Rolling Video Games Denver: The Ultimate Surprise Party for Bode!

July 7, 2014 By

My soon-to-be 8-year-old son Bode’s friends have varied interests. Some are soccer and track stars, others like math, reading, basketball, riding their bikes and swimming. But the one thing that binds every single one of them together is they love video games.

When Bode announced he wanted to have a video game birthday party, I balked. We tried to pull off that theme a few year years ago with our Wii and various DS gaming consoles but it was so anti-social as each child retreated into their little gaming space. Video games are fun, but the caveat for throwing a similar party was it had to be a bonding, social experience.

I also wanted it to be a surprise. A few years ago, I threw Jamie a surprise bash for his 40th birthday and Bode thought it was the coolest thing ever.

So I let Bode think he was planning the party for the following day and surprised him with Rolling Video Games Denver (RVG) parked in front of our house.

I first connected with Mike Worley’s company on Twitter several months ago and thought the concept was brilliant. A 32 -foot mobile video game theater chock full of your favorite video games that comes to you? Sign me up! (Or rather, my son).

Mike, a father of two, left Janus Capital two years ago to start RVG. Though he doesn’t consider his family “gamers,” he loves the idea of providing parents with a fun, easy and memorable party for their kids. His gaming trailer is now used for all kinds of events–everything from tailgate parties, private tournaments, employee appreciation, church events and farmer’s markets. When you book a party as a result of seeing them at your kid’s school, they donate money back to that school’s PTA/PTO.

“This weekend, I have two birthday parties: the first is for a 21-year-old and the other is a man celebrating his 40th birthday,” says Mike. But his most popular demographic? Boys ages 8-14.

Ever since we threw my husband Jamie a surprise party a few years ago, Bode has been begging to have one so I figured this was a perfect opportunity. His 14 friends gathered in the RVG trailer and when Bode arrived after lunch with his dad, he was bombarded with ecstatic boys yelling “SURPRISE!” Dumbfounded, Bode responded, “I had no idea!!!”surprise1

I think his sheer joy will only be comparable to his wedding day and maybe the birth of his firstborn child. So long as its name is Steve.

If you love Minecraft, you’ll totally get the reference.

The trailer has four 46” HDTVs with two more outside (allowing a total of 24 gamers) and offers more than just Xbox, PlayStation and Wii gaming consoles. They also have DirecTV satellite and can customize their party package so the kids can play video games inside the trailer, while the adults can kick back and watch the Broncos game on HDTVs mounted outside the trailer.

The best news of all? The kids wanted nothing to do with me so I wandered around dazed, confused and downright grateful. It was my best and easiest party, ever.rollingvideogamesThat is until our two hours were up, it started raining and instead of holding the rest of the festivities in our backyard, I had 14 squirrely 8-year-olds racing through my house.

Next time, I think booking the three-hour package with Rolling Video Games Denver is in order.

Filed Under: birthday, Bode

Maleficent, the torrential downpour and a birthday party to remember

June 4, 2014 By

When we were at Disneyland at the Disney Social Media Moms Conference last month, we were treated to an extended preview of “Maleficent,” the untold story of Disney’s most iconic villain from the 1959 classic “Sleeping Beauty.” To top it off, we sang happy 16th birthday to Elle Fanning who played Aurora a.k.a. Sleeping Beauty in the film and Maleficent crashed the party. Hadley knew then-and-there she wanted to see the movie on opening day for her birthday.

We arrived early to setup the popcorn and drinks and I think it was the first time I’ve ever been in an empty theater.

Girls behaving nicely

Girls behaving not-so nicely

Too bad it didn’t stay empty but it was, after all, opening day.

I just called all those uninvited guests party crashers.

Every single one of us LOVED the movie and it went in such a different direction than I imagined (no spoilers here–go see it!) Even Bode and his friend Nolan gave it a 9 out of 10. “It would have gotten a 10 if didn’t have those kissing scenes.”

We drove back to our house for cake, ice cream and presents. Hadley requested pineapple upside-down cake and after blowing out the candles, she got quite the reaction when she ended up with one boyfriend.

