Wednesday, June 26, 2013

Did someone say FREE?



 

The Botanical Gardens at Chatfield have free days, every now and then. 

So...the supersaver in me can't help but jump aboard that!
Free 'train' rides- beautiful gardens to run, play and practice summer salts, 
farm houses to become educated about our past....
Perfect day with wonderful friends! 












So- we do live close to the mountains. Maybe not as close as I'd like- but its close enough for now. 
We headed up for a cook out- hike and peak into the past. 


A man by the name of John Walker built this amazing home, at the top of a mt falcon park, east of denver. It took nearly 8 years to build, and only stood for 4 short years- and was then struck by lightening. 
Not only was it amazing to see what was a beautiful structure, but incredible to think of how, back in 1915, such a structure in this location was possible. 

Free free free-
Our local rec center does traveling youth summer theater.
We enjoyed a private showing- of Aesops Fables, and a beautiful
day in the park.



Just a few things we've been working on around our house. :) 
No, not potty training, but he's just so cute when he sits on the can. 

My husband is kind. My husband is patient. My husband is willing. 
I had a Groupon to use, in Golden. 
Its a beautiful, charming, old, historic town, east of Denver, about 15 miles north of us. 
We headed there for the day. 
It really was such a great day. 
FREE carriage rides- and a day spent at the river. 
We watched the tubers come down the river, and were glad we were safe on land. 
If there were a home to buy in Golden, we'd be sold, but alas, were not the only ones thinking that. 
Until then, we'll just enjoy our day trips up to the Golden city of Golden.

















Monday, June 3, 2013

June, already?



Every year I say I'll celebrate Cinco De Mayo with a pinata. 
Sure enough, this year, I made it happen. 
DIY style. 
After our festive dinner, we waked that thing, and the candy came flyin. 
Such a fun tradition! 


 DOCTOR, DOCTOR!!!
This kids are currently into playing puppy.
This was the puppies check-up.




What ever happened to my baby? 
How did I come to find myself celebrating her preschool graduation? 
Sure enough, I'll have a kindergartner next year. EEK! 

MOTHERS DAY! YIPPIE!!!
We headed south/west, to enjoy some hot springs at Mt. Princeton.
As usual, the beds got broken in well, cereal was enjoyed in front of the T.V. and we relaxed in the natural hot pools and river.




Monday we went for a walk to a waterfall.
I'm thrilled these guys love to be outside, explore and breath in deep the fresh mountain air.
Such a fun trip, and when you're out of town, so much of your routine gets forgotten, which was a perfect break for mothers day!




While Charlie and I waited at Lucys graduation, we had all kinds of experiments with the camera to keep us occupied.
Oh Charlie. Such a positive force of happy energy.



They did all sorts of songs, with actions, props and music. Lucy loves to sing, so she naturally made herself quite the star! Love you cutie Sue! You did great.



The Garden!! 
Jeff and i spent hours and hours and HOURS digging rocks out. Digging. Hacking, to no avail. 
We decided under the rocks was tarp. And under that tarp was MORE rocks!! 
So....we opted for a box garden. 
Although much more expensive, also comes with that greater potential for success and less work. 
So far so good. 

Am I the luckiest, or what? 
This (lucky for Jeff) has not become a nightly tradition, but, if it were up to the kids, it most
 defiantly would be. 

And....we got a tramp! I know!!
The funny thing is, the day after we got the tramp, we saw our friends, whos darling little girl had a cast from her toes to her tummy, and was using crutches. I asked what happened, and sure enough, tramp accident. Oh well. I'm sure we'll get our tears and laughter as well.



Thursday morning, I got a call from my mama! 
She said 'what if we came out there for the weekend?' 
Um....really? Are you really asking that? 
HECK YES! 
They came Friday, and left Monday, which of corse is NOT enough time, but we played with them for what time we did have!! 



We took them on our favorite walk.
The nature walk.
And from what you can see, it was a glorious morning, and enjoyed by all. 




The lighting was CRAZY! I took some great pictures, sure to be cherished. 





One of our favorite things we did....since the spray pad was not open yet, we walked over to the fountains at Southglenn (the local shops near us, with all the goods. Cafe Rio, Chick-fl-ay, H&M, Old Navy, Whole Foods, Sears, out library, Movie Theater, Gym....) . As you can see, my children made some good money from the fountain, and were over the moon to have found such a treasure.
Oh, if only it really were that easy as an adult.




As if doing all that money collecting wasn't enough, my children made a home on top of the stone structures, where they could stretch out and relax. 

This is my favorite!! 
For some reason, the kids think this helps them see better. 
In this picture, they are searching for grannie, who had gone on search for treats. 


Bolder Boulder 10k. 
Wow. I wanted to be apart of this grand race, but, never again. 
Its a race for spectators. 
I spent more time avoiding walkers, spectators, and treat stands, then I actually ran. 
I got a good time, but was totally hammered by the end. 
Although just 25 min from our house, we got a hotel room the night before, and what a treat to head back for a dip in the pool and hot tub! 



TINY TOWN!!! 
So, there was this grandpa who wanted to build a few small play houses for his granddaughter. 
From what he build, nearly 100 years ago, they have added on, improved, and expanded this village. 
It was a treasure my kids can't wait to go back and enjoy! 




Some of the homes were set up so you could see inside, and others were built to GO inside. 
What a fun little treasure trove, nestled up in the mountains, just 30 min from our casa. 




Since having a preschooler, its pretty much been summer all year, but, 
I've got a few fun projects I can't wait to do with the kids. 
One of which, make yard stones. 
So, I could never be a concrete layer, but we sure had a fun time making them, none the less. 



My heart be still. 
One of my friends from high school was out visiting a family member, and out of all the kindness in her heart, insisted we get together to play!!! 
I was THRILLED. 
Sam is 1 in a million. 
Always makes me smile, no matter how cranky I am, and can still, to this day, make me laugh more then anyone else ever has. 
How I wish she lived closer. 
Our honest personalities work well together, and will be looking forward to seeing her, her fantastic hubs, along with her cutie pa-tootie again, SOON! 
Thanks so much Sam!! 



This is what really happens at the splash pad. 
A lot of play. 
A lot of eating. 
And a little of splashing. 
Oh well. 
A good time was had.