372 Months and 8 Months

In the last week we had two big milestones in the Messner house.  I celebrated my 31st birthday and Emerson celebrated 8 months of baby bliss (or more likely, 8 months of tolerating her parents and beagles).  Seriously, she has to put up with this sort of business day in and day out. . .goldfish leg warmers, bunny hats, dogs wearing bowties.

 Emerson will all of her Easter loot.

Stan waiting for Riley to prepare him a glass of wine.  She is perusing the selection.

My birthday came first and I'm the most important so let's start with my birthday--yeah right, we know who rules the roost over here, regardless, we'll start with my birthday.  This year I decided to celebrate my birthday all weekend long.  On Friday we went downtown to meet friends and celebrate opening day.  We didn't have tickets, but we still had a hot dog and beer at Biker Jim's to feel special.  Emerson liked watching the crazy people.

Later that evening, Anna and I went to a drinking and painting class.  We aced drinking.  Painting--not so much.  We opted not to paint along with the rest of the class.  They were painting a lame interpretation of the golden gate bridge.  Instead we commemorated the activities that were to follow.  Drinking and biking.  Anna stuck to bikes, while I attempted to paint some beer cans too.  The only "compliments" I got from the art teacher:  "wow.  that's a lot of colors." and "you paint a pretty good beer can from memory."  Despite our lack of talent, we had a lot of fun.

 On Saturday (my actual birthday), we met up with friends for a bicycle brewery tour.  I have to admit I was nervous.  I haven't seriously rode a bike since middle school.  I'm more of the casual, slow, ride serpentine down the middle of the street type of cyclist.  Long story short: I rode to 5 different breweries, enjoyed beers with good friends, didn't crash, and came home to lots of cake.

Emerson and I before the bike brewery tour.  She stayed home with her nanny.

The crew before heading off to the first brewery.

3rd Stop.  Check out my Jammy Pack.  It's a fanny pack that is also a speaker for your ipod.  Josh gave it to me for my birthday.  I love it.

Now for the little lady.  On April 8th, Emerson turned 8 months old.  Here she is modeling her 8 month birthday sticker.  I have to keep it out of her line of sight so she doesn't try to eat it.

The picture below was taken after she found the sticker, smashed it, and started to chew on it.

At 8 months Emerson is doing great.  She loves to eat, jabbers and screams (happy screams, of course), and she just started to crawl this past weekend.  Things are going to start to get interesting.

Josh Blog Numero Uno

Dear Blog Readers -

This is Josh, Erin's husband (in case you were unaware).  Erin let me know that I would be writing the old blogster this time.  I have also been informed that the topics shall be Abby's Birthday Fiesta and a photo of my ever growing daughter (from the outside of Erin's belly, a.k.a the 25 week belly picture.).  As of late that is the way things have been going, Erin tells me what to do and I do it... unless the request is a bit, scratch that, very ridiculous.  So I find myself writing.  In addition to the aforementioned topics I will most likely go off on several tangents, such as Cheetos commercial sound tracks (I believe this one is "The Hit" by Richard Myhill).



Last week we went down to Pueblo and had ourselves a birthday fiesta (insert awesome mariachi music here).  Abby is now an adult, 18 years old, although I still view her as the 8 year old I met 10 years ago who tricked me into trying to shake her hand goodbye as she pulled it away and brushed it over her head.  Yup, still the same jokester now.  At any rate, we thought it would be fun to buy a pinata, an Angry Bird pinata to be exact (a.k.a. Fat Bird in our house hold).  We filled it with candy and car air fresheners... the Black Ice scent was for Anna. 

Pinata, aka Pigata, aka fat bird, aka anger bird, aka about to get smashed for its sweet, sweet candy brains, mmmmmmmm, candy brains.

Erin's Pop, Big Tom Simpson, and Uncle, Lil' Dave Simpson, strung that sucker up and let the kids swing away while pulling it just out of reach.  Then is was Abby's turn, she spun around with a blind fold on and went for it, seems the joke was now on her.  The fat bird pinata was pulled as she swung and the bat came crashing into her shin (I laughed and barely felt bad about it, I think I might be evil).  She was fine, most likely due to the toughness I have bestowed upon her though endless practical jokes and an unrelenting ping pong battle (no need to ask what our record is, what's in a number anyway?).  Soon the pinata would break and enjoyment was had by all. 

Abby preparing to hit herself with a bat.

Here is an amazing picture of our best beagle, Stanly, who is always up for a fiesta!  He also turned eight or ocho en espanol.

And yet another great photo.  This of Anna and Grandpa Lee showing a little fiesta flare

(please note the chili pepper suspenders)

After the smashing of the pinata we started making margaritas for everyone (a virgin one for my baby mama).  We made them from limeade, OJ, and unsweetened grapefruit juice... nice nice.  After the food and drink were consumed and the festivities came to an end.  None to soon either as Abby had the toots (kidding, it was Anna [joking again, it was me, those fried bean/meat tacos are awesome but I should really try to eat only 1 or 2]).