Apparently she was paying attention to those kissing scenes a little too closely.

After presents, the kiddos played in the backyard until parents started arriving. When the pick-up time came and went, only a few kids remained and that is when it started downpouring. Being the responsible mom I am, I ushered everyone inside I encouraged them to go for it and that they did. Singing, dancing, splashing, rolling, lying down in the gutters full of water.

They. Had. A Blast! And for those poor parents who arrived late? That’s what happens when this mama is in charge!

Everyone thought seeing “Maleficent” for Hadley’s 10th birthday was fun. Turns out the after party in the torrential downpour was even better.

Filed Under: birthday, Hadley, Humor

A birthday to remember at The Broadmoor

May 29, 2014 By

If you have done something two years in a row, does that make it a tradition? If so, I’d like to officially declare staying at The Broadmoor our annual Memorial Day/Hadley birthday tradition!

We can all dream, right?

Sure, the weather didn’t cooperate but we still had a fabulous time at this iconic AAA Five-Diamond Resort in Colorado Springs. I mean, how could you not? The gourmet food is divine at The Broadmoor’s elegant restaurants. When we dined at La Taverne on our first day, they brought Hadley a birthday treat.

“But it’s not even my birthday yet,” she weakly protested.
“Yes, but it is your birthday weekend!” our waitress responded.


She never looked back.

Whoopie Pie celebration while bowling at PLAY

“Mom, my goal is to get to Round 10 of the brunch because I’m 10 years old today.”
“You’ll be sick.”
“I know.”

Birthday brunch

Side note: she made it.

Dissection of a birthday girl: cute green dress from Aunt Lisa, cowboy boots for horse camp from Mom, volleyball from Dad, new purse and wallet from the family and some classic books from Aunt Sue.

And nothing says brotherly love like Bode who constructed a birthday “H” for Hadley on Minecraft.

The weekend was non-stop fun. There was Cheyenne Mountain Zoo and hiking Cheyenne Canyon. Then, we were the very first group to participate in The Broadmoor’s new summertime activity, Laser Tag, on the croquet lawn. Uncle Chris joined us for our vacation and the man will become legend in Broadmoor Laser Tag circles because, as one admiring tween stated, “That guy has to be a professional hunter.” Translation: he “killed” us all every time.

I was unsure how laser tag would work outdoors but we were outfitted with paint-balls guns that had CO2 canisters or battery-operated guns for the littles.

Laser tag with Uncle Chris


Is it just me or does Hadley look a little bit too comfortable with that gun?

Everyone had a blast except Jamie who had to leave early when an old pumpkin injury started bleeding.

I wish I was joking.

The pool was, as always, glorious!

Hadley playing the “you have to go down the slide because it’s my birthday” card with Uncle Chris

The highlight of our lives (not really exaggerating) is a poolside cabana but remember that uncooperative weather?  We weren’t able to spend very much time at the pool but still toughed it out.

If you can call anything at The Broadmoor “tough.”

We drowned our inclement-weather sorrows in a lot of food by trying their new Italian Ristorante and Bar Del Lago. With delicious family-style portions, we started with a selection of antipasti and finally stopped two hours later with Bombolini (fried pastries) and Cannoli.
Jamie is not smiling because this was taken near the end of the meal and he was literally too full to try.

Of course, we always pose for family pictures by Cheyenne Lake.


Roast s’mores.

Order room service for breakfast.

And relish every single moment at The Broadmoor as if it is our last.

Room with a view

Happy birthday, Hadley!

Filed Under: birthday, Bode, Colorado, Family travel, Foodie, Hadley, Humor, travel Tagged With: , ,

Happy 10th Birthday Hadley

May 25, 2014 By

Dogsledding in Breckenridge

Hadley,

Age 9 was glorious with travels, friendships, family and adventures. Every year, you become more fun, confident and beautiful and though it’s agonizing to see you grow so quickly, I couldn’t be happier to watch you do it.

