The Van

For those of you who read this blog, you also follow me on Facebook. No, not me exclusively, but you are aware of my status and what is going on in my world (except Tara of course. She is anti-Facebook :) While Bryan and I were in California for Turkey Day, I posted that Bryan's Dad rented a mini van but they were sold out so they gave us an "upgrade" to a Conversion Van. I believe it holds 13+ people. It was hysterical, big and white. Bryan was actually quite excited to drive it. He said he felt like he should be a band manager and be the tour bus driver. He also thought I should go all the way in the back and he could call me. We got a lot of good laughs from really bad jokes about the van.

As we were driving back to the hotel, I suggested we decorate the van for Thanksgiving. This way, when we went to pick up his Dad and Susan, it would be festive. Everyone was on board so Megan (his sister), Tyler (M's boyfriend), Bryan and I headed to Walgreen's on Thanksgiving morning. I asked the lady if they had Thanksgiving decorations and she looked at me as if I were a turkey. Thankfully, we found a ton of Christmas decorations-even battery operated lights!  We made "turkeys" by tracing our hands on construction paper and put them on the roof of the van. It was a huge success and we loved it! People were jealous of us. Oh yes, they were. Here are some pics of the van and the decorating of that piece of machinery that destroyed our backs and was super uncomfortable.

 

We thought about making it an Airport Shuttle to make some money for the holidays, but we passed on that idea. One morning I ran inside to get Bryan's coat. He pulled around to the front of the hotel and as he did that, a group of 3 men gathered their things and headed towards the door. I wondered if they thought we were the airport shuttle but they went to a car in the parking lot. Ahhh, good times with the van.

Besides decorating the van, we did several other things on our trip. On Wednesday we went to San Francisco with Bryan's Dad and Susan. I went on a trolley for the first time (I did not get a chance to do this during the trip I took with my sister and Ethan in July.) I absolutely love this picture:

On Thursday we went to Susan's sister's house for dinner. They had a great backyard and pool area. Of course I needed a picture but it turned out to be too bright. I made it black and white to help cut down on the brightness:

At 10 pm that night, Megan and I headed across the street to the outlet mall, not thinking anyone would be there. We were wrong. There was already a line at the Coach store, but we got in line anyway. There were rumors they would open before 12 a.m. so we waited, and waited and waited. You have to understand two things about me: 1.) Until I turned 33 I had never owned a Coach purse. Bryan got me one for my birthday and I adore the little red bag of heaven. Since then, I decided I needed a black one, a brown one and a few others. I have returned several of them, but I do have a total of 4 acquired in only 3 months. Nothing says "Good idea" like a Coach purse purchased by an unemployed gal. Now onto the second thing you need to understand: 2.) When I decide to do something, I prefer to follow through with it. When we got in line at 10, we thought OK, they will open before 12. They didn't. We said we would wait until 11:15 and then we were gone. 11:15 came and I thought well, if I have waited this long, I might as well wait another 45 minutes. You see, they were giving 20% off of the already reduced prices and had I left, I would have wondered if I had missed out on some incredible deals. I do not like to wonder what if, so we stuck it out. The line became INSANE. I took pictures but they are on my iPhone and I can't find my cord to upload them.

Megan and I got to the front of the line around 12:30 a.m. The place was a zoo so they were only letting a few people in at a time. Women were grabbing bags as if they were a dollar. As we waited for our turn to be let it, a news crew came and we are pretty sure we were on TV. Megan and I were let in, and then I became one of those women I was making fun of as we waited in line. I walked around with about 5 purses on each arm. Megan had a good point when she said grab what you like, and the decide later. At one time I looked down and had to laugh. EVERY purse I had was black. Thankfully Megan talked me out of many of them, and I got to the checkout counter with three purses and one wallet. I repeatedly asked if I could return the purses if I woke up with buyer's remorse. Thankfully, they said yes.

I bought a black patent leather purse that was love at first sight. When I got back to Colorado and went to put my things in it, I realized that nowhere on the bag does it say Coach. No tag, no C's anywhere, nothing. I am sorry, but if I am going to pay $175 or so for a bag, it better be clear it is Coach. I have decided to break up with this purse, as well as the other black one I purchased. They will be returning to the store in Castle Rock. I did keep a purple one that I never thought I would love, but I do love it and I have received several compliments on it. Bryan loves it too, so that helped seal the decision to keep it. Merry Christmas to me! Some people get ornaments, t-shirts or magnets from the places they visit. I went home with a Coach bag.

On Friday, we headed to Lake Tahoe to meet up with Bryan's grandparents who were visiting from New Jersey. It was so great to meet them! They made me feel so welcomed. When I offered to take a group shot of the family, Bryan's grandpa asked, "If you take it, how are you going to be in the picture?" I thought this was very sweet. It was wonderful to meet the parent's of Bryan's mother. Unfortunately, I will never be able to meet his mom, but I have a feeling we would have gotten along very well. She sounds like an amazing woman and it was so nice to meet her parents! Bryan has a wonderful family and I am so thankful they made me feel at home. Here is a photo of all of us in Tahoe:

On Saturday we headed to the Sacramento Train Museum. It was very cool and we had a good time! We had lunch at a restaurant on the river, and spent the day in Old Sacramento. Here are some pictures from that day:

 

On Sunday we headed back to Denver. We had an eventful trip in more ways than one. I met some wonderful people, had some eye opening experiences, learned some things along the way, and came back with a new perspective on some things. I am grateful for the time we spent in California, for the lessons learned and for the memories made. I am so thankful to have the Forrest family in my life!

