THE KALLAS FAMILY

Memorial Day Weekend

2009-05-29T20:05:00.011-06:00

Memorial Day Weekend started for us on Wednesday, the 20th. Adrienne celebrated her 31st birthday by picking up her parents from the airport and then having dinner together.

On Thursday, Aly had a big day. For pre-school graduation she asked if she could get her ears pierced so before school we headed over to Sassy and Sweet and got them done. Aly was a real trooper...she initially wanted pink heart earrings but they did not have any so she settled on pink flowers. She cried for just a bit but I think that was only due to being scared. She looks super grown up with her earrings!

That afternoon the fam including Adrienne's parents and Mike (Kevin's dad) had a picnic with Aly's class. The kids had a great time eating lunch and being able to run around! We then headed in for a little graduation ceremony. Each child was able to tell everyone what they wanted to be when they grew up...Aly would like to be a teacher...then they sang a couple songs, recited a poem and the teacher shared a little something about each child. It was so cute and Aly was able to have her Grampy and Grammy Davis, Grandpa Mike and Grandma Lisa, Great Grandma Joanne and Great Grandpa Burt there to celebrate her special day. We missed her Grandma Paula and Papa!! The day ended with mom and dad having to head to a meeting and Grammy and Grampy taking Aly for Chinese.

The rest of the weekend unfortunately went way to fast. We were able to spend some great time with Adrienne's parents. We went to Castlewood Canyon for a short hike, looked at possible areas for Adrienne's parents to move back to, went to the Plains Conservation Center to feed the cows and chickens and take a wagon ride, saw Night at the Museum 2, checked out the camp grounds at Cherry Creek, BBQ'd, shopped and purchased Aly a fish for her room. Yes we have a new family member...Lilo Isabell Kallas, the beta fish!

Snow Day

2009-04-18T13:26:00.002-06:00

Friday and today, about 10 or 12 inch's of very wet snow has fallen. The news is saying that when this melts, it will be the equivalent of 3 or 4 inches of moisture. We need it bad and should really green things up and quite the fire danger for a while.

Aly believes that this snow storm is a miracle and has really enjoyed playing in it. She got Adrienne out to build a snow bunny this morning complete with ears and a carrot, which Gerry then stole and ate. Gerry played in the snow too, he went into his crazy run and ran everywhere. I watched from the garage since I am still a gimp but enjoyed watching Adrienne and Aly play together.

Easter Fun

2009-04-18T12:55:00.004-06:00

Easter this year was very exciting. She got it in her head that the Easter Bunny brought presents like Santa. Not sure where she got that from. She really hoped that the Bunny would bring her a Nintendo DS game system, instead she got gardening tools and, roller skate pads and candy. She was not disappointed but asked where the Nintendo DS was.

We died eggs on Saturday and came up with some very cool eggs this year. On Sunday, after the Easter bunny came, we went to Church with family and Aly got to do the Easter egg hunt. She kicked butt and filled her basket full! We then spent the rest of the day at Burt and Joann's house easting and watching the Masters and doing another egg hunt. It was a great Easter, 2009.

Easter Bunny left a gift and a card (and he left his card making supplies with us..oops). A half eaten carrot, cookie, peep and egg were eaten that we left out for a snack.

Chicken and Basketball

2009-04-07T13:15:00.004-06:00

On Saturday, Adrienne got three tickets to her company's suite to see the Nuggets. After waking up around 9:30 that morning, we laid low till dinner time. We went to the White Fence Farm for some chicken (and corn fritters) and then headed to the Pepsi Center to watch the Nuggets play the LA Clippers. This was Alys first NBA game and we got lucky as it was also kid appreciation night. They had all kinds of cheerleaders, fun music and all the mascots from all the teams in Colorado running around. We had a great time and Aly loved cheering for "Team Nuggets"! Nuggets won 120 - 104!

Aly eating some chicken

Playing at the Farm

Riding the horses in the play area

At the game looking like a cheerleader

Cheering with new friends

Great seats and view from the suite

Rocky making a basket from atop the ladder on his 4th try.

30+ feet in the air just below hanging scoreboard

Mascot Dodge ball at half time. To funny!

The mascots:

Cam the Ram (Colorado State Univ)

Chip the Buffalo (Colorado Univ)

Miles (Denver Broncos)

Dinger (Colorado Rockies)

Wooly (Colorado Mammoth Lacrosse)

Rocky (Denver Nuggets)

Edson the Eagle (Colorado Rapids Soccer Club)

Marco Van Bison (Colorad Rapids Soccer Club)

Jorge el Mapache (Colorado Rapids Soccer Club)

Franz the Fox (Colorado Rapids Soccer Club)

Getting Out

2009-03-31T08:26:00.003-06:00

We went to the Zepeda's House to help celebrate the dedication of their near one year old T.J. The dedication was nice, the food was awesome and seeing friends and getting out was good too. Aly walked in the door, ran upstairs to Isela's room (daughter) and we never saw her again. Adrienne chatted around and I sat on the couch for 3 hours talking to those that would talk to me.

Aly ready to go in with her pink shades on.