Since my birthday letter a year ago, you’ve Traveled (with a capital ‘T’): The AAA Five-Diamond Broadmoor in Colorado Springs, multiple ski trips including our mother-daughter getaway to Copper Mountain and Spring Break in Steamboat Springs. You had the thrill of a lifetime dog-sledding in Breckenridge and had a blast spending Christmas in Utah. Last summer you, Bode and I did a 3,000-mile trip that covered two countries and six states (Colorado, Montana, Washington, Oregon, Idaho and Utah) and we’re looking for a repeat performance in July because apparently we weren’t crazy enough the first time. We recently returned from Disneyland and Maui, which basically means we’re never ever going to be able to top this year for travels. Unless you become an airline stewardess. Or a vagabond.

Walking on water in Maui

You enjoyed fourth grade at your Waldorf charter school. Your teacher, Mrs. Price, loves experiential learning and the field trips are plentiful–hiking Garden of the Gods and your zoology unit at Cheyenne Mountain Zoo in Colorado Springs, camping at Spring Kite Farms and then again last week at Great Sand Dunes National Park

Summiting the highest dune

where you were the second person to climb the highest dune in North America and one of only a handful of kids to summit. You even beat me to the top and your teacher called you a “gazelle,” which made me wonder why you’re frequently last on our family hikes–probably because there aren’t any cute boys with whom you are competing. Though I beg to differ–Dad and Bode are pretty impressive.

In 2014/15, it will be your third year with the same group of students and it’s a good thing you like everyone (particularly London, Angel and Abbey) because it could feel like Groundhog day. I’m referring to the funny movie, not the rodent who allegedly sees his shadow because that would just be weird. You scored the role of Norse Mythology God Baldur’s wife Nanna in the school play and you did a fabulous job with your unceremonious death but my favorite part was when they hauled you away like a sack of potatoes.

You’re doing much better in school thanks to the generous help of Grandpa B., who helps with your tutor costs. Math might always be a struggle but it is slowly clicking for you. Spelling is another story.  We’re constantly drilling you on basic words and I’m sure you’ll be thrilled when you start embracing technology and are introduced to a beautiful thing call “spell check.” I, too, live for that day.

Dancing at Camp Chief Ouray

You fell in love with volleyball this year, which makes me extremely happy because it’s been fun to share one of my favorites sports. You love the water and were always the first to brazenly jump in during our trip to Maui–whether it was a freshwater cave, off a huge boulder into tidal pools or the ocean. You’re also a great runner. Without even training, you ran 5 miles for your school’s FunRun, which was the most miles of any girl in your grade. You lock yourself in your room for hours doing handwork or just creating masterpieces. You’re also turning into a master gardener like your dad and decided after a two-year battle that you actually like the violin while you only tolerate piano.

But perhaps what you’re most looking forward to is returning to YMCA of the Rockies’ Camp Chief Ouray in June. For six blissful days last summer, you were parent-free at Colorado’s longest-running overnight camp and have been dying to get back there to ride horses.  You’ve been begging us to buy you a horse (which ain’t gonna happen) and unfortunately you’re rather obsessed. Whenever we try to bribe you with something, if you don’t want to do it your universal response is, “if it’s not a horse, I’m not biting.”

Hanging with Elsa and Anna at Disneyland

Whatever happened to nice rewards like ice cream?

As a tween, you’re a wonderful balance of getting down and dirty while still getting all gussied up.  You love playing with your stuffed animals, silly games with your brother and the only music you’ve really gotten into is from Frozen (along with everyone else in North America). I truly didn’t mind listening to “Let It Go” on repeat but what really drove me over the edge was your insistent singing of “Do you wanna build a snowman?” which was a conflicting matter because I really DID want to build a snowman but I did not want to hear it for the gazillionth time.

It’s so fun to see you learning and growing every day. One morning, we snuggled up together in bed and laughed as we reread all my birthday letters to you…from your spirited toddler years to a spitfire preschooler to a headstrong kindergartener to an effervescent tween. Sensing a pattern here? You may be strong-minded but you know exactly what you want and how to get it. We’ve known that from the womb when Daddy promised you a car on your 16th birthday if you were born the next day and, lo-and-behold, you pulled it off.

