Project 365-2012

What a great idea! Time seems to get away from us so quickly. So given that I am 16 days behind...I have some catching up to do!

After spending a fabulous Christmas in Maui, Hawaii...Rob and I returned to Colorado in time to wrap up 2011 with hockey. Zach had 4 hockey games over the final weekend of the year and we spent New Year's Eve at the World Arena watching the CC Tigers beat Union 2-1.
CC Tiger Schedule

JANUARY 1, 2012

New Year's Day was spent in Denver at the Newly re-named Sports Authority Field at Mile High.
The recently ousted, former Broncos QB, Kyle Orton, was back in town with his new team...Kansas City Chiefs. Rob and I had seats in the south endzone.
The game was a yawner...and the Broncos lost...but the company was fantastic!

All you need is Love--Oct.12-13, 2008

Hello from Vegas!!

I thought I would update you on the happenings thus far....I know, I know....what happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas...but I thought I would share anyway.

I left Colorado Springs Sunday, October 12th at approximately 12:30 PM Mountain Time, after having breakfast at the airport with my wonderful husband. Thankfully he reminded me to grab a jacket before we left the house. Though it wasn't too chilly in the Springs, when I landed in Salt Lake City it was snowing!

Once I landed in Vegas, my Dad and Luann picked me up at the airport. They left Mary-Margaret in the room sleeping. Apparently, she had a pretty rough time with the flight and needed to rest. Once we entered the room with pizza, she joined us quite quickly.

Esther and Dick arrived soon after we finished dinner. We said out hellos, got caught up on things and then Mary-Margaret wanted to go to Paris. Seeing the "Eiffel Tower" right outside the window was a bit tempting. So she and I headed to the strip.

The Strip, well, what I saw of it, hadn't changed much from when I had seen it last. The bus from the Wyndham dropped us off at Harrah's. We walked Past the Imperial Inn, the Flamingo, Bally's and a few smaller lesser know casinos before arriving at Paris. We wandered the shops in Paris for a few and then had to head back as we had a 9:45 curfew. Well, more like, if we wanted to get back to the hotel, we had to catch the last shuttle which left at 9:45.

It seemed as though everyone else had the same idea as we did. Unfortunately, the last shuttle filled up and Mary-Margaret and I had to take a cab back. Thankfully, the Wyndham paid for our fare as we were at the stop on time and the driver would not let us on the bus.

Unfortunately, I have no pictures of this short 2 hour trip to the strip as I left my camera in the room. However, the camera made a full appearance first thing Monday morning.

First thing Monday morning, I caught Dick heading to take care of things and dad with a light bulb in his mouth. The only thing I can figure he was doing is trying to figure out how Uncle fester made it light up.

After all had showered and had breakfast, the 6 of us headed back out to the strip. It was yet another chilly morning. Most of us bundled up in jackets; Mary-Margaret added a blanket that she was using as a shawl.

Once again, the bus dropped us off at Harrah's. We headed in the opposite direction of the night before and went towards the Venetian.

Once we were over halfway through the shop area, there was a small group of performers singing, dancing and juggling. Most of us stopped to enjoy the show, but Esther and Luann decided to try their luck at the slots. Dick, Dad, Mary-Margaret and I took off to find the gamblers, and took a chance for a photo opp or two. We eventually caught back up to them, headed across the strip to the Mirage where we stood in long lines before enjoying lunch.

After lunch, we all headed to Caesar's Palace where the slots were scared!! Here comes Luann, Esther and Dad, attacking the one-armed bandits with a vengeance!

Fortunately, Luann came up Lucky...Dad just came up broke! Luann cashed out on the "Wheel of Fortune"with $72 biggins.

As we all know, Mary-Margaret is always on the hunt to see a star. Well, just like Hawaii where we ran into Christian Slater, we found a star today. Okay, maybe not as high a caliber....but a star to some none the less. As we were walking through the Shops at Caesar's, we ran into Kenny "The Snake" Stabler. Of course, he was wearing his Crimson Tide shirt so Mary-Margaret had to yell "Roll Tide" as she got her picture taken with him.

After all the winnings and star-sightings, Dick, Esther, Luann and Mary-Margaret headed back to the hotel, while Dad and I stayed at the strip. There was only two hours until the show. Dad and I had tickets to see the Cirque de Sole show "Love". It is an acrobatic show set to the history and music of the Fab Four, the Beatles.

To get us ramped up for the show, dad and I stopped by the Beatle's Lounge, also known as Revolution. We also visited the Beatle's gift shop and waiting area where all ticket holders were rounded up like cattle.

The show started at 7, and lasted about an hour and a half. It was one of the most amazing shows I have ever seen. The acrobatics were great, the stunts were breath-taking and the music was unforgettable!

