Ryan's 21st Birthday

Ryan and I made our traditional birthday visit to Sushi Zanmi in Boulder for his birthday. We've been doing this I think since he was about 10 years old. He doesn't eat Sushi but enjoys some of the other dishes they prepare. I like the Sushi.

Over the years Eric (his dad) had joined us and then Eric's wife Dianne joined us. It was nice to have someone, Dianne, who also enjoyed the Sushi. Although it was nice having them with us I always thought of this as mine and Ryan's way to celebrate his birthday. This year we decided to go just the two of us on his 21st birthday.

He got there before me and was waiting at the table drinking green tea. I was surprised. I thought he would already have his first "legal" drink in hand. He stood up and I gave him the biggest possible mom hug I could. I told him I couldn't believe that he was already 21. It seems like just a few years ago and just a mile from where we were having dinner that he was born. I told hime that at the hour we were having dinner that I remember it being very peaceful in my hospital room just the two of us.

I digress. Back to Sushi Zanmi. We sat down and decided to order a Purple Haze to share. That's sake with a rasberry liquor added. When it came and I poured it into the little cups I toasted Ryan and before I could tell him it was hot and to sip it he downed it like a shot! I about spit mine back out laughing at him. He drank the next one a lot slower.

We had our dinner and then the lights dimmed. We've seen this before so we knew what was coming. One of the Sushi chefs plays happy birthday on this odd looking electric saxaphone. Well this time the chef obviously didn't have a lot of experience with the instrument because he hacked it to bits. We laughed pretty hard. They brought out the standard green tea ice cream with a candle in it and sang happy birthday. I gave him a couple of TOOL posters he had asked for at Christmas and a card I made him with a big 21 on the front of it. Although he say's he's embarrased I think he really enjoys it.

We decided to have one more drink and after a short visit to a candy store on Pearl Street we stopped into The Walnut Brewery. I had a glass of wine, Ryan had a Jack and Coke. We had a nice visit and then called it a night. He walked me back to my car and we said goodnight with one last hug and Happy Birthday. "Thanks Mom" he said "I love you". You know what babe? I love you more. Mom

I love this photo of Ryan and Amber. Amber turned 21 on December 31 and Ryan turns 21 tomorrow, January 31. To reflect on Kharen's statement, they've grown up so fast.

Ryan, Happy Birthday. You are the light of my life. Mom

They grow so fast.

They grow so fast. Funny, I found myself saying that a lot when Brandon and Amber were babies. Now, looking at our Grand children I hear the echo of my own voice.

Joe and I loved having and being around our families for Christmas! Having "little ones" in the house just makes it that much more magical.

Now Brandon is 24, married and has a baby girl. Amber is 21, and she and her significant other have a baby girl and Joe's daughter, Dani, and her husband have two, a daughter and baby son.

Thank you all for a wonderful Christmas!

Kharen

Hello, everybody.
Happy New Year.
Jane and I will be visiting Wingie in Sun City West January 11 thru 15. You can reach either of us during that time by cell. Please call if you need anything or anything happens we should know about.
Had my colonoscopy. My colon is in fine shape and functions very well, as opposed to several of my other body parts. Jane says this is graphic evidence that I am an almost perfect asshole, an observation several of you have already made more than once.
Big love. Mean it.