Fifth grade is a biggie when you’ll really start maturing while being surrounded with more grown-up issues. You have a wonderful support system of a loving family, an awesome group of Activity Day girls from church and a solid moral compass of what is right and wrong.

One of my all-time favorite pictures of you was taken last summer in Lake Vernon, B.C. Uncle Pat’s family has this crazy tradition of jumping off the back of the boat into the  rooster tail where you’re sucked under the wake before being spit back out on the surface. I was certainly hesitant to try but following Aunt Jane’s example, you not only stepped off the boat but you launched in full-throttle.

When I looked at the picture later, it melted my heart. I was breathless as you brazenly hung midair. If you look closely, you’ll see a line of family members who already jumped into the water cheering you on. Never forget that you are so loved and supported by those who have gone before you and who will follow. Don’t forget you are a wonderful leader.

Love,
Mom

===

P.S. For a stroll down memory lane, read letters for your 9th birthday,  8th, 7th, 6th, 5th, 4th, 3rd, and 2nd.

Filed Under: birthday, Hadley, Humor

Our Happy Neck of the Woods–A 10-year Anniversary

April 15, 2014 By

I recently had an epiphany that I am truly in love with where we live. Not just Colorado because our state is undeniably awesome with world-class skiing, hiking and vistas. But our little corner of Denver’s suburbs.  Though I’m constantly vying to move to the mountains, I love our location in the city.

We’re five minutes to each of the kids’ high-ranked schools, are a 15-minute jaunt to some of my favorite hiking trails in the foothills, are extremely close to a network of bike paths and open space parks, have beloved friends in a family-friendly neighborhood, are in an awesome ward, have Jamie’s brother and sister a few minutes away and live right above a huge sports complex that is the pulse of our community where they shoot off the Independence Day fireworks.

When Jamie and I were first married, we heard about our neighborhood that was under development and were excited when we were approved to build a house. Today marks our 10-year anniversary in our home. I still remember the day we took possession of it.  Everything was squeaky-clean and untouched and I was really pregnant with Hadley. I had two thoughts: “We’ll never be able to fill all this space” (yeah, right) and “we will never be unhappy here.” One of these two is true.

A couple of weeks ago, I was reminded how much I love our area when Bode had his first soccer game on these fields near our house. It felt so great to cheer his team on to victory.soccerNot so great: the yelling soccer dad next to me.

A couple of hours later, the kids and I walked down our hill to the community Easter egg hunt.egghuntYes, Hadley is 9 years old. Don’t judge me (see the sign in the background).

On Saturday and Sunday, it was our church’s semi-annual General Conference, which always means lot of food and inspiration (President Uchtdorf’s talk Grateful in any Circumstance was my favorite). conferenceConference always means lots of forts and messes. And I’m (kind of) grateful for them.

We took a break in between sessions to watch the kite festival at our nearby fields. Our failures in kite-flying have been regularly documented (in Kites of Death and Let’s NOT Go Fly a Kite) but it was a really windy day. We spotted our neighbors and figured maybe-just-maybe this was our day to actually fly a kite!

kiteIt was glorious to finally soar.

I have been trying to be grateful for everything little thing and it has greatly helped my attitude and enthusiasm for life. Tired of the constant messes from the kids? Someday they’ll sadly be gone and so will those messes. Sore from boot camp? Be grateful you have a strong, healthy body. Overwhelmed with work? I’m so glad I have work opportunities.  I even find myself being grateful we can buy the bulk bins of laundry detergent at Costco because there was a time after college I was scraping by to even do that.

It is easy to be grateful for things when life seems to be going our way. But what then of those times when what we wish for seems to be far out of reach?

Could I suggest that we see gratitude as a disposition, a way of life that stands independent of our current situation? In other words, I’m suggesting that instead of being thankful for things, we focus on being thankful in our circumstances—whatever they may be. -President Uchtdorf “Grateful in Any Circumstances“

 

Filed Under: birthday, Family, Favorite Posts, LDS

Happy belated birthday to me!!!

