with Mom and Dad will sleep like a cat (i.e. will try to sleep with her stomach outstretched across Mommy’s face)
16. Can party like a rock-star. Seriously, the girl would stay up all hours of the night if you let her.
17. Has the cutest little mullet hairdo
18. Always has a little stream of drool on her chin
19. Thinks seaweed is fabulous
20. Is, much like her sister, hilarious and constantly makes Mommy, Daddy, and sister laugh with all of the funny things she says and does


We love you Harper, Happy Birthday!!!

Happy Belated Birthday America

Earlier this month we enjoyed our second neighborhood 4th of July Parade. My cousin Thorsten was in town, and, despite his German citizenship, he joined in the festivities and marched through the neighborhood with us. He had come out for my brother's wedding and was still in town. He had just finished a solo road trip of Las Vegas, Northern California, and the Southwest, so we were excited that he still had the energy to march in our parade. Ha Ha.




Later in the day we gorged ourselves at a barbecue potluck hosted by the Brenneman's. Sooooo much good food. Mmmmmmm.

We finished of the night by watching fireworks from the street corner outside of the house. It's so nice to be able to see them without the hassle of crowds. I know Marielle and Harper also appreciate that the firworks our more quiet at this range.