T.J. Zepeda

Jessica, Kelli, Suyzel and Adrienne

Kevin and Dan

Aly looking a Wii Fit

2009-03-31T08:09:00.002-06:00

We have a Wii balance board and the Wii Fit game that Adrienne uses to do some yoga and basic exercises with. We also play balance and skiing games with it too. Aly has taking a liking to yoga, not sure if it's because of Adrienne is doing it but she enjoys it. After this workout, Aly said she could feel the blood moving in her body and felt so much better. Does she know what she is talking about?

Aly watching T.V. learning a new pose by the Wii instructor.

Wii Balance Board and her big feet.

Yoga pose execution.

Pose, breath in....breath out

Super Girl

2009-03-31T08:05:00.001-06:00

In no way is this picture to be used for any other purpose but a good laugh.

Surgery

2009-03-31T07:44:00.003-06:00

Just a few pictures of before, and after my surgery.

Pre-surgery. Very excited to get this done! (not really)

Drugged up morning after surgery. Foam block between legs keeps me from crossing legs and dislocating hip again. I also feel very green at this point.

Dressed and ready to go home. Still drugged up and feel like I want to puke. Notice shaved spot on leg.

Doing Nothing

2009-03-18T08:56:00.002-06:00

3 1/2 weeks down since my surgery and only 3 to go, and although I'm now bored and feel the walls closing in, I'm happy that it's been done and know how lucky I am.

Jo, Adrienne's Mom, left on Saturday. It has now made my time at home lonely and very long. Now I'm not looking for sympathy or awe's and oh's, it's just that until you are put in this situation, you can't comprehend it. Being stuck at home for me is hard, I love my job, my co-workers, golf and most of all my family. Not having anyone here or being at work, just plain sucks!

Anyways, I am doing good. Adrienne has coffee and food ready for me now in the mornings when I get up with her. I am not supposed to do the stairs unless someone is here with me so I come down when she goes to work. I then sit on the couch all day watching nothing on T.V. or surf the net(thank god for wireless internet and laptops!). And that's my long day until they get home around 5 o,clock.

Aly has been awesome, she helps me out by getting me water or beer, retrieving my crutches of just making me laugh which she is good at when shes not driving me nuts. Adrienne has been awesome too. She has Aly and now me to care for. She gets breakfast for me, makes dinner, cleans the house, takes care of the dog, bathes Aly and I, gets us to bed, all while now being sick. I am very lucky she is my nurse and I don't thank her enough, Thank You Baby!

Well, now that my mom and Adrienne's mom are gone, it's just me and, well...me. 3 weeks to go and it's done. Then it's sort of back to normal and life as we three know it can go back to the way it used to be. Come on three weeks!!

2 Weeks

2009-03-05T17:43:00.002-07:00

2 weeks down, 4 to go until I can start to put weight on my left leg. I had my two week Appointment today and the Doctor was very pleased to see that my incision had already healed. There is still some swelling around the incision but everything else so far looks to be okay.

It's been different being home. I wake up around 6am, turn on the T.V. and Adrienne's mom Jo brings me breakfast in bed. I then either watch more of the tube or play the original Mario Brothers or Mario Brother 3 on the Wii (can't swing the remote standing up). I then usually make the trip over the couch in the bedroom and watch a movie or just T.V. Jo will make me lunch and I either eat up there or make the limp downstairs. I wait for Aly to come home and then Adrienne to do the same. I then eat dinner and head back up the stairs to bed to watch the tube again till I fall asleep, around 11pm or so.

I miss being at work and the fun and joy of my job, but am glad I got this done and know the next 4 weeks -6 weeks will go by kinda fast (I Hope!)

Kerry (Step-Dad) stopped by last night. He is in town for some classes and brought dinner over. Other than that, it's been pretty lonely. I played my first game of scrabble the other day against Jo and I am a natural at it. Rack up the points by using words like Z-A-X, a tool used to trim slate roofing tiles. Bring it on!

Home!

2009-02-23T11:33:00.006-07:00

Just wanted to pass on to you that I am home and doing OK. I have about a 8 inch incision on my left leg that looks cool but hurts like a ____! My Mom has come down from Montana to help out with me and entertain Aly and Adrienne's mom is due in Thursday to do the same. Adrienne's boss was very helpful too by letting her take time off to care for me with no penalty, Thanks Carolyn!

My road to recovery starts today with very light PT. It is amazing what little I can do right now. I can barly lift my leg up so getting in and out of bed is next to impossible. Going to the bathroom as been a challenge and that's only going pee. I have a 16 inch riser on the toilet to help me sit when the other calls. I can't bend my leg more than 70 degrees, cross my legs, turn in my toe or sit normally. I also have to sleep on my back, something I have never been able to do. It will get easier I hope, it's just about 6 weeks out before it's allowed.

A thank you to all who offered prayers and well wishes on my operation and recovery. I am blesses to have all of you and your thoughts.

The Day Has Come...

2009-02-19T18:02:00.003-07:00

Tomorrow at 11:30am I enter the operating room with a bad hip, 3+ hours later I hope to come out fixed.(and in a lot of pain I'm sure!)