February 24, 2014 By

My namesake book, as discovered at the thrift store

I’ve had some birthdays that are downright amazing and others that were only so-so.

But there was none worse than my fete five years ago and the little outbreak that occurred.

Head over to Mile High Mamas for a stroll down memory lane.

Hint: LICE.

Filed Under: birthday, Humor

Happy 7th birthday to my little buddy!

July 18, 2013 By

Dear Bode,

Despite my best efforts and house rule of “No Growing Up” you’re doing just that. Age six was my favorite year yet that was full of bitter-sweet moments. You are starting to growing wings, which means those bus-stop kisses and snuggle attacks are more fleeting but I’m so proud of the boy you are.

You’re a generous, conversely serious, sober child with a quirky little sense of humor.  You live in a world of black-and-white, good vs. wrong, were pre-wired to do what is right and already have a close relationship with your Heavenly Father. I have one of your class assignments pinned to my office bulletin board where you detailed your “needs” vs. “wants” in your economics class. Under “My Needs” you put “clothes, family, air, teachers, house, friends and Heavenly Father.” For wants, you listed “video games, homework (?!!) and candy.” I’d be worried about the latter point if you hadn’t come back from the dentist with yet another cavity-free visit.

Big Time Jump 7th Birthday Party! Back: Noah, Nolan, Seamus, Rowan, Brody, Nickey, Hadley, Vinny. Front: Sean, Bode, Carson

You find the good in people and love to leave little notes for everyone in the family. “Mom, I like you. Love, Bode.” I found this note after I’d been traveling: “To Hadley, You have been good this weakend. Love, Bode.” Your father jokes you like to make rules about rules and he’s correct. Well, with exception of keeping your room clean. Which is a rule so you should follow it. #CuteSlob

You loved first grade and your teacher Mrs. Dorough. You are beloved by all your classmates and since preschool, your teachers have told us you are a great leader who guides by example. You and your new friend Brody were inseparable and I’m constantly amazed at your ability to find instant friends no matter what situation you are placed in.

This year, Hadley started piano and we were not going to enroll you until Fall 2013 because we figured you were too young. We were wrong. Not only did you start teaching yourself to play but you also started sight-reading her music. We enrolled you in January and you have not shut up since. I mean that in a good way but you are moderately obsessed with piano and you are constantly composing new songs or transposing Itsy Bitsy Spider in 100 different keys. I’m not complaining because there are worse obsessions. You know, like growing over-sized orange fruit.

Solo flight to Utah

In terms of your activities, you finished off your third year with your soccer team and their name “Angry Piggies” was a personal favorite. You’re becoming a great skier and tackled your first blue (intermediate) run. You continue to enjoy biking, your new WiiU, building ships and buildings with your LEGOs and blocks, playing with stuffed animals (Tabby is still your favorite), your interactive globe and the ocean.

In fact, you blew away your Aunt Lisa, Dad and me at dinner at The Broadmoor when you gave your sister an informative lecture about the layers of the ocean, starting with the disphotic (twilight) zone. “Where did you learn all this?” we asked. “I read about it,” like it was the most obvious answer in the world for illiterate folk like us.

Space is another passion and Dad bought tickets to go to your first planetarium this summer. On the night of the Super Moon, I couldn’t pull you away from the window and so I let you stay up as late as you wanted watching it. Later that night when I came to close your blinds, my heart strings lurched when I discovered your space book propped up to the ledge as you  compared the photographs of the first quarter, gibbous and full moons. I am raising a geek!

You love to travel and your especial favorites this year were Disney World (where you were on TV for the second time this year!), The Broadmoor, Park City Mountain Resort, and of course, your solo flight to see Grandma Johnson in Utah. Hawaii is now the top of your bucket list (you and me both, kid) and as I write this, you are in Canada celebrating your birthday on a beautiful lake in British Columbia.

You have it good and you are so deserving of all the goodness in the world.

Much love,

Mommy

=====

For a stroll down memory lane, birthday letters 1, 2, 3,  4,  5 and 6 (though the pictures no longer show due to switching blog platforms).

