A good-bye to summer (PLEASE?!!!)

August 25, 2011 By

I’ve been rather silent regarding Denver’s weather. There is a reason for that. I have renamed my city the Devil’s Summer Home.

Usually by late-August, the temperatures are cooling down and the nights are glorious. What we’ve endured as of late? Record-breaking 95+-degree weather.

Miserable doesn’t quite summarize me.

I have been surprisingly proficient during the day. I would wake up early, go biking or hiking, play outside with the kids and then stay holed up indoors in the afternoon or go to a water feature somewhere.

What has really been kicking my butt have been the evenings. When it’s this hot, the temperatures don’t cool down, rendering out ceiling fan (which usually cools the house) useless. Our air-conditioning unit is too small for our house so our upstairs is a sauna. In a perfect world, I’d leave our bedroom window open but alas, we live near a train track and the whistle keeps me up all night.

Oh, did I mention it’s allergy season and the field of weeds behind our house?

I’ve been waking up between 3:30-4:30 a.m. every morning and wander around like a zombie for the rest of the day.

On the final day before school started, it was 100 degrees so I announced to the kids we were going to our favorite secret watering hole off Ralston Creek. Here are the kids last year:



Here are the kids this year.As it turns out, it was the perfect reprieve with plenty of creek-wading, log-scaling and tree climbing with our besties Sean and Alex.

I’m counting this blog post as my official end to summer.

Now, if Denver’s weather could only figure that out as well.

© Crazy Bloggin’ Canuck–A Denver Mom’s Blog
Filed Under: Bode, Colorado, Hadley

The coolest kids adventure race on the planet: in pictures

August 16, 2011 By

On Saturday, Hadley competed in the KEEN Vail Kids Adventure Race. I was devastated to miss it due to my hospital stay but had a blast “training” her and our neighbors (who also competed). Over the last few weeks, we hiked, biked and zip-lined all over Denver.

But nothing could have prepared them for the adventure race, which was so much more challenging and exhilarating than they could have imagined. Since I wasn’t there, I was grateful to my friend Jennefer who let Haddie stay with her overnight and took pictures of their great adventures.

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The Race

Introducing: Team Adventure Girls with Sydney and Hadley.

Off the starting block. Girls vs. boys, neck and neck (Haddie and Syd are on the left).

At one point partway through the race, Hadley and Sydney started to pass a boy’s team, which prompted the chauvinistic father to shout at his son, “If you let that happen, I will never enter you in another race again!”

I will include Boy Domination in next year’s training.

There was a tunnel through the river that later included a huge obstacle the girls needed to haul their bikes over.

There were plenty of volunteers to assist in the transition areas. The girls were in charge of keeping track of their map and getting a stamp at each station in order to move onto each new challenge.

Sydney was a fantastic teammate, frequently helping and encouraging Hadley throughout the race like this ropes course.

Slip slidin’ away! (Haddie’s favorite part).

Official hiking trails?

Adventure racers don’t need no stinkin’ hiking trails. They go straight up the mountain.

But they do need a zip-line to race back down.

The tubing portion was a nice reprieve from Vail’s toasty temperatures.

I know it’s not kosher to pinch hardcore adventure racer’s cheeks but that’s what I want to do when I see this cute picture.

Haddie also told me about the “little waterfalls” they went down.

I didn’t have the heart to tell her they’re called rapids.

Of course, what would an adventure race be without a climbing wall….

…and a mud pit to finish things off right?!

Or just really, really dirty.

Haddie had a blast competing in the KEEN Vail Kids Adventure Race. Was it a cakewalk? Definitely not. In fact, some sections of the course (particularly the mountain biking) would have been a challenge for adults. Despite being an adventurous kid, a couple of times she was freaked out to the point of tears.

But the greatness of a race like this is it yanked her out of her comfort zone where, in a controlled environment with capable volunteers, she challenged herself. I realized as parents, we shelter out kids too much and often don’t let them realize their true potential because of our own insecurities.

Hadley overcame her fears and has not stopped talking about the race. In a word, she triumphed.

And you’d better believe come hell or high water (or hospitals) I’ll be there to watch her do it again next summer.

© Crazy Bloggin’ Canuck–A Denver Mom’s Blog
Filed Under: biking, Colorado, Hadley, hiking, Humor, outdoors

Rocking it in Frisco, Summit County’s Hidden Gem

July 15, 2011 By

With laudable Summit County neighbors such as Vail, Breckenridge and Keystone, the town of Friscooften gets overlooked when, in actuality, we should be putting “Frisco: The Main Street to the Rockies” at the top of our list.

My family recently stayed at Tiger Run Condominiums, located halfway between Frisco and Breckenridge. This is one of Rocky Mountain Resort’s many rental properties that range from ski condos to townhomes to private home rentals in Summit County.