More fiesta photos on our gallery here.

Let's see what else is going on.  I have been crushing the mountain on my bike and almost crashed the other day because I saw a snake.  For the record it was a very odd looking snake, did some research and I think it was either a black mamba or a run of the mill red milk snake.  There is really no way of knowing but I did what anyone would do as I road by it... teared up and screamed snake!  I also learned that one of my best buds is having a baby too, congrats Chris and Rochele!  Finally, I learned that a new micro brewery is opening up no more than a mile from our house, sweet (said like Cartman).  This will bring the total bikable breweries from our house to 5.  Don't worry, I will need to make use of these prior to August as I will liekly grow up and become responsible.  Oh yeah, and I bought a sweet plush deer skin rug for my daughters room.

See, it does look scary, like some sort of death machine

In retrospect this might do some sort of damage to my daughter's psyche

Last but not least, here is a picture of Erin's belly... BOOM!  I wish it was a movie of it because this sucker is moving a bunch.  The baby might be a fighter, I think we are in for an interesting 18 years.  I bet the rug is a good idea after all.

I did this - Josh

Two Awesome People*

*Stanley is a beagle who thinks he is a person.

Today two awesome people* are celebrating birthdays!  My sister Abby is turning 18 and my dog Stanley is turning 8.  Time flies.  I still remember the day Abby was born and exactly what I wore to the hospital to see her for the first time (I knew I had to look good, I just didn't know the 90's weren't the best of times for fashion).  My ensemble included a hooded t-shirt, striped shorts, and my hair held up in a bun with a scrunchie--all in red white & blue.  I also remember thinking it was weird she had such long fingernails for just being born.  It's strange the things that stick with us.  I don't remember what I wore the day we pick-up Stanley from the paking lot in front of Sam's Club in Pueblo, but I do remember our drive home.  The only time he stopped crying and howling was when he heard guitar solos on the radio.  I also remember Josh and I padding the entire area around his little kennel with throw pillows from the house--we were so afraid his crate would slide around and he would get hurt.  I can't imagine what we will be like driving a real baby home from the hospital.

Stan is celebrating his birthday at daycare today.  I think we'll probably give him a special treat too since he's been on a diet lately.

In honor of Abby's birthday, we will have a fiesta this weekend.  I can't wait!!!!!

Happy Halloween!!

On Saturday night we celebrated our friend Alli's 30th Birthday.  She had a Halloween/Birthday shindig at Strange Brewing Company.  It was a good time. . .and guess what?  Josh broke out the Cheshire Cat costume again this year.  A new addition--the whiskers he shaved into his beard.  I picked up on the Alice in Wonderland theme and put together a stellar Mad Hatter costume.  Old school, NOT the Johnny Depp version (creepy). Nicole and Erick rocked Scott Pilgrim inspired costumes.  Nicole was Ramona Flowers, complete with goggles and a large hammer.  Erick was G-Man and pulled it off quite well. Here are a few snapshots from the evening.

Joshtoberfest

My incredibly handsome and intelligent husband recently had a birthday.  A big one.  Since he has been working so hard on the house lately, I decided to go big on his celebration.  We typically have a big party at the house; remember last year?  Well, our house isn't really in any condition for a party right now, especially considering we don't have walls in some rooms, so I had to think of something special. 

That something special manifested into Joshtoberfest, a bad-ass brewery tour covering 6 breweries in 3 Denver metro cities via strech Escalade.  Yes, a stretch Escalade. . . with a fully stocked bar.  It was epic.

The images on the video are more clear if you view it the small size.  I'm not really sure why.  You can also see a better version in our photo gallery, the video is at the end.  Cheers!

We Went Out Last Night

Just because we have a huge house project to work on doesn't mean we haven't been enjoying our summer.  July has been a ton of fun so far (minus a few unexpected vehicle problems--saved for a later post).

We kicked off the month with First Friday on Tennyson.  We met up with friends and family and enjoyed some drinks, music and art.  Josh bought a print from Jimmy Sellars.  We haven't framed it yet, but are excited to find it a home in our new place.

Irish Rabbit Stew

The next week we celebrated my cousin's 16th birthday at Red Rocks.  We saw Kenny Chesney and it was amazing!!  Seriously, I had a blast.  I love Red Rocks.

I also got to go out on the town with my good friends to see one night of the Colorado Burlesque Festival.  It was a fun way to spend an evening while Josh was out of town.  He went to Crested Butte for a bachelor party.  The guys rafted, mountain biked and enjoyed some fresh air.  Bachelor party = no pictures.

