Another Saturday Post

We were up to our usual antics this Saturday, running around town, getting some good eats, and playing with the kids. I happened to have my camera with me, so the day was well documented.

This is quite possibly my favorite photo of the day. Anna's undies sticking out is still killing me.

After our usual Benny's fair, we returned/exchanged a couple of things at Cherry Creek Mall and stopped at their breakfast themed play area. Anna ran around gobbling up the food and Isaac ran around shoving kids and bullying babies. I did my best to keep up while leaving a trail of apologies behind me.

Next up was our favorite ice-cream shop, Bonnie Braes. It was a beautiful day, in the 60's, so ice-cream was perfect. Anna insisted on Vanilla. Because we couldn't get that flavor just anywhere, you know. I branched out a little further and tried the Lemon Custard. Yum. I love that the have itty bitty cones, just perfect for the Buds.

Finally, we stopped by Bass Pro Shops so Jeff could try on waders and dream about future fishing expeditions. They had a bunch of exhibits set up for the kids. We made t-shirts, practiced casting, and tested all the toys.

VAIL VALLEY

Jeff was finally able to take a day snowboarding. It was sadly his one and only time riding the mountains this season. He headed up to Vail with some work friends and had an amazing time.

One of the best things was riding multiple lifts to the summit of the resort. It's there they have grills, tables, and an incredible view for those who want to pack in lunch. The guys did just that and had a brat roast on top of the mountains.

Jeff returned home a little sore and little sunburned, but oh-so-satisfied. I don't think there is much better than pushing yourself to the physical limit while doing something you love. And the hot shower after...the best.

According to Jeff this picture doesn't do the view justice.

Todd at the lodge.

Chad and Jeff.

At the summit.

David, Jacob, Chad, Steve, Phil, and Todd

5280 Date Night

It's no secret that I love food. So the 5280 Restaurant Week is right up my alley. Amazing restaurants all over the city offer tasting menus at $52.80 for a couple. After a couple of hours (not kidding) of scouring the possible options and menus we decided on sushi. We were not disappointed with our decision. After the first two course of pork dumplings and soup we were brought this monstrosity.



It's a boat. Full of fresh sushi. Heavenly.

I love you, March. Post-Edit

It's 55 degrees here today and we are doing our best to soak it up.

The kids and I headed out the front door to play on the patch of grass/rock pile/sidewalk that is our front yard. Blessed sun shone down and we took in all the vitamin D we could.

Isaac was grateful to wander to his heart's content while Anna and I drew hopscotch squares. We found a perfect little nest in the pine tree down the way. Both kids practiced throwing rocks at the fence.

It was an hour of perfection. And to be honest, I don't feel like I have to many of those moments in my day-to-day life.

It was nice.

Post-Edit: After reading this post again today, I feel like I need to clarify my tone. I don't want to come off as though my days are without happy and loving moments. It is just rare that we all are engaged at the same time, in the same place and without some sort of tears, bumps, whines or shoves. I am grateful and happy to be able to spend my days with such lovable kiddos.

Governor's Park and Benny's

(not Benny's)

We have spent the last three Saturdays at Benny's Mexican Cantina in downtown Denver. This is because of three reasons.

1. We don't have TV, but desperately want to watch the Olympics. Benny's has big screen TVs in nearly every corner.

2. Gotta get out of the house on Saturdays. It's my sanity, people.

3. Jeff is a little obsessed with their Huevoes con Chorizo. I love their salsa. Anna loves the $3.50 Saturday Pancake Special. Isaac likes the eggs on the Saturday Pancake Special that Anna won't eat. In other words: happy, cheap brunch for all.

Governor's Park is just down the street from Benny's and last week the weather was nice enough to play. The park sits right next to the Grant-Humphrey Mansion, a gorgeous historical building that housed a couple of famous Coloradan families.

Anna was really into gathering pine cones and hanging out under a pine tree with canopy-like branches and playing house. Isaac loved running up and down the hill, chasing dogs, and basically keeping us on our toes.

It was such a nice treat to spend time outside. (Today the park was covered in snow and full of sledders. )

Anna wasn't too happy I dragged her away from her "pine cone house."

Trying to keep up with Buds.

Valentine's Day 2010

We celebrated love day with a little treasure hunt around the house. Anna loved it. (In fact, there may be a reprise for her birthday in a couple of months.) At the end of the hunt the kids found capes and crowns made by yours truly. They are no masterpieces to be sure, but Anna and Isaac were pretty thrilled. Such great kids.

Riverfront Park or How Anna didn't want her picture taken.

We spent some time at a great little park downtown today. It was so fun that I wanted to capture the moment with some snapshots. Just a couple happy shots to document our day.

This is what Anna thought about that idea:

But after considering the bribe I was offering, she reconsidered her position and offered an oh-so-genuine smile for me.

After gazing at the river through the fence, Jeff happily obliged Isaac and took him down to the river. Anna? Not so happy about going down to the river.

Isaac was oblivious to the paparazzi, but Anna was mad I made her stop at the top of the slide for a shot.

What's that? A smile? Well, half a smile at least.

And finally, Isaac showing us his muscles. Such a tank, this boy.