As Dad and I left our show, Luann and Mary-Margaret were more than likely in line for the show they had tickets for: Criss Angel. There show was to begin at 10 PM. As of now, it is nearly Midnight in Vegas and I have not heard from them. I will update you on the Criss Angel show later.

Until then...Goodnight from Vegas.

Jonathan Robert Wilson-5th Grade-2008/09

An interview with Jonathan Wilson, October 9, 2008

Ash: What is the best thing about Banning Lewis Ranch Academy and why?

Jonathan: That you get to switch classes so you can spend time with different teachers and get to know a little bit about them.

Ash: What is your favorite subject and why?

Jonathan: Science, because you get to do experiments and work in a group so you can share ideas.

Ash: What do you like to do for fun and why?

Jonathan: Play basketball because it is fun to play against people and I like to be congratulated for making a basket.

Ash: What do you want to be when you grow up and why?

Jonathan: A scientist because they make a lot of money and get to do more science stuff.

Megan Christine Wilson-3rd Grade-2008/09

An interview with Megan Wilson, October 9, 2008

Ash: What is the best thing about banning Lewis Ranch Academy and why?

Megan: The playground because they have a donut, 2 basketball courts, 4 swings, a teeter-totter and a slide.

Ash: What is your favorite subject and why?

Megan: Math because it helps you learn more and you can be in math contests.

Ash: What do you like to do for fun and why?

Megan: I like to write because you can learn to write neat and spell right.

Ash: What do you want to be when you grow up and why?

Megan: A teacher because I want to teach first-grade or kindergarten.

Zachary Rudy Wilson-1st grade-2008/09

An interview with Zachary Wilson, October 9, 2008.

Ash: What is the best thing about Banning Lewis Ranch Academy and why?

Zach: The gym, because they have lots of equipment, you get to play soccer and with the Nestle water bottle labels you can buy more gym equipment.

Ash: What is your favorite subject and why?

Zach: Language arts because we do a lot of things like measuring how high something is and keeping track of stuff.

Ash: What do you like to do for fun and why?

Zach: I like to read a book for fun because it helps me read better, learn better and helps me listen to stuff better.

Ash: What do you want to be when you grow up and why?

Zach: A policeman, because they take care of communities, call people and have lots of equipment.

Family Skate Night 10-5-08

Well, the Wilson's went skating again, only this time, Jonathan was able to join us. Sertich Ice Rink offers a special family night skate every Sunday Night from 6:15 until 7:45. We enjoyed the full hour and a half!

As usual, Megan and I hung closely to our safety net, known as the wall as the boys played tag.

Zach did great, though I am sure that is no surprise. He had hockey practice Sunday morning at 7:15. He worked on many skills, but most importantly he worked on the "Hockey Stop". I asked Zach if he would teach me how to ice skate. He explained that it is easy, you just put your feet together and then push with one, then bring your feet back together and push with the other. When I asked him to teach me how to skate fast. He said, "Oh, that's easy. Just pretend like you are punching." Then he took off like lightning!

Towards the end of the night, the kids got goofy and decided to attack Daddy. He loved every minute of it!

Ice Skating at Sertich-9-20-08

Saturday morning, after breakfast, the Wilson's went ice skating at Sertich Ice Center. I haven't been on ice skates in nearly 30 years, so I was not sure how this day was going to shape up...or fall down. Unfortunately, Jonathan is not doing so well in school and had to sit in the stands and read while the rest of the family skated for an hour.

Of course, Zach and Rob took off on the ice like lightning. Megan and I were happy to have the wall as our new friend. Eventually we were able to let go of the wall, but we stayed close to our safety net. By the end of the hour, Rob and Zach were playing a game of Tag. The best part was when Zach would fall down, pretend to be hurt and when Rob would go check on him Zach would yell, "Tag! You're it!"

Race for the Cure---Sun 09/07/08

The Wilson family got up bright and early this morning. As Rob headed off to serve our country as an Air Force Reservist, the kids and I headed off to Garden of the Gods. The kids and I, along with friends and co-workers, were going to participate in the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure 5K Walk.It was a chilly 42 degrees when we first arrived at the park, however, it warmed up nicely. We met up with Susan McDonald and her daughter, Payton, in the parking lot. Shortly thereafter, we were joined by Ali Reasoner. When we got to the starting line, our group had grown to include Nancy Bruner, Kris Korinek and Alphie Hutmacher. We were eventually joined by BB and Mark Nugent, and this rounded out "Team Coldwell Banker".

As a team, we had a goal of $1000 to raise for breast cancer research and screening facilities. We are proud to say we exceeded our goal and we want to personally thank everyone who contributed and supported us in our participation.

One in eight women will be stricken with breast cancer in her lifetime. The Komen Colorado Springs Race for the Cure raises money to fund education, screening and treatment programs for these women and thousands of others in our community and supports the national search for a cure.