If you don't know I have whats called a Impingement in my left hip. (have it in the right too, a possible fix later on). They are going to repair it via a pretty intense surgery. The procedure consists of a cut near my hip to enter to get to my hip socket. They will then cut the ball off my femur to allow them to dislocate my hip. After this is done the doctors will file down the bumps on both my ball and socket (saddle part of socket is best way to describe it). Then they will repair and reattach the torn cartilage to properly cushion my joint again. Then they will relocate my hip joint and screw the femur back onto the ball with three screws. That will be the easy part for me. When I wake up I will have to spend 3 or so nights in the hospital before they release me. Then spend about 4-6 weeks on crutches putting no weight on my hip. Then another 3-6 weeks of coming off the crutches with a total recovery of up to 6 months before I am back at it.

Thanks to all that have wished me well, Adrienne or I will update you as we go.

Obama and Biden

2009-02-17T16:50:00.011-07:00

If you haven't heard or seen the news today, the $787 billion stimulus plan was signed by President Obama in Denver today. Why Denver? President Obama had a trip already planned to Denver to "congratulate" the Denver Natural History Museum on going "Green". A big part of this Stimulus package is meant to create more Green jobs and new Green technologies. With the House and Senate passing the bill late last week, It made sense to do it in Denver since he was already going to be here. (The trip was not scheduled just to sign the bill here, as many think)

A perk of working at the Golf Course is it's proximity to the Air Force Base that the Government uses for Presidential visits. I got to see both Vice President Biden's plane and Air Force One land this afternoon, it was quite the site. It's amazing thepre- arrival prep, a helicopter flies around for about an hour checking the area around the runway and approach for would be assassins. Biden's plane then landed about 11:15 am, then a pair of fighter jets touched down and at about 11:30 Obama landed. Air Force One is HUGE, a Hummer next to Bidens' VW Beetle.

Vice President Biden

President Obama

Parked at Buckley Air Force Base

Golumpki's and Wii

2009-02-10T19:37:00.006-07:00

This last Saturday we headed up to Kalmack Ranch to have dinner with Dad and Lisa. Dad make Golumpki's, which is a great family Polish meal. Golumpki's can also be called Pigs n the Blanket or Cabbage Rolls, however, these are the real deal, and where they good!

After dinner we headed downstairs for a little golf on the Wii. This was Dads and Keith's (Lisa's Brother) first time playing Tiger Woods on the Wii, band I think they enjoyed it. Dad had the round of his life on it, with a eagle, 4 birdies, 2 pars and two bogie's, what a sandbagger! A great time was had and can't wait to play with with them again.

Dad and Lisa making dinner

Learning to play Tiger Woods on the Wii

Hitting a Shot with Red Pants on...

"IT"S IN THE HOLE"...for Eagle

Tired Eyes

Snuggle Bugs

Daddy Daughter Day

2009-01-31T14:35:00.004-07:00

Today we had our first annual Daddy Daughter Day. Aly and I woke up, got dressed and headed out to spend some time together and to give Mom some quiet time.

We set out for Village Inn where we had breakfast. Aly had hot chocolate, french toast and hash browns. I had coffee and chicken fried steak and eggs.

We then went to the grocery store and got the shopping done for Mom and the week. We dropped them off at home and headed to Inta Juice to get smoothies. After that we got Mom's car washed for her since the weather looks nice for a while.

When finished the day at Best Buy where we looked at whats new in the Wii world and Aly picked out a new movie to watch. We also got a Reeces Peanut Butter Cup and she was nice enough to give me one for being such a great Dad. We had a blast and I hope to get another one in before I'm on crutches.

Day at The Stock Show

2009-01-19T16:59:00.003-07:00

Today we went down to the National Stock Show. We got to smell the poop and see the animals. We saw lots of pigs and learned things we never new about them that was fascinating. We saw the cows being fluffed up with hair driers and hair spray for judging. Aly rode on a giant rocking horse and got to see a old wagon. We watched horse jumping and judging and walked around all the exhibits to see. Was a great time except Aly was tired and wanted no part at the end.

Good Bye

2009-01-19T08:37:00.004-07:00

Adrienne's Grandfather, Howard Davis, passed away earlier this morning. He was 85 years old.

He will be missed.

FINALLY

2009-01-13T17:17:00.002-07:00

The Geek Squad finally got us a camera. Even better is they said our old one was unrepairable (was never dropped and they said the lens was out of whack) so they replaced it. Even better, we got a better camera, better zoom, mega pixels, and is so small SLENDER! Thank god for the Service plan, however, I pray to all holy that we don't have to use it again, because the Best Buy Geek Squad is HORRIBLE to work with.

So after it charges, we can start the photos again....YES!

Has it Been That Long???

2009-01-12T06:55:00.002-07:00

Sunday I woke up and headed down stairs, made some coffee and turned on the T.V. It was then after flipping channels that I found the movie "The Karate Kid". This used to be a favorite of mine and Adrienne's. It then dawned on us that this movie came out in 1984! 22 years ago! I was 7 years old and Adrienne only 6. Holy Cow where does time go???? We sat together watching it all the way through (Adrienne came down half way through it) and then watched the not as good but enjoyable sequel.

