San Diego+ Disneyland Girls Trip

Lylah and I had quite the adventure this summer, with a trip to San Diego and Disneyland! We were joined by Kelly and Keira for a fun girls trip! 

First stop, dinner with Chandler and Madison in San Diego. We visited San Diego State University, went to see the seals on the beach, spent time laying on the beach, and visited the San Diego Zoo! 

Then we made the road trip to LA, for the most packed Disneyland day EVER! Fast passes were key.... we were there from open to close and rode a ton of rides. Cars ride of course was my favorite, although I love the Sky Coaster too! Super fun adventure with my mini me!!! 

 

Brady's 19th!

19 years old!!!!!

Brady went on an impromptu trip to Lake Moconaghe in Nebraska on 7/4 and came back on 7/5 so he decided to play it low key on his bday night. Family dinner at La Loma, and then he went to the other La Loma location with Averie a few days later :) 

His big gift was the Lollapalooze ticket, where he is currently living his best life in Chicago as I write this! 

I did get my one on one date with B this summer.....a really nice hike in Reynolds Park (Eagle view loop). 

Great uphills, awesome views, beautiful weather and fantastic conversation the whole time! 

I have said it for years, but I am really proud of this kid. He had a great first year of college (even with some ups and downs) and he has so many positive things going for him. He is active and social, a sweet brother to his dogs and is slowly but surely getting closer with Lylah. He is a wonderful grandson, cousin, nephew, brother, and human being. 

He loves love.....quite the romantic, and always loyal. He is a huge sports fan and can still rattle off stats on pretty much any sport you ask him about. He loves live music and is sitll one of the best eaters  I know. and I think he knows what great opportunities and experiences lie ahead for him. Next up, moving into apartment living in college and jumping into his sophomore year, with a new sports marketing internship! 

So happy to be your mom! 19 years has gone too fast! 

XOXO 

Summer!

This summer is flying by!!!! I included a few highlights but needless to say, it's been a blur. Brady got home in April, right in time for Avs playoffs. Super excited that we all got to go to a game together. 

He has been working at Bowmar all summer, teaching tennis and pickleball to all ages, plus working some shifts and Chick Fil A here and there. 

Lylah got her first summer job....teaching gymnastics at Lilley Gulch, which has been perfect for her. Flexible hours and short shifts. while still going to dance practices, NDA camp and Broncos Choreo camp. 

Mother's Day was a perfect blend of short hike and the Michael Jackson movie, and just nice to have all four of us together. 

Brady shadowed at Morgan Stanley (love the suit) to learn more about a possible career in wealth management! Good learning opportunity and prep for the next year of school! and he spent a ton of time with his high school friends, including a trip to Grand Lake, hiking multiple 14'ers and playing tons of soccer. He also spent 5 days in Chicago with his college buddy for Lollapalooza! 

And Lylah is spreading her wings a bit, getting out to Rockies games, concerts (Usher, Morgan Wallen, Megan Moroney, etc) , Grizzly Rose and more! 

AND.....Lylah and Brady event went on a double date. Might have been the highlight of my summer :-) 

 

First (but not the last) Boyfriend!

I won't give this one much time, but first boyfriend is worth a mention. A couple fun memories for Lylah, and some good learning experiences. I am proud of Lylah for sticking with her beliefs and not settling when the little twerp decided that he wasn't willing to put in the time and effort that she was putting in. There are plenty of frogs and maybe no such thing as a perfect prince but there definitely is more and better in store for Lylah! 

 

Junior Prom

Lylah was pretty in pink for her Junior Prom this year. She was the lead organizer for the whole evening, and had a good group of friends to enjoy the evening with! 

Although plans took a few twists and turns, she was a good sport and ended up having a great time. 

Pictures in the Valley, limo ride to dinner at Cheesecake Factory and the venue, and then off to Mane Event for lots of fun and games. 

Loved her dress choice and the "make your own bouquet"! 

 

Spring Break(s)

 

First year of Brady being at college was an adjustment, only because we are used to doing something as a family of four every year but the kids breaks didn’t overlap this year.

But….we still go to have Brady home and squeezed in my bday celebration, a trip to CU Boulder for Brady, mini golf, brunch, a few family dinners, dog walks and even a trip to Tucson for Brady to surprise Grandmama (thanks to some help from Grandbob!).

 

And just like that, he was back to school but was so nice to have him home for an extended break.

And then, we went with Lylah to Cancun (and she brought Tessa), for a little beach time. I am currently writing this, sitting on the balcony of the hotel, looking out at the bluest waters I have ever seen. Definitely a great choice as far as hotels go (Grand Fiesta Americana Coral Beach), beautiful weather and some much needed relaxation (I finished a book in two days!!!).

The girls are enjoying lot of sun, ocean time, mocktails and photo opps!

More notes I wrote from the trip! 

Grand Fiesta Americana
Coral Beach Cancun

Best Mexican beach resort I’ve been to (other than adults only Royal Hideaway).
Infinite club worth it for the beach section, the location of the room, the ease of dinner reservations, and the extra perks that come with the package (spa massage etc).

The food was excellent and the beach was perfect. Super clear water, soft white sand, no seaweed and good combo of waves and calm. Loved the dock in the water and proximity to tubing and jet skies.
We had some great food, fun evening shows and lots of relaxation time (read my first book on over a year)!!!
And loved seeing lylah in her element at the beach with her good friend Tessa. Just missed Brady!!!

Definitely a break that I needed!

Utah Freshman Year!~

 

So far so good on Brady’s freshman year! I think he is feeling all the things that a first year college kiddo feels….from homesickness, to questions about friend groups, new and old love interests, new experiences from concerts to parties to rock climbing to Utah skiing and thoughts of changing majors (marketing to finance).

In general, I think he is happy with his school choice and thriving! He made Dean’s list first semester and is planning to live in an apartment next year with three roommates.

He gets into the city quite a bit, has skied many days despite not the best snow season, has been to a few concerts, traveled to Montana State to see friends, and has learned a bit about who he wants to be and how he does/doesn’t want to spend his free time at school.

I am very proud of him and have loved talking to him each week about all the ups and down and everything in between. College can be a very exciting and key part of your life and I can’t wait to see what is next for Brady!!!