Denver Adventure Week 9

This was our last weekend in Denver that we didn't already have planned out. We weren't sure what we wanted to do, so Devon's co-worker suggested we go checkout Evergreen, Co. It's just a 30 minute drive out of the city into the Rockies. After looking it up online, it looked like the perfect day trip.

We started out at Lake Evergreen. It was gorgeous!

Since they had infant life vests we decided we would all take a paddle boat out. West looked so cute in his little life vest!


But he did not like the lake as much as we did...
So I made him a little cover and he seemed to enjoy the ride a lot more!
When we were done on the lake we found a little cafe and stopped in for a sandwich. West used a high chair for the first time.
He also had hat hair for the first time...
Once we were all recharged we decided to take a hike to Maxwell Falls.





We had a great time, but were a little disappointed when we reached our destination.
I wish there had actually been a falls to go along with the sign!

Denver Adventure Week 8

This week we went to the Denver Zoo! We had a good time, despite the heat. West didn't care much for the animal (he just finally started noticing our cat at home), but he loves to be out! Any place where there's a lot to look at he loves.

West napping in preparation for all the excitement to come

Lazy gorilla

West, doing what he does best, looking cute! I can't get enough of him in that hat!!

Tigers playing

Funny looking bird

The Lion

All of us, as we were headed out.

(Guess I really didn't need to caption, the pictures are pretty self-explanatory)

Later that night we went to a BBQ. It was for any past, present and future BYU MBA that was in Colorado. We had a great time. One of the girls who is starting the program this year offered her parent's house. It was right across the street from the temple. Last year I wasn't too active in the spouse's association, being pregnant and working, but this year I plan to kick my activity into high gear, so it was good getting to know some of the wives a little better. Devon had a good time swapping war stories with the guys.

After this week, we only have four left, CRAZY. I can't believe it's almost time to go home. I'm going to be sad to leave, but I am SO ready to get back to my house with my bed, my couch and my washer and dryer!

Denver Adventure Week 7

There are two BYU interns at Western Union this summer, Devon and Dominic. Dominic's family was out of town, so Devon invited him over for dessert Friday night. We had a good time getting to know him better. He was even nice enough to bring the dessert. It reminded me of the time we invited some neighbors over for dinner and they insisted on bringing the turkey.

Saturday, Western Union had their annual summer picnic at Elitch Gardens, the local amusement park.

It was kind of a rough day. This was our first amusement park with West and we both had different expectation on how it would go. We thought there would be more we could ride on as a family, but there were only two rides we could all go on:

The Tower, which did have some beautiful views of the city...

And the Carousel...

West loved the Carousel, so it made me really excited to take him to Disneyland.

I spent the rest of the day riding a few rides while Devon stayed with the baby (his choice, not mine). While I was standing in line for my last ride of the day, it closed due to lightening. I wanted to leave, but Devon wanted to stay, because if the rides are shut down for more than 90 minutes, you get a return voucher. While we were waiting to see if the lightening would linger, we ran into Devon's boss and her family.

Her son shared his newly won Smurf with West...

Fortunately, the rides stayed closed for at least 90 minutes, so we received vouchers to come back any time this summer!

The day may not have gone as planned, but at least get to try again another day (hopefully when grandma's in town!)

Denver Adventure Week 6

We were able to celebrate the 4th of July here in Denver. This is one of our favorite holidays. I love that we already have a lot of established traditions. Devon loves (and so do I), that this is one of the only holidays that still retains in original meaning. It's not defiled by commercialism, as are many other holidays.

We decided to kick off our 3-day weekend by touring the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs. We started our tour in the visitor center...

We then, took a little hike to go see the Chapel. I had no idea that campus was on such a big, beautiful piece of land!

The Chapel blew me away, it was gorgeous! There was a wedding going on, so we weren't able to go inside, but there was still plenty to see...

Monday morning, we started out bright and early by going to breakfast at a little restaurant named the Egg & I. Unfortunately I forgot the camera at home, so no pictures. After breakfast we went home and grabbed the camera and then went bowling. I think West had a good time...

After reading a speech by Samuel Adams and the Declaration of Independence, we headed to a near by park to stake out our spot for fireworks.

West was mesmerized by the fireworks...

Well, for a little while...
It was a great day! We are very grateful for this wonderful country we live in!!!

Donald Duck Orange Juice

My mom didn't have much patience for illness when we were growing up. My dad, on the other hand, LOVED taking care of sick kids. So, needless to say, whenever we got sick we went straight to dad. He would immediately run out and buy everything we needed to get better; chicken soup, Dimetapp, Popsicles and of course Donald Duck orange juice. He never bought just regular orange juice, cause that doesn't have the special healing powers that the Donald Duck variety had! This became somewhat of a tradition in my home. No matter how old I got DD OJ always made me feel better. Then, the travesty of all travesties occurred....THEY STOPPED SELLING IT! I've been searching and searching for years, but no luck. Just last night I was searching through the weekly grocery ads; lo and behold on page two of the Albersons' ad, there it was, DONALD DUCK ORANGE JUICE. When I saw this, my first thought was to call and tell my dad the good news. Unfortunately that's something I can no longer do. That realization made me cry. I then started thinking about West and how much my dad would absolutely adore him and how much he's missing out on. That made me cry even more. But, I remembered that just because I can't see him doesn't mean he's not around. I don't know how it works in heaven and I don't know how much 'free time' you have, but I'm sure my dad's not missing much. And even though these little moments make me cry, I'm so grateful for them, they show what a big part of my life my dad was and make me feel so close to him. So, as soon as West is up from his afternoon nap, we're headed to Albertsons, because no matter how old I get there are two things that will always be true; sometimes I still need my daddy and Donald Duck orange juice always make me feel better!

Denver Adventure Week 5

A girl at church told me about this candy company that offered free tours. So, we decided to head down and check it out.

This is all we got to see...

Needless to say the tour was a little disappointing, but at least we got some cute pictures out of it!

VERY late Saturday night my mom came in for a visit. She was only supposed to be coming out once this summer, at the end of July, but she missed her grandbaby too much and decided to come visit us in June, as well. We had a great time, going on walks, looking at model homes, shopping, eating out, taking West to the park and shopping some more!

She even watched West Friday night, so Devon and I could go on our first real date, since he was born. It was so nice to get out and spend some alone time with my husband!

It's always fun when my mom comes to visit, I even think Devon likes it ;) Except this time he was little bitter that she didn't make him enchiladas. West especially loves it, cause he gets spoiled rotten! The joys of being the first grandbaby!