Mother-son trip to YMCA of the Rockies

 

Learning to fly. -YMCA of the Rockies

Piano Boy

 

Playground

Ziplining at Copper Mountain

Getting interviewed at Disney World’s New Fantasyland

Stealing the show on 9News’ fashion show

Bode and Hadley’s 2012 pumpkin

Literal Lap of Luxury at The Broadmoor

Filed Under: birthday, Bode, Humor

Happy 9th Birthday to My Hurricane!

May 25, 2013 By

Dearest Hadley,

I can’t believe you’re nine years old today! Your birth story was forever immortalized in the Denver Post for Mother’s Day and why shouldn’t it be? You made one memorable entrance into this world and continue to leave your mark on it.

Eight was kind to you. Not only did you get baptized last summer surrounded by the people you love but you started a new charter school that you enjoy. Your bestie is Grace and two boys have had crushes on you–Ethan and Ryan (this is happening already?!)

Between a three-day camping trip to Mesa Verde, your recent one to a farm or going with your class to find worms in the creek last Wednesday, the more experiential the better in your world. You were nowhere to be found when I came to retrieve you at school last week and discovered you lost in the greenhouse tending to the plants in a state of bemused joy. This is becoming one of your passions and you have started your own soiling projects. You’re constantly barking orders at me to tend your plants while you’re in school–Water Them! Take Them Indoors! Put them under the grow lights after 2 hours!

It’s like living with your father. #HeavenHelpMe

I fret more than I should about you finding your place. While your friends’ lives are full of sports and dance, you show no interest in these traditional pursuits and prefer your schedule to remain as unfettered as possible. Your gauge of a good day is having time to create or imaginative play.  You love anything artistic and spend hours in your crafting area Grandma Johnson helped create for your eight birthday. You enjoy knitting at school, art and will learn how to sew this summer. You continue to enjoy individual sports like swimming, hiking, skiing (moguls already!) and tennis and I’m fine with that; in fact, I kinda cringe being dragged to team practices and games so I need to remember you are choosing a different path and passions.

Mud Pits, Fish Creek Provincial Park, Canada

Last fall, you made your television debut on a 9News back-to-school fashion show. You started to get sick the night prior and I stressed about finding a replacement for you but you assured me you were fine. The next morning, I went to the studio early so your dad took you and your brother. Upon arriving at the 9News parking lot you got out of the car, threw up and made a pledge with your dad not to tell me about it until after the segment (where you performed like a pro). That, my dear, is what I call leaving a mark on show business (a very large one).

You recently asked me about the truth of Santa and took the news in stride. It makes me kind of sad you’re growing up. Nine years old is half-way to adulthood and there is so much more than I want to do with you and show you. Because you’re such an independent soul, I know that once you’re given wings, you will fly far from here. You are doing your first week-long overnight camp at YMCA of the Rockies this summer and when I was lamenting that you might get homesick, you consoled me, “Don’t worry, Mom. I’ll forget about you.” Some consolation!

For my birthday, we took a mother-daughter trip to Copper Mountain. We had the most delicious berry waffles for breakfast, snowshoed around Lake Dillon and almost lost our breakfast on Frisco Adventure Park’s crazy-steep tubing hill. We also skied together and you impressed me by brazenly tackling the moguls. I love that you are not only adventurous but have a deep curiosity and appreciation to connect with nature. Just not too close. Remember when you lost your balance and slid slowly backwards into a tree in front of the Ski Patrol? Oh, and I won’t mention when we were racing down the mountain a few minutes later and you almost ran into that Emergency Phone. But, let’s face it, if you’re gonna crash, those are the safest ways to do it.

Snowshoeing in Frisco

You are wrapping up your first year of piano and violin. While I wouldn’t say you have any particular passion for them (remember faking your Christmas violin performance?), you are playing well. This year, you and your brother will each be growing your own pumpkin and you know far more than any kid should about organic gardening but you enjoy it. You were proud to have your dad come speak to your class about growing giant pumpkins but let’s both breathe a little sigh of relief he didn’t wear his crazy pumpkin hat.

