Rainy Morning

Rainbows and Moons

Fri, 28 Aug 2026 20:19:31 -0600

What a celestial week!

Monday’ rainbow

Thursday’s lunar eclipse

Friday’s rainbow

Summer Recap - Misc

Fri, 28 Aug 2026 20:07:21 -0600

I tried to get out roller skating a few times this summer. I like using this outdoor hockey rink. I tried going around my neighborhood and it’s too scary on the streets and hills.

Ben and I took a day-trip date to Boulder for plants at Harlequin Gardens. Doesn’t he look smashing in his kilt? We got lunch at Zoe Ma Ma on Pearl afterward.

Later in the summer we all went to Boulder for Sam’s friend’s birthday celebration at Sushi Zanmai. Sam really liked the food!

Father-Son Road Trip

Fri, 28 Aug 2026 17:00:35 -0600

Ben and his dad wanted to plan a road trip to visit all four corners of Colorado. Then they decided they had already seen the SW “Four Corners,” so NW, NE, and SE three corners would suffice. Alas, they got stuck shortly after visiting the first corner! Oh no!!

Thank goodness they had cell phone reception. Ben alerted me and while they were talking to the 911 relayed policeman, I found a couple ATV groups via reddit and facebook that supposedly do rescues. Ben got a hold of one group who came hours later to pull them out. Literal cowboy heroes at 2 AM. Shout-out to “Anarchy Offroad”

Building a Cello Stand

Fri, 28 Aug 2026 16:44:40 -0600

Jack took on a woodworking project for the summer. He designed and built a fancy box to house his cello in his room. He learned a lot on this project! I know he had some difficulties with it that he’s not happy about, but I’m very proud of him for finishing and I think it looks fantastic!

A visit from the Masons

Fri, 28 Aug 2026 16:32:02 -0600

Betty and Rick came to visit for a sunny weekend this summer. They braved the mountain bus to get here - breaking down in Frisco and getting a lift on the next Bustang en route!

They had a great time catching up with the boys. Berit came along to take the kids to the Denver Museum. We went to dinner at Red Robin, which is becoming our “usual” as a family outing. It was great to see them!

Summer DnD Club

Fri, 28 Aug 2026 16:07:12 -0600

To foster in-person friendships we hosted a twice-weekly DnD session all summer. Every Tuesday morning and Friday afternoon Sam’s friends were invited to come play for a few hours. It was a total hit. We never had fewer than 2 friends visit (and in that case they played Smash Bros or went to a park) and often had 5 or 6 players.

Summer Recap - the woes

Fri, 28 Aug 2026 15:58:59 -0600

We had a lot of events this summer, especially for health. To kick off the season, Jack had his wisdom teeth removed. He managed the surgery and recovered quickly!

Soft foods for days

Ice and Pokemon were the best treatment

Next Dad had an episode of chest pain and had a stent placed. We’re so grateful that he recognized the heart attack and was able to get treatment quickly. That same week Andy was in a terrible car crash. He broke many bones and had a concussion. He is still working hard toward recovery from strength and neuro symptoms.

First Days of School

Fri, 21 Aug 2026 09:18:51 -0600

Sam started 8th grade yesterday. He said he had a great day! He forgot his school ID and didn’t want to wait in the long “no ID” line, so he mooched food off his generous friends. 😂 Otherwise a smooth day with lots of friends and good teachers.

Jack left for his first day as a high school junior this morning. 11th grade! Wow! He’s got his new jeans and sneaks, and asked “am I blinged out enough?” 😂 Hopefully he has a good day too. He’s already hard at work on his audition monologue for the fall play.

May Days

Sat, 30 May 2026 15:42:58 -0600

Friends over to work on a school project

The dango did not "sell" well , but I had fun making it with Sam!

Watching Newsies, the next spring musical for Jack's school

quick break selfie

I finished the Barcelona yarn socks!

Jack and Scarlet at Lakeside Amusement parks "Goth Takeover" Day

Warm weather is mostly here, swamp cooler time!

Memorial day pulled pork

corrrrrrrn

We invited Sam's friends to twice weekly summer DnD "open house." Despite most families traveling, he had a good group on the first day of summer vacation! They made characters and even started the campaign.

Jack's 16th Birthday

Sat, 30 May 2026 15:25:23 -0600

Thursday was the last day of school AND Jack's birthday! He got to sleep in, then walked to school for his last final, which was a titration lab for chemistry. Not too stressful, and he got to work a few of his friends. Then I drove him and his girlfriend to their lunch date at Red Robin.

When Sam got home from his last day of seventh grade we gathered for present opening! Later we walked down to Asuka for dinner. We did the song and candles for cake, then I took Jack to Charlie's house for his annual "book burning" end of school celebration. What a fun day!

Musical and Mother's Day

Sun, 10 May 2026 20:53:40 -0600

This week the middle school performed You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown. I attended the matinee for elementary students and the closing show on Saturday. There were difficulties with the high school reneging on letting us use their auditorium, which caused a lot of stress and radical changes by the directors. Despite all that the kids did a great job and the show was well-received!

Last minute run-through/warm-up

My folks came out to see the show and we also celebrated Mother's Day. We visited Giambrocco's Saturday morning and got a lovely selection of baby plants! I got two new agastaches and a russian sage, and some fruits and veggie starters. We tried a new Italian restaurant and picnicked at the Arvada Center. It was funny to see the kids still excited about climbing the dragon sculpture. Then we went to the musical and gabbed at Amanda's house over take-out. This morning I made brunch and we exchanged gifts. The boys bought me gorgeous roses and Jack gave me a handmade card. Ben found some great leg massagers for treat my sore muscles after nursing shifts. He also made a delectable steak dinner.

