Trip to Breckenridge

We spent Memorial Day weekend up in the mountains, in the lovely little town of Breckenridge. The ski and snow season is over, and springtime activities abound. Though vacationing with small children doesn't always afford me the freedom to do what I'd like to do, at least we got out of the house for a few days. We wandered through town on the bike path, watched people fly fishing in the river, hiked the loop above Dillon Lake, ate at a restaurant every day (very important to Jacob!), and played at the local children's museum.  Despite the daily interruptions necessary for my little one (i.e. naptime) we had a wonderful time and would love to return.

 Fishing on the dock of the bay, wasting time...

 Jake found bear scat!

 Fireman Jake!

 A rhinoscerous and a deer

 I don't think Makenna liked it

Dr. Jacob, about to give the patient a shot

 the Little Miss

 Brian & Lisa--always the self portrait...guess that's how it goes when I'm the one who's always behind the camera.

The view overlooking Dillon Lake

Jake says, "I loved being a dragon!"

Preschool

Jake absolutely LOVED attending preschool this year. It was always the highlight of the week. "Mom, what day is it?"--always hoping the answer would be a school day. It really was an overall wonderful experience for him. He learned a ton academically, got to spend time with friends, and had many opportunities to grow and mature.

Jake with his classmates and teacher Miss Denice.  

The kids performed a couple of songs that they had learned for the parents on the last day of school.  This was one about a choo choo train (hence, the engineer hats).

Jake and Miss Denice.

One day when I picked him up from school, Jake ran out to the car and emphatically said to me, "Mom! I LOVE my teacher!"



Happy 1st Birthday Baby Girl!

Time flies when you're having fun! And fly right by this last year has. Makenna celebrated her first birthday, complete with cupcakes, homemade ice cream, presents and balloons. From her reactions, I'm guessing the balloons were the winner.

We chose a butterfly theme, complete with butterfly cupcakes. Aren't they cute?

Opening presents with big brother, who was all too willing to help with the arduous task.

I'm pretty sure this is Makenna's.

Jake picked out this ball especially for his little sister.

Time for cake...at least we hoped for a good show!

Even after Daddy tried to encourage Makenna to eat the cake, she really wanted nothing to do with it!

Balloon!!!!!

This little man had no problem eating his plate full of cake and ice cream.

These Boots are made for WALKING!

Not to be outdone by his little sister...

Jake had to demonstrate (on camera!) his version of how Makenna walks. Thank you, son, for that Academy Award winning performance.

The Little Miss

I feel a tiny bit of sadness as I've watched Makenna over the last month. The "baby" part of her is fading fast. I know it's part of life. Jake did the same thing, too, around his first birthday. The toddler stage emerges and babyhood fades. She's growing up.

 Loves to get into the kitchen cabinets...one more place to create major messes!

 Wheel barrow rides are lots of fun!

Time for trying foods that go beyond puree in a jar...like spaghetti 

and popsicles 

and yummy strawberries! 

Sassy little attitude 

Miss Independent. I couldn't resist how funny this shot was. Makenna was halfway undressed while the bath water was running and she got herself up on the stool, all set to brush her teeth. :)

The kid loves hats! Seeing her in this visor reminded me of my days working at a fast food joint. "Hello and welcome to McDonalds. May I take your order?" lol



Visit to the Aquarium

Jacob had been asking for forever to go see "the sharks and the whales." We told him he had to fill up his sticker chart (staying in his bed once he was down for the night--about a months worth of stickers) and then we would go. Denver is the closest aquarium, and although there was a definite lack of whales (not a single one!) we all had a good  time. We saw a wide variety of fish, sea otters, sharks, giant turtles, and even a couple of live mermaids! Though Jake asks to go back, I think we'll have to wait for the Brooklyn Aquarium when we go visit Grandma and Grandpa. He just might see a whale of some sort there (or maybe it was a dolphin? I don't remember.)

 Makenna watching the fish

 "Alright, Mom. Take the picture already."

 The Little Miss hanging out in the stroller

Posing with Mr. Shark