Seventy-five percent of the net proceeds from the Komen Colorado Springs Race for the Cure remains in El Paso, Teller, and Pueblo counties to support breast cancer programs and activities. Twenty-five percent goes to research programs at the national level. No money from the Colorado Springs affiliate is used for overhead at the national level. For more information, visit http://www.komencs.org/.

I would like to personally thank my family and friends who joined me in the Race: Jonathan Wilson, Zachary Wilson, Megan Wilson, Ali Reasoner, Susan McDonald, Payton McDonald, Kris Korinek, Nancy Bruner, Alphie Hutmacher, BB Nugent and Mark Nugent. THANK YOU!

We, as Team Coldwell Banker, would like to thank all who supported us in our participation and supported the Komen Foundation with their generous contributions: Jenny Armistead, Eric & Mary-Margaret Bowles, Carolyn Callahan, Lori Carlson, Peg Clark, Farrel Cochran, Pete Frech, Helen & Norm Gunter, Diana Knopp, Nancy Long, Heather Maier, Patricia McCue, Julie McElroy, Larry & Luann McQueen, Diana Merola, Robin Murphy, Chris Mygatt, Shirley Parfitt, Kathleen Peak, Russ Pitts, Kevin Risen, Adam Rogers, Robert Rysavy, Christine Sawicki, Michele Scaperlanda, Chistine & Steve Waters, Bob & Becky Wilson, Rob Wilson, Kep Winters and Guardian Title.

First day of School-August 8, 2008

Friday, August 8, was not only the opening night of the 2008 Olympics in Beijing, China, it was also the kids first day of school at Banning Lewis Ranch Academy.

BLRA is a charter school that has very strict guidelines when it comes to the school dress code, student conduct and parental involvement. The kids have to wear uniforms that meet certain requirements, including having the school's logo embroidered on all shirts and blouses, all shirts have to be tucked in at all times and belts must be worn with all pants and shorts. As for the parents, well they are expected to volunteer their time 2 hours every month. There are many things the parents can do including working in the lunch room, being a crossing guard, calling for fund raisers or working at sporting events.

Friday was an unusually cold, rainy day. Not often are there summer days in Colorado that the temperatures are below 60 and it rains all day.

I talked to the kids about their first day at a new school. Here are some of the things they had to say.

Jonathan: Banning Lewis is cool because my best friend from first grade is there. They also have a really cool P.E. teacher and art and music. Also, you get to change classrooms for math.

Megan: The first day of school was great because it was easy. We get two recesses and we can bring snacks for after the second recess.

Zachary: Banning Lewis ia Awesome because I got to see all of my friends. I was scared at first , but then it was fun. The only thing I don't like is they only have one park with one type of monkey bars.

For mor information about Banning Lewis Ranch Academy, visit their website at http://www.blracademy.org/.

CB Night at the Rockies-June 30, 2008

Coldwell Banker hosted their annual Client Appreciation Night at a Colorado Rockies baseball game this past Monday night. The Rockies hosted the Padres. Coldwell Banker provided over 11,000 tickets for their clients to enjoy a night our with their preferred Realtor.

Rob has never been to a Rockies game; the kids have never been to an MLB game at all. This was definately a family experience that they will not soon forget.

Joining us on the trip to Denver was Ken, Cheryl and Matt Trousdale.

Also, we sat near Michael Coleman, Karen MacKenzie and her family and Andy Sommer and his mother.

What a great night of joining friends and co-workers and the clients that make Coldwell Banker a success.

For more great photos of the night, please visit my Coldwell Banker Events Gallery at: http://amcqueen.smugmug.com/gallery/5310958_d8znr#324225839_2Ppdu

Medano Pass and the Great sand Dunes

On Saturday, June 28, 2008, the "Woodys", the "Scrappys", Jolly and Chris took off for what was supposed to be a "quick and easy" day of wheeling. After gathering and gassing up, we headed south from the Springs to Walsenberg. Once there, we headed west to Gardner. Once we were at the trailhead, we guessed the "easy" 19-mile road that is trail rated a 2 and stock street vehicles can navigate would take about an hour--MAX.

The road traveled well for a while and then out of no where came the dips, dives, blind turns and river crossings. What was suposed to be an hour--MAX, turned out to take more than 2 hours. Though we were quite shocked at what the trail actually offered, it was well worth the trip.

Somewhere along the way, Rob's Xterra, affectionately named "Maxine", lost a cap covering an opening in the air intake port. So he did what every man would do...fixed it with Duct Tape.
We ended up at the Great Sand Dunes National Park, had lunch and watched the kids play in Medano Creek.
For more great pictures of this trip, visit our picture site at: http://amcqueen.smugmug.com/gallery/5307263_eVdqK#323917564_PcRCm