the big 2-6.

yep, i'm 26.

closer to 30 than 20 (as my lovely sister pointed out).

and that's kind of a big deal.

a celebration was in order.

a day of good, clean fun.

it started with an end of the year meeting at school...

where mr. lesley turned in his keys and said adios to teaching and hola to grad school. 

all the ladies in the office were so sad to see him go but happy mr. tie (as they affectionately called him) will be back in the fall to help me set up my new classroom and periodically throughout the year to bring me lunch (hint, hint). 

we did a high five in the car and drove off towards our favorite record store, twist and shout...

where i picked a ray lamontagne album and mr. lesley chose pink floyd and led zeppelin (so hardcore, i know).

then after being indecisive for awhile, i decided we should pick up some lunch at whole paycheck and enjoy the sunshine...

where we made up voices and hypothetical scenarios for the ducks...

(making up animal voices, dialogues, and conversations for animals is one of our favorite pastimes) 

posed for pics...



and snuck a little kiss, kiss.

after lunch, i wanted to spend some quality time with the pup.

i mean, obviously.

then that evening, the fun really started.
i went to the cherry cricket for the first time.
and it. changed. my. life.

and i got to hang out with two of my favorites!
heather and jason!
who came down from fort collins to hang out for the night.
love them.



i ordered my burger with cream cheese, bacon, and an egg.
and i may or may not have been heard saying "it's so good...i mean, it definitely tastes like cheese...but it's creamy."
people have been known to say crazy things under the influence of amazing food.



then it was time for the highlight of the evening.
BOWLING!
with all my favorite denver-ites!

kari even made me a razzleberry pie...along with brownies courtesy of calley and heather! 

we bowled. we talked. we laughed. we danced. we talked about oprah.
you know...the usual.

i can't help but think how i moved to this city knowing virtually no one (besides my wonderful sister)...
and now i have met so many great friends, along with the man i love.

love this city.
love these people.

this is going to be one great year.
i just know it.