Adrienne then cooked a weeks worth of meals for the next few hours before it was off to Abi's 5th birthday party. No camera yet, although we got word they are giving us a new one, something with the lens was wrong and was unrepairable.

Some found and donated pictures

2009-01-09T21:00:00.005-07:00

Well, a thank you to Lisa and Kerry for donating some of their pictures for us to use since we are camera-less. These are from Christmas Day. As you can see, Santa thought Aly was good this year.....???

Adrienne also gets the opportunity to brag a little with her "snowman" cake she made. She bought a Pampered Chef cook book at a party a month earlier and this is what she made from it. It looked good but the frosting was made out of Crisco shortening, not the best taste in the world but it was the looks and the idea that counted!

Family Pictures

2009-01-09T20:46:00.003-07:00

Just before Christmas we went out and got our Family pictures done. Here are a few favorites from the many many pictures we took.

Still Waiting

2009-01-09T12:48:00.000-07:00

We are still waiting on the “Geek Squad” to get our camera back to start snapping pictures again. They did find that the lens was bas so they are replacing it with a brand new camera. However they seem to like to take their time doing so.

Figured you might want to know what’s new in our lives.

Alyson is keeping very busy with school; Adrienne and I are very pleased with her progress and what she is learning. For those that don’t know, we have her at Mount Olive Lutheran in their Junior Kindergarten. This has taught her great values while learning with the spiritual side of teaching. I was a little hesitant at first but am so glad we choose it. When I picked her up this last Tuesday, her teacher Ms. Howard asked if I was having surgery soon on my hip. She was teaching the class about the who’s, why’s and how’s of praying and asked each child to pray for something or someone and when Aly’s turn came, she prayed for her dad and his hip surgery. Talk about a feel good moment.

She had a Christmas to remember, a week with Grandma and Papa Preston, a Wonderful get together with Grandpa and Grandma followed with a week with Grampy and Grammy. We were wiped out but Aly sure had fun opening present after present.

Adrienne is still doing very well. She has settled in I think with her job and is learning more and more while staying very busy and coming home late some nights. She too had a great visit with all the families over the holidays, especially seeing her Mom and Dad, people she misses very much. Her mom has booked flights to help her out with me when I have my surgery, not to many Moms and Mother-n-laws would do that. Adrienne keeps busy raising our daughter, balancing the bills, keeping me in line and still finding time to enjoy herself, although I wish she could find some more time, she deserves it.

As for me, work, work, work. I have been keeping myself busy trying to get things wrapped up at work and home before I have my hip surgery on February 20th. After that it’s home for a month plus to heal. I too had a great holiday. Adrienne surprised me with some great gifts and I too had a great visit with all the families. We got a Nintendo Wii for Christmas (but we opened it the first of December) and I have really enjoyed playing as a whole family. Aly for her age is quite good at it; she has beaten me at skill ball, bowling and a set or two of tennis. Adrienne for not being a video game type person has taking a liking to it too.

Till next time.

Happy New Year

2008-12-31T18:17:00.005-07:00

A HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL OF OUR FRIENDS AND FAMILY!!!

Down for Christmas

2008-12-26T16:16:00.003-07:00

Our Camera has kinda bit the dust. Since our Disney world trip, pictures that we have taken either have come out washed out by the flash or so dark you can't tell what is being photographed, even with the flash.

I took the camera in to Best Buys Geek Squad this morning to have it repaired. This is one of the few times that I bought into the service plan they offer and I am glad we did so. Adrienne and I figured that since I washed our last camera in the washing machine and we both have a tendency to drop things that it was probably in good judgement that we bite and pay the extra cash for the service plan.

So until January 7th, no pictures. Every picture we took Christmas Eve at my Dad and Lisa's house and all Christmas Day with my Mom and Kerry were very poor. The nice thing is they have camera's and will hopefully share their photos with us. (hint, hint)

Christmas

We spent Christmas Eve at my Dad's house with him and Lisa, her parents Burt and Joanne, Lisa's brother Keith, and B.J. We did a soup dinner with different soups and desert. Opened gifts and headed to Christmas Church service.

Christmas Day was celebrated with Mom and Kerry who came down from Montana. Aly has enjoyed their company, playing with Grandma and Papa has been fun for her since she does not get to see them very often. They have been here since Tuesday and head out Saturday Morning back home.

Saturday afternoon Adrienne's parents come to town from Ohio. They have driven cross country to spend post Christmas and we think New Years with us.

BUSY BUSY for us with family, but we are blessed to have Three great family's to celebrate the Holidays with. We love you all.

Happy Holidays!

2008-12-25T10:36:00.005-07:00

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL

Love,

The Kallas Family

More Surgery

2008-12-19T15:37:00.004-07:00

After meeting with my Orthopedic Doctor on Tuesday we have decided to go ahead and repair the hip impingement (see last paragraph) and torn cartilage in my left hip. We are unsure when this will take place for sure but it should be sometime in late February or early March.

