150

That’s the number of pictures I had to sort through from the weekend that Matt’s family was in Denver (not including the ones from Sophie’s Birthday!). What can I say? I like to document our memories together. And since they assume I’ll have my camera everywhere we go, they often choose not to bring their own in hopes that they can get copies of my pictures later. That makes me feel even more pressure to take pictures, and lots of them. I promise I won’t post all 150 pictures in this post. But there will be a lot – we were busy those few days they were here!

Most of our memory making happens with food. It’s always exciting to go out to eat together. Pasquini’s Pizza has quickly become a Denver favorite!

Bath time buddies. These two always have a great time together.

The Cherry Cricket – where you can have pretty much ANYTHING on your burger, even peanut butter!

We experienced the “scrumptiousness” of Scrumptious – a fabulous candy shop we discovered in Old Towne Arvada.

When we heard they had deep-fried pie we had to try it. It took us back to all the fairs we went to in Virginia. It was pretty good but they fried it a little too long, fried oreos would have been better.

I don’t understand why anyone wants to buy candy with bugs in it. yuck!

This was an old mail box system with candy in each compartment. I thought it was pretty clever. Thanks Candice for giving us a demonstration!

Before we left we had to say hello to the big animatronic buffalo. Lily was a little freaked out when it started moving and blinking its eyes.

Jaycee was indifferent – nothing phases that girl!

There was also a big red pig outside the candy shop. Lily was loving it!

The guys loved the video gaming time.

Lily and Jaycee got matching outfits from Grandma Nina for Christmas and now they can fit in them. Don’t they look adorable?!

Lily got to open some early birthday presents!

She loves all the presents she got from Grandma and Papa and her Uncle and Aunt.

Monday morning we ate at La Crème Café before they left to go to Matt’s office for a little dental work.

Visitors are the best! We can’t wait till you guys can come back for more fun!

animals

Lily and I got to go to the zoo with Becca and Ayla. Lily loves the animals more and more each time we go.

This bird was CRAZY. It kept pecking at all the kids. Lily liked it from a distance. But once he came close she started squealing and trying to get away as quick as she could.

11 months

11 months brought a lot of changes for our little one

• you started WALKING!!
• you took your first steps on January 21st. You were in the middle of the room, stood up, and took 3 or 4 steps
• We were so proud when you signed “more” for the first time on Jan. 29th. We’re excited to see what other signs you’ll pick up soon

• you had four new teeth cut in on the top. You were not a happy camper! And neither was your Mom (ouch!). We immediately started weaning you and it wasn’t a very hard transition at all. It only took one day for you to realize that drinking from a sippy cup was pretty cool.

• You LOVE to be outside. We discovered a little park a few blocks from our house that we like to go to. You favorite is swinging with Mommy. We can’t wait for longer, warmer days!
• your days are filled with lots of busy work. You’re work responsibilities include distributing toys throughout the house, emptying or filling any container you can find, following Mom everywhere she goes, and “jibber-jabbering” all day
• you’re a great sleeper. Most nights you sleep around 10 hours and have 2 naps during the day.

• you are really starting to enjoy books and will sit and read them by yourself.

The only way I could get you to hold still for your pictures was this pile of food that looks a whole lot like dog food. I promise it’s not. But if that would keep her still I just might resort to kibbles. only joking…sort of

Nature and Science Museum

We took advantage of the free day at the Denver Museum of Nature and Science. Jessica and I were a little worried since free days are usually CRAZY! But luckily a huge storm hit on the same day so it was perfect. We were the ones crazy enough to drive out in the snow storm.

There was a man walking around with this dinosaur costume on. Sophie loved it and wanted to get closer. Tessa on the other hand wanted NOTHING to do with it and cried whenever he turned toward us.

Lily loved being so close to all the animals.

I’M A MOOSE!!!

All the girls loved the Discovery Zone.

We got to meet an astronaut and Sophie decided to tell him it was her birthday (which it wasn’t) so everyone sang happy birthday to her. She thought it was so cool. Then another little boy thought she had the right idea and said it was his birthday. It was hilarious!

We spent over 3 hours at the museum and had so much fun.