Easy Does It

This has been an exciting week for our family. Two grandchildren enjoyed milestone events.

Six year-old Oliver lost his first baby tooth. Despite the fact that Dennis and I were miles away when this monumental happening took place, we did witness it (albeit second hand) through the wonder of modern technology. Keri, Ollie's mom, caught it on her iPhone.  A video triumph.

I love the last comment Ollie makes before the movie ends, "It was easy." 

Oh to be six again, when losing teeth is no big deal. Why worry if you temporarily resemble an NHL player? In a few months larger chompers will fill the gaps. Besides, there's that whole monetary reward system that kicks in when your deciduous teeth fall out.  The tooth fairy makes multiple nocturnal visits, exchanges your absent ivories for various sums, and your piggy bank is all the richer. It doesn't get any better than that.

Oh sure, I could tell Oliver that dental hygiene won't always be a walk in the park. I could tell him that one day he'll be shelling out mega moola to some dentist to keep his adult teeth from falling out. But I'm not going to. He'll find out soon enough the cold, hard facts. For now let him bask in the knowledge that "it was easy."

Oliver's sister Emma celebrated her ninth birthday on Saturday.

We were there for pizza on the grill, birthday cake and presents. A bittersweet time. Our little girl is growing up. Wasn't it just yesterday that she was in awe of the Wiggles?

Happy birthday, again, Sweet Pea. Don't grow up too fast, ok?

Love to both of my grandchildren from their Nana.

Joyful Celebrations

Lots of activity at the Reinke homestead this week. Dennis spoiled me rotten on my birthday, which was Thursday.  Starbucks' mocha, flowers, breakfast at Meadow Mountain Cafe in Allenspark and a driving tour of the area.  We stopped at a friend's antique shop, then saw Herman at the beautiful Fawnbrook Inn, where we were married on Valentine's Day.  Herman's the chef, and owner along with his wife Meeka. The inn's gardens are in full bloom now.  Hummingbirds everywhere. Breathtaking.

After our Allenspark tour we drove back to Estes Park and spent a couple of hours hitting the thrift shops.  This was completely my idea.  I love thrift stores, garage sales, flea markets, Craig's List -- any place where I can find a bargain.  After our shopping spree we enjoyed ice cream cones and a little relaxing back home.  The finale was dinner at The Dunraven Inn owned by Dale and Laurel Hatcher.  Dale sang happy birthday to me when we entered the restaurant.  That was fun.  Dennis had cioppino and I ordered the pesto with grilled shrimp.  Wonderful food, great service and birthday spumoni on the house.  It doesn't get any better than that.

The Scandinavian Festival is taking place in Estes Park this weekend.  Dennis and I purchased four handwoven rugs from Donna Erickson of Kangas Weaving.  I hesitate to use the term "rag rugs", as although these beauties are made from recycled material, they are far from typical rag rugs.  They are tightly woven, high quality works of art.  Donna and her mother Margaret were kind enough to pose with Dennis for this snapshot.  Gotta love cell phones with cameras. -- NR