Sand Dunes

We had a great time camping and playing at the Great Sand Dunes National Park.

Here are some photos:

Friday (overcast and playing on the dunes)

Saturday, sun was out, playing in the water.

Denver Children's Museum

Today we visited the Denver Children's Museum, and had a great time!

The last time we were there, Grayson was only crawling, so it was MUCH harder. This time, I was smarter (took less stuff) and the kids enjoyed themselves much more.

Because we love Dora, we always ask the question, "what was your favorite part."

(when watching the tv show, and responding to Dora, my kids answer "My favorite part was WATCHING!....oh my)

So I asked...

Mommy: Grayson, what was YOUR favorite part of the Children's Museum?

Grayson: My favorite part was PAINTING!

Mommy: Caroline, what was YOUR favorite part of the Children's Museum?

Caroline: My favorite part was SHOPPING!

And being a vet.

Wouldn't you love it if YOUR vet looked away while performing surgery on your cat?

So obviously, now you're thinking, "Michelle, what was YOUR favorite part?"

Michelle: My favorite part was when the kids got tired during storytime, so we packed up to leave....only for both kids to NOT take a nap at home. Seriously. They were worn out. We played hard. What gives?

This plan for the summer, the wear-them-out-in-the-morning-so-they-sleep-the-afternoon-away plan, is backfiring on me!

2nd First Date

Our first date (John and me) was way back first semester, freshman year of college.

I don't remember what we did. I think it was attending a free concert for "cultural events credit" at our school. He may remember differently. I don't know if we even called it a date!

But, a local church in Parker is giving us the opportunity for a 2nd first date, this coming Sunday.

Southeast Christian Church, where Caroline attended preschool this past year

(please wait a moment while I remember how sad I am that school is out for the summer)

Thanks...anyway...the church is providing a special evening for couples. Including FREE childcare (AND they feed them pizza), free showing of the movie FIREPROOF at the theater of the Wildlife Experience, and the chance to go out to dinner ALONE afterwards and discuss! They'll keep our kids from 5-10:00!

We've yet to see the movie, Fireproof. I've heard great things about it. Our church bought tickets and gave them to the firemen at the station next to our church building. My real-life friends have blogged about it here and here. I'm excited to see it.

If you're in Denver, and want to get in on the free, open to ANYONE action...register here.

I'll let you know how it goes!

bunnies

It's springtime...or at least it SHOULD be.

Weather in Denver is NEVER what you'd expect.

But, since it's at least springTIME (if not springWEATHER) we've been seeing our fair share of bunnies.

First, we visited Tagawa Gardens, when a bunny adoption agency brought out bunnies to hug and love.

I think their adoption requirements are almost as difficult as adopting a child (home visits, classes, background checks, etc.).

Then, after 16+ inches of snow... we found this in our basement window well:

It would take me pages and pages to describe the adventures with this TINY bunny in our basement.

...chasing it around the basement

...trying to keep in in a box

...chasing it around the basement, again

...letting it go

...watching it jump BACK in the window well

...leaving it's box, food and water in the window well (since it clearly WANTED to be there!)

...chasing it around the basement, time 3

...not telling the children it D.I.E.D after 2 nights eating celery and sleeping under a towel.

..."releasing" the bunny in the bushes...you know, to go back to it's mommy.

...feeling horrible that we're just THAT BAD at caring for animals

So, here are some cute bunny ideas for spring. No chasing this bunny out from behind boxes in the basement! Just cute, all the time!

Mother's Day

For Mother's Day, my sister-in-law Rebekah, suggested that we have a family photo taken. It would be a gift for my mother, but I think I lucked out as well!

Over Easter weekend, I asked local photographer Allison, from Photos by Allison, to shoot a group photo outdoors. But she went above and beyond, shooting every possible combination of photos. She spend about an hour with us, and charged no sitting fee! And her photo prices were very reasonable. So if you're in the South Denver Metro area (Castle Rock), give Allison a call.

Here are a few of my favorites.
It helps that my kids are just plain adorable! Or maybe Allison's just THAT good with a camera and photoshop. Yeah...probably photoshop.