The next weekend was devoted to the girls.  One of my best friends, Gina, flew out from LA to celebrate her 30th birthday with myself and our friend Mariyah.  All three of us used to live together back in the day, so it was a ton of fun to spend time together.  Among the list of fun stuff we did: 

Ran a 10K in Keystone

Manicures and Pedicures at Tootsies

Lots of snacks including (sushi, cupcakes, pink berry, and poutine)

and

Drinks, Dancing and General Merry-Making

My sister Anna also had a birthday this month.  She came up to Denver to visit us and can take the title of "Our First Official House Guest."  We hit up the Underground Music Showcase (UMS) with several of our friends.  It was a blast and we saw tons of sweet bands.  A few of my favorites were My Gold Mask, Gauntlet Hair, and Fierce Bad Rabbit.  I also liked the mini tambourine I got during the Kissing Party show, however, I don't know if the people around me liked it very much.  Here are a few photos from the UMS to send you off with.  Note:  we were trying to fit in with the hipsters downtown, hence, Josh's speedo tank top.  Enjoy.

The music on the video is The Knew.  I had to use an older track because I don't have cool movie making software that lets me upload mp4's. . . yet.

Lobsters, Lakes & Libation

We aren't all work and no play these days.  We still get out.  We actually spent a long weekend on the east coast at the end of June.  It was a great trip and we got to see lots of Josh's family.  Our first night was spent in Connecticut with his grandma Lynn.  We had a fabulous lobster dinner--seriously, they had to be 2 lbs. each-and spent a few hours catching up.  It was great.

The main draw for the weekend, however, was Josh's grandpa Bob's 80th birthday party.  So we packed up and drove up to Vermont for the remainder of the weekend. 

On the Saturday before the main event, we had a big family dinner at Bob and Louise's house.  The weather was perfect and EVERYTHING was green.  It is so pretty up there!  Luckily the sky was also pretty clear and we were treated to a mini airshow.  Bob lives next door to an airport and there was a pilot practicing for an upcoming airshow in the weeks to come.  It was very cool.

The main event was Sunday--a party on a river boat on Lake Champlain.  Before we headed out for the boat, we had a leisurely breakfast, prepared by my handsome husband and his sister.  They made on-order omelette's and they were perfect.  We also spent some time blowing up balloons and preparing centerpieces for the boat.

The boat was beautiful and so were the views.  It was interesting to meet some of Bob's long-time friends and neighbors.  We also got to catch up with Josh's cousins, which might have been one of the highlights of our trip--the amazing strawberry shortcake we had for dessert was a very close second.

After everyone took off the next day, Josh and I stuck around to spend a little extra time with Bob and Louise.  They took us to Blueberry Lake for kayaking and swimming.  Afterwards we shared some small batch beers from Vermont and visited a nearby brewery for lunch.  It was extremely relaxed and the perfect end to our weekend on the east coast.

Gucci even took a few trips out of the kayak.  It was adorable.

October Recap

Yes, fall is here and it's starting to get chilly outside.  Josh and I have been so busy the last few weekends, I honestly didn't see it coming. We have been spoiled with nice weather and tons of fun activities to keep us distracted.

A few weeks ago we went down to Pueblo to run the Hot to Trot 5K and prep our roasted chiles for the year.  Despite basically any training, I was able to maintain my 10 minute mile pace.  Abby, on the other hand, took first place in her age group.  She was rewarded with a jar of salsa, a bag of beans and a zucchini.  Yes, you read that right.  We keep it practical down in Pueblo.

By the end of the weekend, we had prepped 5 bushels of chile peppers.  That entailed going out to Musso Farms to get the chiles roasted; peeling the skin off; cutting off the stems; putting them in freezer bags; and labeling them so we know which type we are eating.  This year we bought Pueblo Chiles and Big Jims.  Yum!

We also had a few celebrations.  First, we packed our bags and headed up to Estes Park for my cousin Carla's wedding.  It was a ton of fun to hang out and party with my aunts, uncles, cousins, grandpa, sisters and parents, especially in a fun little mountain town.  We even got rowdy enough to have the cops stop in our hotel room to give us a warning.  We were totally free to dream--(you had to be there).

The second celebration was Josh's 29th birthday fiesta!!  Josh made green chili, I made red chili and we picked up some junior burritos for a little birthday party at our house.  Of course a fiesta isn't a fiesta until you have a pinata.  Therefore, we had two--one filled with gum, mentos, tic tacs and little shooters (Broncos star) and another that we fashioned into a wine dispenser (chile pepper).  It was sweet.

Appearances were also made by two swords, Tampico, a beer bong named Clayton and lots and lots of fake mustaches.  Sound weird to you?  Well it was, but in a totally fun and festive fashion.  We also managed to break our dining room window, but I guess that is just part of a a successful fiesta.  You can see party pictures in our gallery or here.  I tried my hand at creating a DIY photo booth in our basement--that's where all the fake mustaches came in (I made those too).  You can see the photo booth shots here.  If you don't have time to flip through the photos, here are a few gems from the evening.