The procedure consists of a cut near my hip to enter to get to my hip socket. They will then cut the ball off my femur to allow them to dislocate my hip. After this is done the doctors will file down the bumps on both my ball and socket (saddle part of socket is best way to describe it). Then they will pull up and reattach the torn cartilage to properly cushion my joint again. Then they will relocate my hip joint and screw the femur back onto the ball. That will be the easy part for me. When I wake up I will have to spend 3 or so nights in the hospital before they release me. Then spend about 4-6 weeks on crutches putting no weight on my hip. Then another 3-6 weeks of coming off the crutches and a total recovery of up to 6 months before I am back at it, and playing golf again...UGH!

What this surgery will do for me is fix the bone on bone contact I have so as I age my hip won't have to be replaced. Doctors believe that what I have ultimately leads to bad arthritis and eventually total hip replacement. This is a fairly new study, about 12 years old but so far others having it done have had great results.

Hip Impingement description:

The syndrome is produced when excess bone forms around the neck of the femur, and which, on flexing the leg, impinges on the acetabulum edge (ladrum), thus putting pressure on the cartilage. There are also cases where there is no excess bone protuberance at this point but the acetebulum is longer than normal and so, on flexing the joint, the femur neck impacts against the excess bone on the wall of the pelvis and pushes the femoral head outwards, causing pain and obstructing flexion. In most case, both phenomena occur together. According to the specialist, the symptoms of those suffering from this syndrome are pain in the groin, in the gluteal region, in the thigh or around one side of the hip, on making flexing or rotational movements.

Aly's Christmas Pageant

2008-12-19T15:05:00.010-07:00

Yesterday we got to go and see Aly preform at her schools Christmas Pageant . First the kindergarten class reenacted the Christmas story. Then Aly and the rest of her Jr. Kindergarten class sang two songs. One of the songs was "Go Tell It On The Mountain". They had the music playing off a CD in the background and the kids sang along. They did a fantastic job and sure made us laugh. Watch the video, they all nailed the first verse and chorus, then mumbled the second verse and nailed the chorus, and so on. Too cute not to show.

Click on play to watch video

We then headed down to her classroom to have some refreshments and cookies and had some fun time making Christmas cookies and cards.

Well????

2008-12-09T13:44:00.003-07:00

Well, Friday I went in for surgery at 8:30, at 9:30 the doctor stitched me back up finding no sign of either hernia, he even brought in a second doctor to confirm. What they did find was a lump of hard fat in the area that a ultrasound and two examination's showed hernias in. After a few days in bed, I am doing much better and am now feeling a little claustrophobic in the house. Adrienne has been awesome in taking care of me and being my nurse (although I wish she wore a candy stripe nurses outfit or something). A Thank You to Her, she is loved and I appreciate it tremendously.

So now it is back to the orthopedic department next Tuesday to figure out what to do with my hips since it seems THEY are the problem to my pains I am having.

Oh-Ya, if ever around me when I am waking from anesthesia, back off, I guess I'm kinda grouchy when I come too.

Kevin Is Having Surgery

2008-12-04T17:01:00.004-07:00

Tomorrow morning at 8:30 I am having surgery to repair a double hernia. I am having the two hernia's, one on each side, fixed then they are going to put a mesh netting across my abdomen to hopefully prevent future hernias from happening. It is a 2 hour procedure with a 2-3 hour recovery then it's home mid afternoon. Adrienne has taken the day off and Aly is spending the night at her Grandpa and Grandmas house with a sleep over at Abi's house sandwiched in between. (why does she always get to have all the fun?)

Sledding Down A Mountain...Really!!

2008-12-03T19:13:00.005-07:00

We spent a few days with our friends Brian and Laura Gott in Gramby at their place. We took Aly sledding for the first time down part of the Sol Vista ski resort. We actually sledded down a ski run, an awesome way to do it! We were having a great time till the City called me back to town to plow streets...Oh-well, next time we will stay longer.

The Big 5

2008-12-03T19:03:00.004-07:00

Aly hit the big 5 on the 24th. We went cosmic bowling with some of her closest friends. They bowled, did the mamba, limbod, had cake and opened great gifts. The pictures were poor with the black lights and all but they show some of the fun!

Happy Thanksgiving

2008-11-26T16:18:00.002-07:00

Happy Thanksgiving To All

Kevin, Adrienne and Alyson

Disney Word Trip in Pictures

2008-11-25T20:43:00.010-07:00

Here they are, pictures from our trip to Disney World. We had a unbelievable time and Aly we think truly enjoyed it. The weather was a little on the cool side but great none the less.

We did many fun things:

Rode Aly's First Roller Coaster(s), Splash Mountain and many more rides. Had Dinner at Chef Mickey's with Mickey, Dinner with Chip and Dale, Breakfast with The Princesses and Breakfast with Alice, Marry Poppins, Tigger and Pooh.

We also went on a African Safari, Watched 3D movies, watched the Castle light up for the holidays, saw three parades, and celebrated Aly's Birthday all week!

