Caitlin just goes with the flow, but picks the most inopportune times to poop (usually during takeoff or landing). In any event, choosing a naptime flight was a great idea and Bill and I actually had some time to relax and read! We got to Colorado and headed straight to Boulder for a couple of days with Alli and Chad, which were great. Isaac especially loved playing with Uncle Chad's guitar and painting on his easel. Because Alli and Chad were gracious enough to lend us their car for the week, Isaac did not get to ride the rental car bus from the airport -- much to his dismay. So to make it up to him, we hopped on the city bus in Boulder and headed down to Pearl Street to walk around. He was appeased. Unfortunately we didn't take any good pics at Aunt Alli and Uncle Chad's house (we were generally awful about pics this trip -- the only ones we have are from my phone!).
This is the first big trip where Isaac didn't sleep in a pack-n-play, but we didn't bring his toddler air mattress because Grandma had a sleeping bag/air mattress for him. Well, since it didn't have the raised sides, we spent most of the first night picking Isaac up off the floor from wherever he rolled -- including all the way under the bed so only his feet were sticking out! Needless to say, the rest of the nights we blocked him in with pillows and whatever else we could find :)
Since we were on east coast time, our family was up earlier than our hosts, so we headed out early in the morning the first few days, to breakfast and to the local library. Let's just say the Boulder library is a LOT nicer than DC's. We even stuck around for story-time, which both kids loved. Here are some pics at the library -- Isaac and Caitlin walking around like they own the place and Alli helping Cate pick out a book.
Since we were on east coast time, our family was up earlier than our hosts, so we headed out early in the morning the first few days, to breakfast and to the local library. Let's just say the Boulder library is a LOT nicer than DC's. We even stuck around for story-time, which both kids loved. Here are some pics at the library -- Isaac and Caitlin walking around like they own the place and Alli helping Cate pick out a book.
Next stop was Uncle Evan and Aunt Adrienne's house (also in Boulder) where we had a great time making a feast, playing at the park with the dogs, making "milk-shakers", and banging on the piano keys to make great music.
Finally, we headed to Denver for the remainder of the trip so the kids could play with their cousins and Grandma, and we could prepare for the Thanksgiving feast. Aunt Jen's house is nirvana for kids with a gazillion toys, lots of soft carpet, and the ability to play out front without the fear of getting run over by a garbage truck. The kids had a great time together over the next few days eating together, playing at the park, having "sleep-overs" in each other's rooms, and getting spoiled by Grandma. We all had fun watching them too, and even got some cute pictures of all of them together. Since we had more time than usual in Denver (normally we head to Vail for Thanksgiving) we explored lots of kid activities and had a great time at the awesome Denver Kids Museum and at Monkey Business where the kids get to jump and play until they are exhausted.
I don't have any pictures of the actual Thanksgiving feast, but here are the kids all dressed up and ready to chow at Jen's sister-in-law's house. The food was amazing and the kids did great, even though we kept them up super-late.
Now, the most exciting part of the trip -- Isaac went skiing!! Bill, Evan and Adrienne took Isaac up to Loveland, got him all geared up, and hit the Green Slopes with him (and a very handy harness). They were prepared to get him all suited up and have to head back if he was scared, but he was a total trooper and did AWESOME! Because they had a harness, they could grab him for the chair lift and help guide him on the skis, which totally prevented a LOT of falls. Bill and Evan took turns skiing backwards in front of him, and by the end, he was totally doing it on his own. They were so proud of him and they all had a great day.
Overall, a hectic but wonderful trip. We also got in good QT with Aunt Kristin and the Kruse family, but unfortunately I have no pictures :(
Of course the kids were totally adjusted to Colorado time by the time we headed back east, which made for some rough mornings getting us all up and out the door, but it was worth it!