Fantastic Day!

Today was one of the best days I think I ever had. Tomorrow is Bryan's birthday so we have already had a very busy weekend! Last night my mom and dad made dinner for Bryan, the boys and me. Today, Bryan, the boys, his sister Megan, his Dad, Susan and I went to Disney on Ice. I don't know who was more excited-us or the kids. The boys really wanted to see this guy:

He showed up quickly during the second part of the show. We had a great time seeing Lightning McQueen and all the other cars. All of us seemed to enjoy the entire show. We were surprised when they announced there would be an intermission. Torrin was getting tired as it was his naptime, and Camden seemed as if he was still interested in the show. After the intermission there was a really long, non entertaining portion. They spent forever on the Fairies. Granted, I know little girls LOVE that stuff, but being that we had the boys with us, we were not too interested. Bryan and I were truly grateful that his Dad got us the tickets, but we were dozing off. Camden said he still really liked the show. I was surprised he was not asking when Lightning McQueen would be coming on again. We dodged that one with a bullet. Overall it was a great show and we had a lot of fun!


After the show we headed back to Parker. Torrin took a nap and while he slept, Bryan opened his presents. Although I had been planning a trip to Disneyland for Bryan and me (which his Dad and Susan graciously contributed to) I wanted to get him something to actually open. He loves Superman so when I saw this gift bag, I had to buy it. As he was opening the presents, the bag happened to be placed near he stomach. It made me laugh because he looked like he had Superman's body!

I gave him two shirts. One which was funny and kind of a joke between us, and a GI Joe shirt. When we were in California last week, Megan and Tyler bought the boys GI Joe shirts for Christmas. Granted, they have NO idea who GI Joe is, but as Bryan put it, "they will." He said he wished they made shirts like that for adults. After that, I was on a mission. Thankfully I found one. I have NEVER seen someone so excited over a shirt. I loved his enthusiasm! After all the presents were opened (from his Dad, Susan, Megan and me), he went on a scavenger hunt that I created for him to learn about his trip to Disneyland. Camden loved joining him and looking for all the clues. He loved it so much that he asked me to make clues that would lead him to the present Grandpa and Susan gave him. It was really cute!

After Torrin woke up, we all went out to dinner. I was not sure how I was going to get Bryan's cake to the restaurant without him seeing. I made up a story that I had to run by Noelle's to give her money, so I said I would ride with his Dad and Susan. He told me we would be seeing her tomorrow, but I said I had to do it tonight. We went and got the cake and when I went to the restaurant I asked the bartender to bring it out after dinner. He told me that no outside food is allowed and I should have called ahead. Thankfully he helped us out and brought the cake to Bryan. I thought for sure Bryan saw it, or knew it was coming. He claims he knew nothing about it which shocks me, but I am happy it all went well!

As we were finishing up, a lady came through and told us Santa was next door. Bryan was SO excited as was I. We tried to go make a reservation at the mall today (genius idea) but it was so crowded. We have plans to go with my nephews and niece, but we wanted to take the boys alone as well. Everything fell into place and by golly, Santa was right next door and was doing free pictures. A realtor opened her office for Santa. There was a tree, a fireplace, a Dicken's like village, etc. As Bryan said, the guy looked "totally legit." Camden went in and sat right on his lap. He sat there for a long time telling him what he wanted. At one time he mentioned he would like a battery for his truck. Santa said he did not think he had any more batteries but he should look online for them. HUH? He then asked Camden if he knew how to get online. He said no. Santa said, "Well, maybe your Dad can teach you how to get on a computer and go online." Camden then informed Santa that he has his own computer (which he does) and Santa told him it should be easy to do. I can't believe Santa said he was out of something and to go online and look for it.....to a 5 year old. Santa is getting lazy.  We just loved watching Camden sit there and talk to Santa. Torrin would have nothing to do with the big man.

 

Fortunately the people who worked there were VERY nice and let Camden talk and talk. They also let us take pictures and then used my camera to take pictures of us!

After Santa, we decided to take a carriage ride. This year our town has the best lights! I need to take a tripod and get some good pictures of Parker. It really is beautiful! I have always loved it here, but seeing all the Christmas lights and the streets and stores decorated, it made me love it even more. It was absolutely freezing but we went ahead and did the ride anyway. The lady who ran it was very nice although she did not know how to use my fancier camera (hence the blurry picture!) We loved our horse Hank and we loved seeing the lights in our amazing town! After the carriage ride we went home. Torrin and Camden went right to bed but Megan, Bryan and I watched a movie. I think we all fought to stay awake!

Now it is time to go to bed. It is 1:11 am and I had no idea it was so late (early?) It is officially December 6th so it is Bryan's 31st Birthday! I can't wait for us to go to Disneyland on Thursday. He is such an amazing person and father. I love him and his boys so very much. Here are some more pics from the night :)