We had a blast with Mom and Dad / Ron and Jo / Grampy and Grammy and thank them for the idea and being able to share it with them. Enjoy the slide shows and movies. There is a lot to watch, but it is a great, MAGICAL place to share!

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Fire Work Display at Epcot (listen to Aly)

Aly Dancing on Main Street

Aly on Her First Roller Coaster

A Taste of Disney

2008-11-16T05:40:00.009-07:00

We have made it!!!

Aly was kinda ho-hum about this trip till she saw the Castle then it all became real. She loves it so far and can't wait for the sun to shine again!

Some pictures to give you a taste. We will send out a full slate when we return home.

Walt Disney Word...Here We Come

2008-11-14T07:29:00.002-07:00

As you can see, the countdown has ended...Finally
Are bags are packed and we are on our way to the Magic Kingdom!
We will see you all in a week!!

M-I-C-K-E-Y....M-O-U-S-E

Back to School for Dad

2008-11-13T16:44:00.003-07:00

Today I got to go to Alyson's school and read to the kids in her class a few stories. This week was "National Book Reading Week" and Alyson had to read stories every night and log them for a school project. Today all the kids brought in their reading logs as well as their favorite story to show their classmates.

I, along with two other Moms, got to read some of the stories in groups that the kids brought in. Aly chose Pinkalicious as her favorite to share with her class mates. Katlin brought, "Have You Filled Your Bucket Today" and Joshua shared the story "The Little Rabbit". All three choose great story's and I think enjoyed being read too.

I have to say it felt odd to be the only Dad there. However, when Aly got to introduce me to her class as "This is my Dad, Kevin", and the happiness in her her voice, it quickly changed. It felt good and I realized that I am lucky to get share this experience that most Dad's miss out on.

Kevin Reading to Katlin, Alyson and Joshua

Gerry is Going On Vacation Too!

2008-11-11T18:36:00.004-07:00

With the Kallas Family heading to Disney World this Friday means Gerry gets to go on vacation too. He gets to spend seven days at Kalmack Ranch (Mike and Lisa's) playing with Augie Doggy, the horses and running around on five acres It's great exercise even though were sure he just lays around.

We gave Gerry a bath this evening at "Pup - n- Suds", a dog wash place in Parker that has large tubs, shampoo, conditioner and blow dryers just for Dog's. It's the only way to go!! We did this to have Ger-Bear looking his best and to get rid of as much fur as possible for Dad and Lisa.

One Handsome Dog

A big THANK YOU to Dad and Lisa for taking him. We know he loves it, and it is a great feeling knowing he isn't locked up in a kenel all week long.

Hole in the Wall...and Pipe

2008-11-06T17:50:00.008-07:00

This is a classic Kallas story.

5 years ago we decided to hang some shelving in our downstairs laundry room hallway. When I (Kevin) hung the shelves I followed the same line that the builder used to make sure I hit the studs for better strength. Not a great idea 5 years later. (the builder put in a anchor but no screw.)

While Adrienne was doing cat litter she noticed a small puddle of water on the floor. We have noticed this before and though it was the cat. This time she followed a stain up the wall to a anchor in the wall, then up a little more to the next anchor, and again to the next one.

When I hung the shelves I drilled right into the drain pipe that comes off Aly's bathroom. Every time we drained the tub, sink or flushed the toilet, a little water would leak out of three tiny holes I drilled and put screws into. So I had to cut the drywall out, removed the insulation, cut the pipe and patch a new piece in.

The only positive to this other than the experience was that very little mold was found...THANK GOD!!

The pipe is fixed and lesson learned...NEVER TRUST A BUILDER OR STUD FINDER!

We Voted, Aly Too!!!

2008-11-04T20:20:00.006-07:00

The Kallas' casted there vote today. We got to the poll around 3:30 and finished at 3:35. NO LINE!!!! Kevin and Adrienne voted for America and the state of Colorado while Aly did voting of her own at school. They have a class fish with no name and this afternoon to teach the kids about voting, they got to "elect" the new name. The final names on the ballet where Aeriel and Fish - Fish. Then the kids voted and the name Aeriel got the numbers needed to win. Aly was up set cause her "Party" did not win. She was very excited about school today and wanted to know why we vote and the names of the Candidates. Very cool to know your kid is interested in this stuff.

A Haunted Trick or Treat

2008-11-02T18:46:00.006-07:00

This year for Halloween we went up and haunted with friends John, Brenna, their daughter Simone and most of their family. We ate home made green and red chili, tacos and pie. The weather was unreal, it was in the low 70's at dark! Growing up as a kid, I can't remember a warm night like this.

This year Aly dressed up as a Cheerleader, a PINK Cheerleader she will say for her costume. She has the poses down but the coordination is lacking.

John really goes out in the front yard to spook the neighborhood out with two cold air fog machines, strobes, moving displays (that he builds himself) and a spooky castle for the kids to pass through. It is something to see!

After a large bag of candy was collected, the girls danced the sugar high away to the Umbrella song by Rihanna.

The Front Yard!

