Friends

Evan's been loving having my dear friend, Natalie in town. We've been giving her some space since she's here taking the bar exam, but everytime we pull up to the house he starts saying, "Nat!". We dragged her out to Red Rocks this weekend and made her do a stairs workout - just getting her ready for Colorado living! The other day, Evan was standing at the door calling out to Pete - and when he wasn't answering to "Dada, dada"...he started saying, "Pete! Pete!", it was hysterical. His new phrase is, "I'm nice" - which usually follows him whomping some kid in the head with a toy and me reprimanding him. We've been trying to beat the heat around here by getting out earlier in the morning and staying out in the mountains, but we are SO ready for a cool down. Evan went on his first "toddler hike" last week - he didn't hike very far before I had to carry him, but he does have pretty short legs. We even had a slumber party with friends while dad was in Vail this weekend, and Evan and Magnus got to sport their matching jammies!

Keeping Cool

What a great time we had playing at Splash waterpark last week! Evan took a spill and smacked his forehead, but didn't seemed deterred from the water for long. He is so smitten with Audrey, I can just see this continuing in the future...him chasing her around, and her trying to get away from him! Some of our favorite words lately are "bake-ee" (bacon), "BIKE", and how he suddenly went from saying "yeah" to "yesss". We've had a busy last few days playing with friends, swimming & hiking - and are looking forward to an afternoon of the same! Somewhere amidst the fun, we have been getting a ton done in our back yard - the crew finished yesterday, the hot tub is finally making its exodus this week, and new furniture is on the way. Still lots to do, but it's looking so beautiful - hopefully the deer will leave our new plantings alone...

Botanic Gardens

It's been a long time since we've been to Denver's Botanic Gardens, and they are really spectacular! We got there early to beat the heat, and the kids loved playing in the children's garden and watching the koi. There was a lot of "Get out of the bushes! Don't pick the flowers!" with the 1.5 yr. olds, but it's always so fun to watch them explore and really develop their relationships with each other. We spent the afternoon playing at the pool, we have the coolest neighbors here, and are really enjoying hanging out with them and all of the kids. We love this neighborhood, it's such a wonderful setting and lifestyle!

Tiny Town

I never realized this, but Tiny Town is actually a tiny town! Totally bizarre, but the kids think it's great since everything is their size. We had a wonderful morning with friends hiking & checking this crazy place out, Evan especially loved riding the train. This week we also had a fun day at the "beach" following a bike ride, and of course, lots more hiking! Our yard is now quickly turning into the oasis we'd like it to be, and we're looking forward to long summer nights enjoying the cool mountain air. Evan is chattering away, inunciating words and stringing them together better, and being a typical toddler boy. He is so full of energy, and wears me out daily - but he says and does the funniest things, it keeps me excited every day for more! He's now sort of a test model for a bunch of Kelty backpacks (a benefit of mom's "job"), and we're enjoying having yet another excuse to get out on those trails. He adores "ah-poo" (the pool), and we go over on most days for some wet play time. Some photos of the funny little town:

4th of July Fun

What a busy week for Evan! We kept him up really late for a party early in the week and he did great, and we all had a fun time on the 4th BBQ'ing with friends. Magnus, Audrey & Evan are already great buds, and it's so cute to see them all together. Our friends were gracious hosts, considering they don't have kids and they let ours play with the Rock Band "toys" and jump all over their furniture! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QLNesszSZcw