Nolan's New Buddy

What have we gotten ourselves into? Check out Nolan's new best friend...Puppy! Yes, a dog has entered the Jansen household. For those of you who know us well, you know a dog is merely something we look at, occasionally pet, not cuddle, play with, or let slobber on us! But, somehow Nolan is surrounded by dogs... Auntie Sue's precious Sammie, D.J.'s buddy Tucker, The Leensvaart's pup Murphy, and soon to be the new Krauth addition- Miley. He LOVES them. So it wasn't a surprise when he became attached to his new pal...a blue stuffed animal puppy. Puppy goes with Nolan everywhere- in the car, outside, for naps, and especially to bed. He sucks on his nose, grabs his ears, and stretches his arms out to hug him close. Apparently Puppy is also hilarious! Nolan laughs and laughs as his ears fly back and forth. So here's to hoping that this new found affection for four legged friends will stay in the plush kind.
But we have a feeling we're doomed!

Weekend in Breck

"School's out for summer!" Well at least for 2 weeks!
The life of a year round teacher is a crazy one! I will have the next two weeks off, and in the mean time, get my classroom set up and plans ready for my next school year to begin. July 7th I will start my 6th year teaching...wow! So to celebrate another year down and to try to relax a bit before gearing up for the next school year, we decided to take a quick trip to the mountains! We sat by the pool in Breckenridge, went out to eat, walked around downtown, went to bed early, took a short hike, and hit up the alpine slides! What a great get-away and some quality time with my mom before she leaves on Tuesday!

Wild Week

I haven't blogged in awhile! I've barely had time to sit down! We have had a wild week or so! I am wrapping up school- only 1 and a half days left! Woo hoo! Then my mom came into town...which has been SO wonderful! We have been spending time with her, AND all of our best friends and family members who came into town from all over to celebrate Ernie and Kim's wedding! What a blast to have almost everyone you love in the same place! Here are a bunch of pictures from our hectic but totally amazing week!

Rafting Bachelor Party on the Arkansas River! The water was VERY high, thank goodness everyone survived...especially the groom. a.k.a. Bridezilla


Hanging out with Uncle Patrick! Nolan can't wait for his first Philly cheese steak!

Congratulations Ernie and Kim! We can't wait to be married couples with you! Hurry home from the British Virgin Islands...we miss you already!


Grandma's in Town! She spoils us with meals and serves us by taking care of Nolan, cleaning our house, and doing odd jobs! Nolan has an awesome Grandma!


The Jansen Fam got down at the wedding!


Nolan got to meet his Auntie Jayne and Uncle Brad for the 1st time! He was waiting for their visit and had so much fun chillin' with his cool aunt & uncle from California!


Mark and his highschool buds: Rick, D.J., Ernie, Nate, and James


The Calvin Crew
(Back Row L-R: Bryan, Nate, James, Pat, Jason, Jeff, Ben)
(Front Row L-R: Sara, Mark, Me, Steph, Ernie, Angie, Betsy)


Mark's first Father's Day at Daniels Park... Nolan is one blessed boy! Mark is a wonderful Dad! Nolan loves laughing at Daddy's belly kisses and silly dancing! He loves their morning quality time as Mark gives him his breakfast and gets him ready for the day! And he loves sitting on the couch and cheering on the Rockies with him! I look forward to watching this bond grow over the years! Thanks for a fun 6 months Mark!


And finally, Nolan's new joy: The exersaucer!

Date Night

Mark had a HOT date tonight! And nope...not with me! With our beautiful, smart, and super fun niece Payton! Mark was unable to go to her 4th Birthday Pool Party last weekend. So he told her he would make it up to her by taking her out on a date. Being that we have the hook ups with movie tickets, we have taken Payton to a couple of movies over the years. She decided for her date night that she would like to go to a new movie and out for ice cream. Mark picked her up for their night on the town and she was ready and waiting, in a very lovely dress. When Mark walked in the door she asked him, "Why are you late, we need to get to our movie?!" They had a great time, saw Kung Fu Panda, and had dipped cones from Dairy Queen! Nolan and I were lucky enough to join them for ice cream and then later pizza. We broke all the rules and had dessert first and then dinner! The joys of being an aunt and uncle! We have loved being able to spend so much time with Payton over the years and to have watched her grow up to be the spirited, creative, and sensitive young girl she is...she truly takes such good care of Nolan, wrapping him up in blankets and showering him with kisses! Thanks for a great night P.R.! Uncle Marky loves you and so do I!!! Your tickling giggles tonight were the best!!

Summer Lovin'

Here are a few pictures from our very fun weekend in the sun! I had the pleasure of taking Nolan swimming for the first time at Payton's fourth birthday party! He loved it and just soaked it all in. The next day Mark got to join in on the fun, we took him swimming at our good friend Jess' apartment pool! Jess just happens to be a life guard and taught Mark the proper way of dunking Nolan. Check out the footage, he cried briefly, but then went right back to laughing with Daddy!