Give Me a A-L-Y-S-O-N...Whats that spell?!?

Aiden (power ranger), Aly and Simone (Spanish princess)

Running door to door for the goodies

Dancing Girls

Carving Away

2008-10-29T19:22:00.005-06:00

Tonight was the big Pumpkin carving event. We got three pumpkins at Andersons Farms about a week ago and spent this evening opening, gutting, and carving our masterpieces. Aly helped gut and separate seeds so Mom could roast them and then helped Dad carve the faces. She picked a scary cat out of a book for her pumpkin while Dad worked a little free hand into his and Moms. We are now watching them glow in terror and waiting for the seeds to creep their way out of the oven. HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

Hay Stacking

2008-10-27T15:57:00.004-06:00

We went to up to Kalmack Ranch to help unload 200 bails of hay and stack it in the barn for Dad, Lisa and the two horses. Adrienne did the lifting with Dad, Lisa, Mike Kendrick, Keith and B.J. Kevin is still on the D.L. and watched as it took them only 40 minutes to do the dusty task. After the Hay unloading, we had a BBQ and Beer and hung out and enjoyed a cool fall day in Colorado.

Gerry (our dog) got to come as well and run around with Augie (Dad and Lisa's Dog) and Roxie (B.J. and Kayla's dog) for the whole day. Gerry was exhausted at the end of the day and actually looked like he was ready to head home.

Dressed for Royalty

2008-10-22T17:27:00.006-06:00

23 days and counting till the Kallas' go to Disney World!

Aly got her official dress to have breakfast with the Disney Princess's from Grampy and Grammy and is head over heals to wear it. She is really looking forward to seeing Ariel (Little Mermaid), although not being a "official princess" it might have to wait till we see her in her grotto. She is planning on wearing this anytime a princess could be seen.

Ladies and Gentleman,

Introducing

Princess Alyson of Colorado

Pumpkin Fun

2008-10-19T07:51:00.015-06:00

We spent the day in Erie Colorado at Anderson Farms. They had all kinds of great activities to do and see.

We did a hay ride through the animal park to the Pumpkin patch.

We walked a gigantic field looking for the right pumpkin's.

We got lost and lost again in one of the three corn mazes.

Aly got busted!

Aly got pulled around in the barrel train...FAST!!!

Rode a John Deere bike through a tire maze.

Got pulled around in a wagon by an old tractor by a crazy guy named Tom. So fun we did it twice, back to back!

The Kallas Family in Pumpkin's

A Family Update

2008-10-17T16:03:00.003-06:00

Here's a update on what is going on with the Kallas'.

Aly is fully recovered from her tonsil surgery. It was truly like it never happened. She has been a rock star. She is in Jr. Kindergarten and has made many new friends...most of whom seem to be boys?????

Kevin has found out that he has not one but two inguinal hernia's (groin area) and will have them repaired sometime in the first part of December. He is also receiving a cortisone shot in his left hip due to torn hip cartilage and what is called an hip impingement (bone bumps on ball and socket). Hopefully this helps and more surgery wont be immediately necessary.

Adrienne is healthy and enjoying her new job with Janus. Other than playing nurse mom and soon to be nurse wife, she is well and ready for turtleneck season (winter). She is also on a fundraising committee that raises money for The Children's Hospital. They raise thousands of dollars by doing a live wine auction. She has been involved with the committee the last 5 years.

As a Family, we are less than a month away from our week trip to Florida and Disney World. Aly is very excited as any 4 year old would be. She asked Adrienne if the Princess were real or just people dressed up as them. We told her that Disney is where their castles are and the eyes lit up with excitement. We cant wait to share this with her. We also will meet up with Adrienne's Parents. Ron some how found a conference to attend that week.

Hope all is well with all of you.

Grandma's Visit

2008-10-13T13:53:00.004-06:00

Grandma Paula came to visit over the weekend. (She moved to Montana for those that don't know). It was a laid back weekend due to the bad weather and Kevin's health problems. We did some shopping (hanger pushing as we call it), she watched Aly so we could celebrate our anniversary and we reminisced about being little kids. Aly really enjoyed the trip as well, she got to put on grandma's many lipsticks and introduced her to Sponge Bob Square Pants. We miss Mom dearly and can't wait to see her again.
Not a lot of pictures, it was crappy weather and no one wants pictures of people shopping.

8 Years

2008-10-13T13:39:00.003-06:00

October 7th Marked 8 years that we have been married. However, we have known each other for 14 years, since juniors in high school. We went out with our good friends Brian and Laura Gott to the Melting Pot for dinner and then to Del Frisco's Steakhouse for a Cigar and drinks. (no Adrienne did not have a cigar). We have enjoyed our lives together and hope to have many more great years ahead.

Chop Chop

2008-10-05T18:26:00.002-06:00

Just to let everyone know, Aly is doing very good 5 days after getting her tonsils out. She has been having a little more pain today than the days before but still talking and eating like nothing happened.

We went out Saturday for the first time and Aly asked for a hair "trim". Well, 5 inch's later and she had short hair. Definitely fits her personality now.