Snow Day in May

Wed, 06 May 2026 22:06:36 -0600

The school district generously declared a snow day on this late May 6. We got a wet, heavy storm. Most of our trees lost limbs, the Ash severely so. I baked frozen croissants for breakfast. I had a massage therapy appointment (oof, my hips are so tight!). The boys enjoyed a lazy day at home with video games and lots of snacking. We got notice that Jack's final concert of the year would proceed as planned. He performed wonderfully, as usual!

Jack's play: Our Place

Sun, 26 Apr 2026 16:55:56 -0600

Jack debuted as an actor this week in the senior-directed one act play "Our Place." He had a lot of fun in this new theatrical setting - learning lines, taking direction, costumes fitting, make-up, everything! He did a great job and had a lot of fun with the process.

Two parts!

Sam is still working on knitting skills

Pokemon

Sun, 26 Apr 2026 16:50:06 -0600

Those pokemon are back in vogue at the Mason household. I briefly played Pokopia (too immersive and work-like for me). Jack is back into card collecting. He practices driving by going to different stores checking stock. He was super psyched when he got two packs from Barnes & Noble. I had to wait for him to calm down so he could focus on driving on I70 for the first time afterward. Then at home he had Sam film an unboxing ("unpacking?" "reveal?") video.

Twice Concert in Denver

Sun, 26 Apr 2026 16:43:49 -0600

I was flabbergasted when Twice announced their world tour stops and Denver was on the list! We never get big-name groups! Ben is a total Twice fan, a "Once" and I told him we HAVE to go. Not only that, our friends the Walkers have daughter who is also a Once. We tempted them with a Denver visit and they took the bait! We had a great time catching up - our kids have grown so much! The concert was fantastic. Daehyun and Chaeyoung were out on health leave, but the other seven delivered. Of course Jihyo stole the show! She's sincerely the best. I'm glad Momo was there too, since she is Opal's favorite member.

Betty's 80th Birthday

Sun, 26 Apr 2026 16:14:54 -0600

Betty turned 80 years old this year! We came over for the weekend to celebrate. We had great food and a chocolate cake. She and the boys played the newest engrossing game, Pokopia. Of course, we got to visit with the Waterhouses and Sulei too.

Jack was enchanted by her jewelry box

He inherited some pretty pieces

Exploring the basement

This beast might come to life this summer

Learning to use a typewriter

Having a go at our old stilts!

The goodest boy

Sam's typing results

Pit stop in Glenwood Springs

More Cello performances

Sun, 26 Apr 2026 16:07:43 -0600

Jack is a busy dude! At the same time as Big Fish he had a concert for Chamber orchestra. Here are some pictures from that show and unwinding afterward.

Then he also performed twice with the school's choir at a special concert downtown. I didn't attend, but a friend kindly sent video, and the school insta shared some photos:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V26qGJ4om38

Jack's California trip

Sun, 26 Apr 2026 16:01:45 -0600

Jack went on a school trip to California over spring break. The performing arts (theater, choir, orchestra, band) were all invited for a trip to Hollywood to see Beetlejuice with a Q&A session, to Universal Studios, and to Disneyland, including a learning session at the Disney Academy. He had a total blast. I don't have much to say, I'm just going to dump in some of his photos. Sorry these are in reverse order!

Big Fish Pit Orchestra

Sun, 26 Apr 2026 15:24:34 -0600

For the SECOND musical of the year, Jack performed in the pit orchestra for Big Fish. He was bummed to be back in the "black pit" but he still had a great time.

Keychains I made for Pit

(I made Spelling Bee gifts too...I don't know where the pic ended up)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-JRXwkWJX1g

Jan - Mar Pictures

Sun, 26 Apr 2026 15:10:58 -0600

Here's some day-to-day photos from the first quarter of the year. (Yeah, as you can tell I've been super slacked about posting. My shift put me on day call so I'm trying to use this bonus time to catch-up).

Sam got braces!!!

Ben found this Seventeen tteokbokki! Had to buy.

Potstickers are a current favorite "easy" dinner

Chocolate cherry cookies

I dunno why I took this picture, but it's a true slice o' life

Crow feeding

I decided to time my blood donations with Enhypen releases after their campaign in SK (with record-setting results) Now I can start iron-supplements when the teasers start.

They were arguing about whether it was cold.

Walking to with sleeves up to make a point

I love having boys to help with snow

So many layers for dance warm-up

Strange creatures leaving prints....

I love my Witch Watch mug

Teamwork in the snow deserves cocoa

well-earned

Sam took a pic at D&D club

Almond cake with the last frozen raspberries from my garden last summer

Sam managed to take an epic terrible photo 😂

Trying out Somi Somi with kids and Jack's girlfriend

I made protest Melt the ICE hats for us

Sam wanted to learn to knit

Jack joined in too

Milano cookie dupes. Pretty yummy!

Crow friends

Jack had to help me catch the legendary fish in Stardew.

These mint brownies were amazing- I made them twice!

Treats from my Saturday Zumba for Valentine's Day

All dressed up for a Valentine's Date

We went to a Korean spot in Boulder

Jack and Scarlet went to Olde Town for Valentine's

Nostalgic goulash dinner

Fluffy crow friend

I finished this birthday puzzle in just a couple days, fun!

Strawberry tres leches cupcakes for tech week - redemption for my weak lemon bars

Work break selfie

Freddy's first bath!

I spotted a bald eagle on the way to Boulder

Majestic!

Dressed up for the Enhypen concert-movie

Engenes brought snacks to share, kpop fans are the best

dinner hello from home while I'm at work

Sam has mastered making onigiri bowls for lunch

cats are big fans

My new crab-apple was stunning!

Ben's night to cook, tasty!

Look at that beautiful parking job! We'd been working hard on that and I made him come out for photo documentation