I did it. I survived! Oh wait....this post isn't about me. It's all about Nikolas, the birthday boy, and Pap-pap our guest of honor! But still, I'm relieved I made it through all of the hub-bub-- I was worried about my lack of energy heading into the busy week we had planned. Pap-pap's visit began with....you guessed it.....snow. SIX INCHES OF SNOW. Thanks to the generosity of a neighbor, our driveway got cleared for Sven returning from the airport and coming off of the night shift. (I helped but in the way you get 'help' from a 3-year old.....sometimes not so helpful.....but I tried!) We're pretty sure we can thank Pap-pap for this latest blizzard -- it seems he brings snow with him wherever he travels (whether he likes it or not!).
 |
| We have no shame. We put our guests to work, too! |
We spoiled Nikolas for his birthday. We let him take the day off of school so we could enjoy our time together with Pap-pap.
 |
| Nikolas is happy. He just got done opening his gifts. Pap-pap's gift got the "best gift EVER" award! |
 |
| Playing chess with Pap-pap. Yes, Nikolas likes chess. I know, I think it's odd, too. I don't even know how to play! |
Of course Nikolas HAD to skip school....how else were we going to take him bowling?! This kid LOVES to bowl.
 |
| I find these scores humorous.....sorry, Sven..... Way to go, Pap-pap! And, Nikolas held his own! |
Cake? Who really eats cakes for birthdays?! Definitely not Nikolas. Thank you, Costco, for making Nikolas a very happy birthday boy. (Mind you, I did bake 4 dozen cupcakes for his birthday party....now if we'd only have had enough kids to EAT 4 dozen cupcakes......)
We got a special treat this month- Nikolas tested early for his orange belt. We were all a little surprised to find he would test on Saturday and neither Sven or Pap-pap would miss it. Maybe it was Shihan's birthday gift to Nikolas!
Way, to go Nikolas, you got that orange belt!
Happy boy advancing through those belts, one stripe at a time! This is Nikolas' first 'black belt' belt- notice the black stripe? He's a full-fledged member of the black belt class as proven by this belt. Great job, buddy!
Why go to karate ONCE on a Saturday when you can go TWICE?! Nikolas had his birthday party at the karate studio. He and his friends were kept busy by the Shihan and Joshu-- karate, dodge ball, races and cupcakes!
Sunday, Sunday, Sunday! I do dare say I think this may have been my favorite day of the weekend. We drove to Denver and had lunch at a restaurant featured in "Diners, Drive-ins and Dives" (Sven's favorite show on the Food Channel). Food has never really been my thing. I eat it to survive, but have never especially loved much of anything (ok, cookies, I LOVE cookies.....). Let me tell you, I thoroughly enjoyed this lunch at Steubens. I had a Shrimp Po-Boy (I've had serious cravings for one since the start of Mardi Gras a few weeks back) and the most delicious french fries. Either the food was phenomenal or my sinus surgery has had a serious impact on my taste buds. I was quite the happy diner after this lunch. I wasn't the only one.......
After lunch, we took a drive into the mountains to show dad some sites. Here he is at Red Rocks Amphitheater.
All that driving around was hard work, so we had to stop for a snack. Donuts? Was Nikolas chanting 'donuts' in the back seat? Krispy Kreme is on the way home you say? Sure, what's a few million more calories after a weekend like this? Yep, those darn taste buds again.....oh hello nummy maple donut......! Nikolas prefers the simple glazed donuts. I think we let him eat three....and we both giggled all the way home. TOO. MUCH. SUGAR.
Usually I sign off posts of family visits with photos of the family hugging goodbye. I have no excuse for this one nor reason that the photo is of a buck in our yard. I guess it does show that we gave Pap-pap the authentic Colorado experience: snow, mountains and wildlife!
Thanks for coming to see us, Dad. We loved having you here with us for the weekend.
We're already looking forward to your next visit!
And, I can't believe my little boy has now entered the world of double digits.
Where oh where does the time go?! ...Hmmmm.....
...I think this reminds me of one of Sven's favorite Grateful Dead songs....
Anyway, until next time........