North Side Losers

2008-10-03T14:24:00.012-06:00

Another year comes....hope is once again felt like a feeling never once felt before. Could this be it? Could this be the year?

NOPE!

Instead we get to say the unforgettable verse that Cubs fans are so privileged to say, "Maybe Next Year". Might as well be in the first verse in the Bible, " In the beginning God Created the Cubs...and they will lose." Or The US Constitution. "We the People of the United States... will deal with the Cubs losing year after year"

Perhaps in my Dads lifetime it will happen, maybe in my lifetime it will happen, maybe in Aly's life time it will happen. The lovable cursed losers. Darn goat, Darn cat, Darn Sports Illustrated, Darn... oh what the hell, Darn Bartman!!

100 years....

Anyone want to bet me $50 they win the whole thing next year? GO CUBS in 2009!!!!!

The Big Day

2008-10-01T11:16:00.009-06:00

Aly's tonsil surgery was a success! She was very brave and did outstanding before and after the surgery. The nurses said that they have never seen a kid act like she did after it was done. She was sitting up drinking and talking like it had never happened. All we heard was how bad it was going to be and to get the ice cream and popsicles ready, YA RIGHT! She ate a whole ham sandwich and even a piece of candy hours after it was over. Here we thought we would have a day or two of quite, nope she is still talking a storm up.

In bed dressed up and waiting for nurses

Playing in the Playroom pre-op

Kevin and Adrienne got to suite up and go into the operation room to help her fall asleep.

This was more painfull to Aly than the surgery was

Doctor Pink and Wolfie were there to comfort (picture taken by Aly)

The morning after, smiling!

Surgery

2008-09-29T16:30:00.008-06:00

If you don't know, Aly is getting her tonsils and adenoids out on Tuesday, September 30th at 12:30. She is kinda excited if you can believe it although that's to change were sure. She is having it done at the new Children's Hospital which we got to tour last week. They showed Aly what her day would be like, what the rooms look like and even the procedure room and all the cool tools they would use. She got to see the heart machines, and got to "test" the mask that will put her under, she was shy but very interested. Wish her luck and we will update when done.

Aly in Mask on Tour

We are now off to Sweet Tomatoes for her last meal...Yes she picked it..a 4 year old picked Sweet Tomatoes...

Hockey Time

2008-09-26T15:04:00.007-06:00

We went to the Avalanche's first preseason game on Wednesday night to watch them play the Los Angeles Kings. We had great seats given to us by the Avalanche team masseuse in the lower bowl and had a great view of the game. Aly for whatever reason really enjoys watching hockey. She told us, "Hockey is fun to watch here mom and dad, football is better on t.v." I agree but this is a 4 year old talking!

Outside the Pepsi Center

Dad's Sports Girl

Finally a picture of all three of us

GOAL!

Really into the Action

Avalanche lost 4 to 3 in a shootout. Oh well...only preseason.

The Picture Board

2008-09-21T20:17:00.001-06:00

Adrienne's at it again. This is a picture bulletin board for Aly to hang her prized projects and pictures on in her room. Not sure if it's the blog page or what that has got her going on these...but she is crafty!!!

Putt Putting Around

2008-09-20T19:26:00.003-06:00

We went out tonight to Putt Putt in Parker at Alys request. She had many Par's to our surprise. She even beat Mom and Dad on a hole or two. A fun night for the three of us where Dad dominated the course!

Model or Golfer????

King of the course

Mom and Daughter

This was one of her par's!!!

Aly then fell in love with this hole and kept trying to make the Putt thru the hole into the other one. Very Fun!!!!

Bow Clip Hanger by Adrienne

2008-09-15T16:29:00.000-06:00

Adrienne bought a bunch of hair bows from Sassy Bows Boutique (see link in Blog list) and needed a place to hang them. So off to Joann fabrics she went to get supplies. This is what she made. She is showing a crafty side we didn't know she had. Aly loves it because she now has some pink in her room.

Aly loaded it up with the bows

A Day at Grandpa and Grandma's

2008-09-14T14:22:00.000-06:00

We spent the day at Grandpa and Grandmas' house working with the horses and building rock pilers for the new front deck.

"Like Father and Son"

Kevin helping dad build rock pilers

Aly hanging out in the horse pin

Picking Grass

Aly helping grandpa and dad haul rock

Muscle!!!

"This is My John Deere"

Horse poop girl

Aly and Dad at the Broncos Game

2008-09-14T14:06:00.001-06:00

Kevin and Aly went to third preseason Broncos game against Green Bay. Broncos lost 27-24 but Aly seemed to really enjoy the game and the crowd...D-E-F-E-N-C-E she liked to shout. But the highlight was the Cheerleaders on the field. Where are they Dad she would ask??? Soon Aly, i'm looking for them too!!

The Seats were up there but a great view none the less

Aly with the smile of not football but cotton candy she got!

Look close....Blue teeth

Like her dad, she liked the cheer leaders!!!

This is Alys inspiration for her Halloween costume

Ready to go home on the Light Rail

Where is the Train Dad?!!