I’ve never heard you utter “I’m bored” and your biggest complaint is you don’t have enough time to play wherever or whatever you’re doing. You are passionate about travel and I can always count on you to help plot our next trip. You are thrilled to be going to The Broadmoor for your ninth birthday and who wouldn’t be with horseback riding, swimming, bowling, 5-star dining and paddleboat races, not to mention some of the most luxurious accommodations in the whole world?  If your future husband is reading this, I apologize now for setting the bar very, very high. I should know, Hadley. Your father has become rather unbearable with his opulent demands. :-)


Fat Kitty remains your favorite thing in the world and I often vacillate about what occupation you’ll chose someday. Sometimes I’m sure you’ll work with animals, other days in the arts or, knowing you, you will surprise us and choose something unexpected. Whatever it is, I hope it fills you with the same joy I’ve had of learning to balance motherhood, travel and writing.

You are so different than me and I learn from you every single day. Sometimes it’s not easy being your mom and I’m sure you often think it’s not easy having me as your mom. You internalize so much that I hope, as you wage the battle of your adolescence, you realize it’s OK to put yourself out there. You have a few really good friends but are not inclined to follow the crowd if it’s not to your liking. You are strong, beautiful, a spiritual wonder and will leave a mark on this world.

Let’s just hope it’s not on anymore trees or on the 9News parking lot.

I love you,
“Moms”
=====
P.S. For a stroll down memory lane, read letters for your 8th birthday, 7th, 6th, 5th, 4th, 3rd, and 2nd.

Filed Under: birthday, Hadley

A sickly, fabulous birthday in the mountains

March 7, 2013 By

A couple of weeks ago, I turned really old. At least that’s how I felt when I woke up at Copper Mountain, sicker than a dog (I had previously felt just as sick as a canine but three days on the mountain had left me worse off than when I began).

But really, it was tough to feel sorry for myself because it was the final day of my mother-daughter getaway with Hadley, we were at Copper Mountain and this was what it looked like from my bed. I called it my “sick view.” Pun intended.

Despite how I felt, there was no way I was wasting my birthday so dragged myself out of bed, had a leisurely bath and we headed downstairs from our condo to Belgian Bean Waffles & Coffee. I was disappointed there wasn’t a bigger selection of waffles and toppings beyond strawberries, mixed berries, caramel, chocolate and whipped cream. But that stopped the moment we sunk our teeth into our unbelievably delicious Belgian-style waffle with mixed berries and whipped cream. We then ordered a magic cookie bar (my favorite) for dessert.

Don’t judge. It was my birthday.

Snowshoeing

We went back to our condo where we packed up our gear and checked out. We had originally intended to stay at Copper Mountain for one of their Free Ambassador Snowshoe Tours (which they offer two times a day) but the more moderate, family-friendly tour wasn’t until after lunch. I did some research of the area and decided we should go snowshoeing at the Frisco Nordic Center, just 10 minutes down the road from Copper Mountain.

I’m a longtime fan of Frisco and am moderately obsessed with having a cabin in the Frisco/Breckenridge area someday (OK, really obsessed). We have spent a lot of time biking the more than 80-mile network of paved, non-motorized paths that originate in Frisco and wind through Breckenridge, Dillon, Keystone, Copper Mountain and Vail.

Set on a peninsula overlooking Lake Dillon, The Frisco Nordic Center is one of the most scenic areas along the route and that’s why I’d recommend forking over the wintertime trail fees: $20 for adults, youth ages 7-17 are $15.

Snowshoeing at the Frisco Nordic Center

I bought the kids snowshoes on clearance at REI last year but this was Hadley’s first time using them. The 1,800-acre playground overlooking Lake Dillon’s glistening white panorama was the perfect place to break them in. Another advantage of “paying to play” were the 15 km of well-marked snowshoe trails. I’m not a fan of getting lost in the mountains, which is really easy to do with snow covering the trail. We had markers at every turn, which made our 1.5-hour loop that skirted the edge of the reservoir that much more fun and stress-free.

