Colorado: Day 3

We spent day 3 with Crissy again at the Denver zoo. The first animal we saw was a hog-nosed pit viper. Amidala was thrilled, Husband was terrified.


It was a cool morning so the animals were out and about having their breakfast instead of hiding from the hot sun.








Their first time on a carousel. Ami was very excited to ride Rajah.


After we returned from the zoo, my mom whisked me off to shop the outlet stores (Osh Kosh, specifically) in Castle Rock for much needed mother daughter time. Later that evening, Husband and I had dinner with Crissy and Nate at their apartment while Cynda and Ping watched our little ones. We do this everytime we come to Denver and it really is my favorite part of our visits. My sister is a fantastic cook and even better company.

1993

My childhood chum Heather is visiting from New Mexico with two of her darling children. She's one of those friend you've got pictures of like this.


Heather and I were inseparable during our middle school years. We got into all kinds of trouble together. She lived just three doors down from me, and in a perfect world, she would again.


I love that we have children of similar age and it was fun to see them run around together. I hope to be able to visit her in Albuquerque.

Cousins!

Sadie, Madison, Spencer, Calvin, Tanner, Preston, Emmalee, and Ami. (Not pictured: Jaden, Luke, and Logan) I got a great pic of the moms responsible for all these adorable kids but honored their request not to post it.

Colorado: Day 2

Day 2 in Colorado we met up with my sister Crissy.


She took us to a fun park with multiple play structures and a petting zoo...



and a train...


and a wading creek!




Tired, wet and ready for lunch.


After a good nap, we drove to another awesome park that was literally just down the road. More beautiful green hills, sculptures to climb, shaded sandbox and a water feature.











The weather was mild the entire time we were in Colorado and we could've spent everyday at different parks around the Denver area. Crissy claims we still hadn't been to the coolest one.

Happy Birthday to me

I woke up today in the same room I was born in. I do that everyday, but today is my birthday so there. If I die in that room, will a portal open up to another dimension? A place for people who are born and deceased in the exact same spot who get to live their lives over again with all the knowledge they've gained? I could use that knowledge to better society or become very wealthy and take care of my entire family. I would find Husband sooner and we could travel the world. But if it meant there was even the slightest chance that I wouldn't have the exact same children, no deal.


Lynell brought me this sweet b-day treat today. Note to all: I love cute socks! These ones are aloe infused and so comfy!


Husband's gift was a memory stick I'd been needing and a card with a sweet message and obscene drawing. Bill and Ellen's e-card was appreciated (and appropriate). My oldest and dearest friend Heather asked me last night if I was where I wanted to be at 31. My answer was yes. I love being a wife and mother. I look forward to every day with my little family.

Colorado: Day 1

A few weeks ago, on an outing to Multnomah Falls, Husband and I started throwing around the idea of possibly driving to Denver to see my mom and sisters. We had made the trip by car before 13 months ago and now we were wiser after learning from our mistakes the fist time around. I had five days to plan and got right to it. We left the house at 4am on Saturday with scheduled stops in Pendleton, OR and Boise, ID at McDonald's restaurants with a Playplace. We also had dual screens on the headrests and plenty of DVDs. This worked so well for our kids. They did awesome for the first 10 hours or so. There were a lot of tears in the final miles before we arrived in Lehi, Utah to spend the night with Husband's sister, Cami. But after 15 hours, they were all smiles when they finally got to run around with their cousins.



The next morning, we were out the door by 8am with our first stop in Grand Junction, Colorado, at where else? A McDonald's with a Playplace. The scenery was gorgeous and the drive (10 hours) seemed so short compared to the day before. My stepdad, Ken, had dinner waiting for us.

Our first official day in Denver was pretty low key. Ping and I took Ami the park....


while Husband and Tinyman got some much deserved rest; he did all the driving.


We also played in the pool...



and snuggled with family. Both the kids really enjoyed being with their relatives. "Cynda! Cousin Ping! Where are you?" could be heard constantly coming from Ami's mouth.


She warmed up quickly to her Nana bringing her books in the evening to be read and tormenting the cats while husband and I had some alone time rotting our brains in front of "The Bachlorette".

Sleeping Angel

Even though I try to put my little girl to bed by 8:00pm, she'll play on her bed for hours. So I stopped putting her down for a nap and just dealt with her dinner time crankiness knowing I could put her to bed at the same time as Calvin and get some real alone time with Husband. That lasted one day and she did fall asleep just a little after 8:00pm. Now she is either crawling into bed and demanding to take a nap, or falling asleep on the couch. I even offered her a snack to keep her up. I don't have the heart to wake her so I'm back to square one.

Multnomah Falls

Wanting to take advantage of the nice weather, Husband and I took the kids on their first hike up Multnomah Falls.


Ami did very well and received a lot of compliments from strangers on her endurance.


She stayed close to momma and bravely explored shallow caves and twisted trees.


Throwing rocks in the water. What fun! I love how such simple things bring them joy.


Husband helped Tinyman stretch his legs on the way down. I thought they looked so cute walking together.


A great time was had by all. We're looking forward to more outdoor adventures this summer.

The heat wave begins

It was hot today! Too hot for clothes which works well for my kids because with potty training and the banishing of sippy cups, I can do less laundry.

Child friendly

Husband: Hey Wife, the Smith's are on vacation. Why don't you bring the kids and come visit me at work. The deck I'm building is really impressive.

Wife: Um...I don't know. Is it safe? Can the kids run around or could they fall?

Husband: Yeah, sure it's fine. Don't worry, I'll watch Calvin.


Apparently, we have different definitions "safe".





In Husband's defense, he did watch Calvin the entire time. And played with them on the fenced and very child friendly trampoline.


Oh, and here is our neighbor's response to Husband cutting down the hideous (albeit privacy providing) shrubs.

Happy birthday, Spencer

Our little family had the pleasure of celebrating a birthday with those other Davis'. Christine and Jason's oldest son, Spencer, turned 11 today. He has a special place in my heart not only because he's my Star Wars buddy, but he's also very kind and affectionate with my children.

Ami loves to celebrate birthdays. The singing, icecream, candles...not so fast little girl, this is Spencer's moment. Karen (holding back her own enthusiastic kiddo), Christine's sister, was also there with her three sons and niece. She has been blessed with another child, a girl!!!

I'm a big kid now

Last week, Calvin took his first trip to the hairdresser. He was such a good boy. I had my haircut first and he was eager to get up in that chair and do what momma does.



We also started potty training Ami. I was really struggling with this but then received some ideas from my sil Heidi. I tried them all and progress was made! We packed up her remaining diapers and "mailed them to a baby that needs them". Her prize for her efforts is a tent for her bed and going to see Toy Story 3 with her Grammy.


Husband finished painting the house and we think it looks really nice. From Pepto Bismol to Hershey's Chocolate.