Go Avalanche!

Join the Cub Scouts - get free tickets to a pre-season Avalanche game. Good news - tickets were free. Bad news - the Avalanche lost 6-0.

That's Why They Call it Fishin' not Catchin'

 

 

We spent a great weekend a couple weeks ago at Lake McConaughy with Nana and Pop. The weather wasn't great on Saturday, but we enjoyed some fishing (or "catching" as Marshall would say), sitting by the fire, listening to the Nebraska game, and eating by candlelight before the storm rolled in. While we didn't catch any fish, the boys enjoyed watching the fish getting cleaned.
With a beautiful day on Sunday, D-man was bound and determined to catch a fish. He fished off the beach, off the dock, and off the boat. We enjoyed biking (except for the part where my son exhibited one of my worst qualities and was too scared to venture out on his bike to explore the campground), boating and actually catching a fish. Unfortunately, the dedicated fisherman D-man did not catch the fish. His mother did. But, it was wonderful to be out on the lake and actually see some results.After returning from the boat ride, the boys enjoyed swimming in the lake on a gorgeous afternoon.

Mona Lisa

As seen through the eyes of a 4 year old. Made my day.

Katy Perry!

Yes, that is a picture of Katy Perry's stage. Yes, Marshall is there. No, I am not. Yes, I am jealous.
> >

>

Soccer Saturday

Saturday was our first soccer Saturday in over 3 years. It was a tale of two cities. D-man's team was, well, let's just say, they are going to need some practice. Apparently, a bunch of new kids to the league with only one practice is not going to cut it. The other team was better organized and the kids understood the game. D-man's team has no where to go but up. D-man tried out goalie for a bit (we're guessing this isn't the best position for him). But, after some pouting after the game and feeling frustrated with the situation, he's back to "liking" soccer today. We will see how long that lasts....
T-man also had his first soccer practice. He is a "white fox" and loved every minute of his soccer practice. He was really into the drills and the scrimmage (his team "won" of course). We are happy that T-man is finally able to take part in some activities. Not only did soccer start this week, swimming lessons started so we will be busy on soccer Saturday and beyond.

Sometimes all you need is a $100 hotel room......

to impress your kids and have a great 36-hour get-a-way. Over Labor Day, we wanted to take advantage of the 3-day weekend, but not spend a fortune or deal with the traffic of I-70. Our solution? A little trip to Manitou Springs just outside of Colorado Springs. We played tourist and took a ride on the Cog Railway to the top of Pikes Peak, toured the Cave of the Winds, and walked around cute downtown Manitou Springs.  It was just what we needed. The boys thought this "was the best hotel ever" and enjoyed the pool, free breakfast, and staying up late to watch a movie in the hotel room topped off with popcorn mixed with M&M's.
Sometimes you just need to see the joy in your children's eyes to celebrate the little things and be reminded how truly wonderful life can be. And is.

Casa Bonita Survival Guide

Here are some tips for making the most out of your trip to Casa Bonita.
1) Go for lunch. There was no line and you'll get much better seats. We got great seats right next to the cliff divers and didn't have to fight crowds (the place sits 1000 people) for the pinata, puppet show, or arcade.
2) Get coupons at ValPak. We saved $11 by using coupons.
3) Everyone over age 2 must order a meal so come hungry. There's no getting in without paying for a meal.
4) Order a liter of Casaritas. Well, let's just say that the place is more fun for adults if you have a beverage.
5) If you are going to do the arcade, buy the tokens at the door and get an extra token bag for free (and then Mom and Dad can play too - see #6).
6) Embrace the cheesiness, explore the several different areas of the restaurant, and have fun playing skee ball, frogger, and some old school video games.
7) Truly enjoy the amazement in your children's eyes as they watch the daring cliff divers, the strolling musicians, and get to go to a restaurant where you don't have to sit down the entire time.
8) Be inspried by the decorations and book tickets to Vegas where you can truly be transported to another world!

Casa Bonita - Here We Come!

This week, our little guy passes his "blending" at school (this is the last stage of phonics before moving on to "books"). We have been building this up for weeks now and then T-man casually mentions the fact he passed blending at dinner on Wednesday night (quite different from his older brother's approach to such things).

Part of the build up and reward is a special dinner of your choosing. T-man was all set on Chuck E. Cheese, but his older brother had other ideas. And, the cliff divers won out over the oversized, slightly creepy mouse (I personally see this as a lose/lose situation). I am so proud of T-man and this milestone. He has been such a joy to be around and I am loving age 4.5 (soon to be 4.75). What a big boy now reading "books!"

So to Casa Bonita we go to celebrate a huge step on the reading super highway. And I bet you will never guess the last time I was at this "family entertainment destination" (as stated on the website)...... three years ago when D-man passed his blending. And now my baby gets to go. Sigh. So proud and yet, sad at the quick passage of time. Ole!

Beat the Heat

August was the hottest August on record in Colorado (our poor grass shows it). We made sure to take advantage of the last of our pool membership to beat the heat. The kids and our sitter were able to go to to the pool on D-man's first day of school and I was able to take the boys on Friday evening. Marshall joined us for our last night and happy hour at the pool. It was great to see the boys playing together in the water, seeing T-man so comfortable in the water, and enjoying an evening with when there were hardly any people at the pool.
T-man was also able to beat the heat last Friday during his end of the summer school picnic. The water feature at the park was quite a hit with the kids - especially with 90+ degree heat. We also enjoyed the playground and having Marshall join us.
On Saturday, we headed to the water park to cool off in yet another way. The water slides, lazy river, and pirate ship water area kept us all entertained and cool. Those hot days, while only a week ago, seem so far away with a chill in the air now, college football on TV, and school in full swing. Summer is over, but I can't think of a better way to wrap up the season and beat the heat than in the water.