Frisco Adventure Park

By the end of our outing, we were happy, exhausted and ready for more so we walked across the street to the Frisco Adventure Park, which offers a tubing hill, beginner ski and ride hill and dinner sleigh rides. It was Wednesday and I expected the place to be a ghost town. I was wrong. We joined legions of other snow enthusiasts to watch a short safety video, grab our tubes, head up the magic carpet and then careen down the lengthy, FAST 1,200-foot tubing lanes.We had a blast together but I almost lost my breakfast as we caught air on each of the bumps.

Getting older has its benefits but a weak stomach isn’t one of them.

Filed Under: birthday, Family travel, Hadley, outdoors

Party, party, party and The Face Plant

July 25, 2012 By

Bode has it pretty darn good when it comes to birthdays. We’ve been in Canada the last couple of summers so he usually gets a fete with friends before we leave. As previously mentioned, this year it was a Super Mario/Beach Party.

Party #1: The Super Mario/Beach Party


 Party #2: The Pretend Birthday

We wanted to celebrate Bode’s birthday in Canada before my brother and his family took off for their two-week lake vacation.

And truth be told, we really wanted Jane’s famous beef tenderloin.

So, we planned a little celebration on our back deck that included fabulous food.

The Cool Kids Table

 And fun with Grandma’s treasure hunt with lots of clues and goodies.

Scavenger Hunt Haul

And a Stampede ice cream birthday cake. After all, when in Rome.

Or rather, that would be cowtown…..

Party #3: The Real Birthday.

The boy had VERY specific instructions about how he wanted to spend his birthday, starting with breakfast in bed with pancakes and a fresh fruit salad.

Though it was already 9 a.m., his moody sister wasn’t yet awake (thanks to their gloriously dark and cool basement) and didn’t appreciate the interruption. I enthusiastically asked Bode about something he’d be able to do now that he is 6 that he couldn’t do when he was 5.

Hadley interjected. “Now that he’s 6, he has to pay for Stampede.”

Trust Grumpy Head to remind us of the 5 and under free policies that no longer apply.

At Bode’s request, we went for an epically long golf cart ride in the gully.

And went to Peter’s Drive-in for their famous milkshakes.

That evening we gave him the choice of going to the Telus Spark, Calgary’s new Science Center or to a gorgeous picnic area Dad and I stumbled upon during a bike ride. Much to my delight, he chose the latter so we had a fantastic picnic at Shannon Terrace in Fish Creek Provincial Park, one of the largest urban parks in Canada.

There is an adjacent Environmental Learning Center (that I’m bitter our school never attended) and a network of paths perfect for little people and dogs to explore.


And glorious Fish Creek is always great for water play.

Unless you’re a water-adverse dog and get dragged through it.

Dad stoked up a stellar fire to cook smokies, which is a little cut of heaven when you live in Denver where there seems to be an eternal fire ban.

My friend Stacey joined us for the festivities as well. I recently realized I’m always the photographer and forget to take pictures of myself so here’s a token shot.

Now, for the moment that had us laughing. There was a gopher-filled meadow that kept the kids entertains for HOURS. When they weren’t chasing gophers with the dogs, they were “fishing” for gophers using gummy worms as bait on the dog leashes.

Suddenly, I saw crying Bode racing toward me with blood gushing down his face. He was so hysterical I couldn’t get the story out of him for a while. Had a gopher fought back?

The story is much better than that. Part of their strategy for catching the gophers was to pick some grass and place it on top of their holes. Sobbing, Bode relayed the story.

“And den, I was pulling up the grass but it was too hard.”
“Too hard?”
“Yes, too hard, I was pulling on the grass and it wouldn’t come out. And I fell over.”

Then I realized what happened: While trying to pull the grass that wouldn’t budge, he had fallen forward and face-planted in Said Grass.

Dad confirmed it all.

“I was watching him. He just just kind of tipped over.”

Better luck for Birthday No. 7. Minus killer grass mounds and gophers.

© Crazy Bloggin’ Canuck–A Denver Mom’s Blog
Filed Under: birthday, Bode, Canada, Humor
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