63 Things

Just when I think I've got a good grasp on what I'm doing for fun with my kids.....this list arrives in my inbox and I feel very far behind!

My sweet friend, Meredith, sent me this list via email and I looked up the link on-line. It's really, really good. Take a look and be sure to read each one. Be careful, though. #60 is what landed Jack in the ER.

Now, if you'll excuse me, I've got some planning to do!

Taste of Brighton

On Saturday, our little town hosted the Taste of Brighton just off Main Street. We only saw a small portion of the event because it was SO hot, but it was fun anyway.

Carter in front of one of the city's new vehicles to tough through the snow. This one is amphibious and can go through 9 feet high snow.

The always exciting firetruck tour.





Trying on the uniform. 65 pounds total!



A robot near the fire safety area.

Carter learning how to get out of a smoky house on fire.



And, finally, a trip around the event on the train.

Denver Botanic Gardens

A couple of weeks ago, we ventured out to the Denver Botanic Gardens for the Big Bugs Eco-Sculpture Exhibit. After the long cold winter, we were ready to see some signs of spring and although not all the flowers were in bloom, we saw plenty and enjoyed the pretty day.






The Japanese Garden.



Some of the pretty blooms... Carter could have ignored them completely, but I was in heaven, so we stopped and looked in several areas. I took lots of inspiration home and literally...3 days after we moved in our new house...I had about 10 pots planted already!





Inside the conservatory. We hit a wall of humidity after just stepping inside and could barely get over it! The air is so different here in Colorado.







And, outside after a snack. Carter rolling down the hill.

And, Jack reaching for him, but not daring go into the grass to catch him.



On our way out, we found the kids' garden and nature area.

The Denver Museum of Science and Nature

Last week, the boys and I visited the Denver Museum of Science and Nature. We liked it so much that we bought a family membership and have already been back once! It's a fantastic museum with something for every age. Enjoy the photos....




One of our favorite exhibits.







This is in the Discovery Zone. Jack loved it!



Carter playing the drums to African music as little brother tries to help.

Jack is really intrigued by himself right now....always looking in the mirror and giving himself kisses!



There are several wildlife exhibits with native animals....these are our favorite...the Big Horn Sheep. We see them on the side of the mountains on our way to ski.



There's a great part with information on the life of a baby before being born. It takes you from the beginning and shows you all the stages.



Learning about the importance of exercise and good health.

Carter loved this....in the Prehistoric Life exhibit....because the calendar just happened to show his birthday.



And, finally....outside with his souvenir.....a space helmet.

Zoo Trip

Most of the outings the kids and I do together are mid-week and without Dad. This past weekend, we took advantage of our south-of-Denver home (for a few more days!) and headed down to Colorado Springs for some fun. We're only 40 minutes from Colorado Springs here in Castle Rock. From Brighton, it will be over an hour. It was nice to share it all with Blake.

First, a stop at the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo. Next to the San Diego Zoo, this may be my all-time favorite. It's built on the side of the mountain and has such cool features because of it. It's a hike at times, but worth the effort.

One of the best parts of the zoo is the giraffe balcony where you can get up close to feed them.





The wild cats...

Such a cutie! I'm serious about that. I love hippos.

A tiger rolling around in what remained of the previous day's snow.

The zoo was FILLED with babies!!!! Here is one on his mama's back.

And, another....



One more...

Carter's favorite. On our last trip to this zoo.....with Caroline right after we moved here.....one of these goats stared and stared at Carter. Wherever he went, the goat's eyes would follow, so Carter was looking forward to seeing them again.

While walking down one of the paths, we noticed 4 mule deer casually walking through the zoo. Luckily, before I started screaming "There's deer wild in the zoo!!!!!", I noticed that no one else seemed alarmed. They jumped right up on this cliff next to the mountain goat exhibit and started grazing. Still getting used to this "wildlife roams everywhere" understanding in Colorado.

Carter thought it was so cool and wanted his picture taken to show how close he was to them. Look closely and you can see one just to the right of Carter.

After the zoo trip, we drove up through the zoo to see the Will Rogers Shrine of the Sun.

It's at the top of the mountain....kind of a scary drive!





Darling Jack taking it all in.





The chapel downstairs.

Some views from the top....this is the Broadmoor Hotel.

And, the Garden of the Gods.