2nd annual Gaylord St. Festival After-Party

As Memorial Day weekend neared this year, we were fearful we'd have to cancel our 2nd annual Gaylord St Festival After-Party, but Mother Nature complied and gave us only a short sprinkle and a cool evening to welcome summer.
The festival was lots of fun with nearly perfect weather.  I worked the day before which meant we didn't head to the festival as early as I would have liked but it was a good time.  Ben refused to come out of the bouncy house when his time was up which caused me to go in after him.  I had told him not coming out would mean a direct ticket home and his Dad nicely walked him all the way home, had a talk with him and brought him back for one more successful attempt.

 the bmx stunt bikes were a hit

my boys and their shirts and their ice cream-two peas in a pod. :)

We got home just in time for friends from Wichita, who now live here, that had never been to our house to arrive.  They were quickly followed by new friends Chloe, John and Raffa.  Chloe is a graphic designer who makes the Remember the Day prints I discovered a couple years ago that have become my go-to gift for babies and weddings.  She has returned home to Colorado as we did and lives not far from us.  It was great to meet her in person and I look forward to getting to know her family better. 
After the short sprinkle, the welcoming summer was in full swing with many great friends and dear family who are usual Heimer Haus-gathering guests.

this picture makes my heart smile

As with last year, it was delightful to party into the darkness of night and have another day off on Monday to continue relaxing.  A BBQ at MeeMee's on Monday was a great way to start summer and prepare for the push to the end of the school year.

The sun came out Monday so I could enjoy my new festival find. :) Yes, they might have had to stretch this men's XL a couple times but now it fits like a glove.

the zoo goes to the zoo

Today both of Ms. Corina's classes (morning and afternoon) spent the morning at the Denver Zoo.  They have obviously done this before and let go of any hope of everyone staying together and set meeting places to start the day and for lunch. 
Ben enjoyed his first ride on the zoo's carousel and we'll clearly be doing that on every trip going forward. 
We ate our lunch as a family a little early and scooted home so Ryan could get half a day of work in.  Overall it was lots of fun and Ben enjoyed seeing his classmates as we ran around.

carousel delight

the new sandbox was a hit

Molly McMBA

Thankfully the Mother's Day snow soon melted and Spring temps returned in time for a gorgeous graduation day for Tante.  She graduated today with her MBA from the University of Colorado.  This is an amazing accomplishment for anyone but to do it while working full-time at a professional job was all the more impressive.  Her good friend Sara and I helped with the location and decor while her parents treated all to some yummy food and signature cocktails.  Of the many parties I've hosted or helped plan this Spring, this was the most fun and thanks to Sara's incredible graphic design skills, turned out the best looking decor.

Lots of friends and family turned out for the celebration after the ceremony on the lawn of the Tivoli in Denver.  Molly reported that she had a great time and felt very loved and is off to St. Kitts to relax and celebrate her accomplishment.

The graduate and her proud parents

 

 

 Grandpa Ed and Grandma Betty

3.5 Masters degrees

 

 Molly's friend Marie started the program with her but left for a job in Austin.  She'll be able to complete her MBA online in the next year or two.  She made the trip to celebrate with her 

classmates :)

 

 Ben would say, "Um...I think that's everybody."

Time to party.........

Nice to have an engineer for a brother-in-law.

the girls.....

the boys.....

.....and Grandma. ;)

being Fierce!!!

LoDo's executed the party perfectly and were gracious hosts! We will go back.

Prior to the day, Molly commented repeatedly that this was her "wedding" as she'd never be getting married.  Ryan obliged with her spring fling "wedding cake."

 More decor.....

Sara, Molly and I celebrating success on many fronts. :)

Big thanks to my mom and Marty for hosting the delicious food and drinks!

This day wouldn't have happened at all without Sara's dedication and meticulous planning-THANK YOU!!

 *Ben's cousin Ian had his birthday party today and Nana and Papa happily took him.  We had arranged a sitter anyway as long graduation ceremonies and active 3 yr olds are sure recipes for disaster.  It was a perfect day for all of us and it was especially nice to celebrate without distraction.

Why did the chicken go to field day?

Ok, ok, so, technically the chickens didn't go to field day but they did make their arrival just in time for viewing on Field Day.  Of many eggs only two hatched and will go home to live with Ms. Bailey and hopefully lay eggs for her.

Ben's teachers asked if I could come help out for field day and I happily obliged.  What they really meant was, "would you please come help wrangle your kid from darting towards the purple playground he'll have direct access to on field day?"
Ben's first field day was quick and fun but quite warm and full of waiting as all field days are.  Several kiddos struggled with the waiting in line and by the third event of four, many were just DONE.
Ben enjoyed the parachute game to no one's surprise.  I was surprised at his total unwillingness to participate in the race games.  He gallops, hops and runs circles around me every day but had little interest in any of these on field day.  He does struggle a bit when I'm at the school as I think I'm a trigger for him that it's time to go home.  I hope several end of year classroom visits will make my visiting easier next year.  I've also gotta work on the competitive streak with this monkey.  He clearly has no interest in winning at all costs and with me as a mama, that won't last long. ;)