Elf on the Shelf: Day 8

Shawn wanted to read books in Grandma's bed is morning like Carson does. Grandma's bed is always better, right??

And I'm posting this from my new iPad!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I'm only a little excited .........

Day 164: HALLOWEEN!

10.31.0212

In general I'd say Halloween is at the bottom of my list for favorite holidays. But somehow with these kiddos around it is making my fondness a little larger. 

I knew long ago I wanted Max to be dressed as Max from Where The Wild Things Are. When we decided to name Max while I was pregnant this book became something I would read to Carson to show him what his brother's name would be. The outfit is adorable and Carson said he wanted to be a Wild Thing with him.

But then we were at Costco a few weeks ago and he spotted a SWAT costume with all sorts of police toys to go in the vest. He was instantly sold. Granted, he didn't know what SWAT was, but definitely that it was a "cool police officer". I showed him SWAT later while watching The First 48. :)  I couldn't believe how many people stopped and commented on his costume throughout the day! It seemed so basic, but I guess it was kind of unique. I was also worried that we'd have a hard time seeing him in the dark wearing all black, but that white SWAT really stood out. 

Earlier in the day we tried to go out and play, first to the library (which was closed even though their site said open....) and then went to play at the mall. We passed by this big mirror and took the opportunity for a silly action shot. Max refused to wear his costume that morning and someone asked us if he was in stripes as the prisoner. LOL  No, he wasn't. 

I was so happy when Max kept the costume on to catch the last of the day's light for a quick photo or two. I die at how cute he looked!

Not going to cooperate for Mommy though...

We could not believe how well Max was keeping up while trick or treating all by himself. He would run right along with Carson and squeal and wait for Carl to scoop him up and take him along to the door. He walked for almost an hour while carrying a semi-full bucket without a single complaint. He seriously seems to just love to be part of the action, especially if it is outside. 

And again, we tried for a quick pic of all of us and Max wanted nothing to do with it. It seems to be a Halloween tradition at this point.

Carson's insane haul for a 4-year-old.

Day 121: Fight for love

9.18.2012

Kissy pile on Grandma!........ It's like a doggy pile, but with kisses. 

Addition on 9-26-12.....
Found this pic on another memory card. Max's go-to move when he doesn't get his way is to cover his mouth and cry. At first we felt really bad and thought something was wrong, but we eventually realized we were being played. Sometimes he covers his eyes, but it's usually like this with open hands over his mouth. This was a super-spontaneous tantrum at my feet, but still a good example nonetheless.

Day 90: Beaver Creek

8.18.2012

I'm behind 4 or 5 days of posting here! Yikes.

Since my birthday last week was on a Wednesday we planned on going for a drive and celebrating on Saturday. It seemed like forever since we went up and did a family thing instead of 4-wheeling. Over 2 years ago we got diverted through Beaver Creek when there was a wreck on the freeway, I think when coming home from Moab. Ever since I've wanted to go back because it looked gorgeous. I looked up the resort and found they had a ton of restaurants and even a children's museum going on for free. The summer months are quiet up at the resorts, but that's kind of nice. Seriously, Beaver Creek Resort DID NOT disappoint. It really felt like you walked into Little Switzerland. I could spend my life in there!

I wish I would have taken photos of the actual property and resort. I must have been too in awe. This was a quick one driving up the main road in.

We had lunch, aka the best pizza EVER that I'm still craving, and walked around for a long time.

Max at lunch was fascinated with stealing Carl's hat.

Showing his tongue

There is an adorable old German guy who walks around playing this horn. Carson was being super shy until he offered him a little green hat.

He let Carson blow in it with the mouth piece off and then told him to go look in the end. As you can imagine, when he looked the guy blew the horn and scared the crap out of Carson. haha

Then we headed up to the children's museum. I had no idea what to expect, but it was a real play room and awesome for free! I guess it's only open for the summer though.

And the new news??? Max is walking! But walking means he decides to let go, puts both hands straight up in the air and squeals. He loved this place and was letting everyone there know all about it!

I love Max at the bottom staring at Carson.

Momma's boys. :)

Then we left and headed back through Avon and Vail and then to Georgetown. We've been up the beginning of Guanella Pass many times, but it's always been closed for snow. Right now it is open so we took this MUCH more scenic way home. We got a little rain and had to put on jackets. Man it feels good to be on top of the world!!!

Day 54: Cheyenne Mountain Zoo...Take 2.

Carl has to work every 4th Saturday, but that means he has every 4th Friday off in return. We've been wanting to get back down to the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo ever since taking Carson two years ago, but I loathe going places like that on weekends. My mom and I also took the day off and we all went down. Man it was hot, but we had a lot of fun again!

The big draw at this zoo is still the giraffe exhibit. Getting that close to them and feeding them is an awesome experience. Unfortunately, I took Carson up to the bathroom right when we got there and Carl didn't know I wanted him to wait for me to take Max to the giraffes for the first time. As we were walking back I could hear him crying and realized I was missing it. I am still so bummed about it, but there's nothing I can do now. I really wanted that first experience caught on camera...... After I got there Max got over the initial shock and thought they were hilarious. He kept laughing at them, but also wouldn't take his eyes off of them.

I really love all their details.




The otters did these flips in front of the glass for about 10 minutes straight!

Carl went with Carson on the carousel the last time we were here so it was my turn. Honestly when it started I thought I was going to drop Max! It started off really fast and he started going up and down. Pair that with my incredible grace and I was a little nervous we were going to take a dive. Haha

O. M. G.  Who is this kid?

School's out for summer! [ Preschool ceremony, 2012 ]

Our big 4-year-old is officially done with preschool for the year. His school has been so incredible and he has learned SO much in four short months. I love that it is part of the school system, but hate that we now have three months of no school because of it! I'm terrified that he's going to totally tank after all the progress he's made since being there. To be honest, I have been dreading this time, which sounds horrible, but I'm so used to four quiet days for work now! But I woke up this morning happy to have his company and kind of excited to not be on a schedule. I mean, I work at home for a reason People! (aka, I like to have my coffee before my shower and not set an alarm EVER.)

All but four of the kids in his class are moving on to kindergarten and I don't think he really grasps that he won't see most of them anymore. He seems to be excited to stay home for awhile, but I'm sure that won't last very long. Carson, Lilai and Balan were the only 3 boys in the class, but Miss Alice promised that next year will be more balanced. Luckily these 3 loved each other and were a nice balance of calm and crazy. Guess who the crazy one was......

Also, you'll note all the nice clothes on the kids, except for Carson. I didn't get the memo that they should be dressed up and Carson doesn't have a single shirt that isn't a t-shirt or uber casual. I did put him in jeans! Oops.  Max was so funny during the ceremony. He kept squealing and clapping, just a little early or late and so he got a lot of attention. He is pretty dang cute if I do say so.