In the peak season (winter), our well-appointed 3-bedroom, 2-story condo runs about $335 per night. In the summer, expect to pay only $235, a great deal for this property that sleeps eight. We never wanted to leave but unfortunately, we only stayed one night.

Better luck next time.

My very favorite network of paved, non-motorized paths in Colorado is located just a stone’s throw away from our condo. With more than 80 miles of trails connecting Summit County resorts like Breckenridge, Dillon, Keystone, Copper Mountain and Vail, there is no better way to explore Colorado’s most epic resorts.

On Friday evening, we biked a portion of the 10-mile trail from Frisco to Breckenridge. It was my 7-year-old daughter’s first adventure on her new mountain bike and she squealed with glee as we crossed bridges over the raging Blue River and wound along the serpentine trail.

Once in Breckenridge, we nestled up to the firepit as we ate Crepes a la Carte and later leisurely strolled along the popular Riverwalk. The next day, we parked our car at the Frisco Adventure Park and followed the trail to the Frisco Marina where we were thrilled to discover a futuristic playground.

A few other things to do:

Frisco Adventure Park

The Frisco Adventure Park opened December 2010 and adventures are, indeed in abundance. During the summer months, there are loads of hiking and biking trails, the Peak One Disc Golf Course, a free skate park, the Frisco Fun Club (a daycamp for kids 5-12) at the Day Lodge, baseball fields, horse stables for dinner rides, picnic facilities, camping via the forest serves and a free BMX bike park had e a soft opening on July 4. The Park is located 1/2-mile south of Frisco on Highway 9 overlooking Dillon Reservoir.

Frisco Bay Marina

Add mountains and the highest marina in the state (9,091 feet) with over 330 acres to explore by sail, motor or paddle, and you have a recipe for adventure. The Frisco Bay Marina offers rentals, sales and services for everything from sailboats to kayaks to boats. Grab some coconut shrimp or blackened fish tacos on the patio of The Island Grill or cool down with an ice cream sandwich after playing on the Marina’s futuristic playground. Open seven days a week, all summer long.

Fantastic Playground

If the futuristic playground at the Frisco Marina (see above) doesn’t float your kids’ boat, Frisco’s Funtastic Funground will. Located on the grounds of Frisco Elementary School (800 E 8th Ave, Frisco), this playground ranked up there as one of my kids’ all-time favorites. A castle in the wilderness, this massive grey structure offers umpteen secret hideouts, climbing walls, monkey bars, tires, swings, slides and so much more.

Live Music

Grab a blanket and head over to the FREE Concert in the Park series at Frisco’s Historic Park. The sunset show is held every Thursday from 5:30-7:30 p.m. through August 18 and features tunes the family will love—from folk to rock to bluegrass.

Frisco Kayak Park

Whether you’re a kayak pro and want to practice your rolls and rodeos or spectators like us, be sure to check-out the Frisco Kayak Park. Located on the west end of Main Street, you’ll get the best view of the action from the walking bridge.

Special thanks to Rocky Mountain Resorts for hosting our family. If you’re planning a family vacation to Summit County, be sure to check-out their properties in Copper Mountain, Dillon, Frisco, Keystone and Silverthorne at www.coloradormr.com.

© Crazy Bloggin’ Canuck–A Denver Mom’s Blog
Filed Under: biking, Colorado, Family travel, travel

Date Night Mayhem

July 13, 2011 By

A couple of weeks ago, Jamie and I went on a date. He was recently complaining we’ve lost that lovin’ feeling and I told him toiling in the pumpkin patch and working 24-7 is not a woman’s idea of romance so we’ve recommitted to doing date night more than once a millennium.

Jamie’s sister Lisa generously offered to watch the kids (OK, we begged and pleaded) and we headed to the hills. Everyone has their ideal date night and ours does not consist of falling asleep to an opera but rather climbing up a mountain, marinating ourselves in sweat.

To each their own.

I’ve hiked pretty much every trail on the Front Range but when we were returning from Frisco last month, we did a detour off I-70 to Clear Creek Canyon where I spotted a trailhead 20 miles west of Golden: Mayhem Gulch. Not only was the name right but I was ecstatic to find a new-to-me trail.

Jamie is always game for an adventure and started our date night out right by giving me a lovely arrangement of flowers and a sweet, smoochy love note. We later went to El Dorado Mexican Restaurant in Golden where we had the best shrimp fajitas and chicken burrito ever (not exaggerating; the hint of cinnamon in the latter was moderately addictive).

But the hike up Mayhem Gulch was equally as wonderful. We opted for a moderately difficult 4.5-mile loop that showcased the very best of Centennial Cone’s foothills that were resplendent with bluebells and golden snapdragons. We talked about work, life, the kids and future opportunities. I was having a great time reconnecting with Jamie and thought he was, too until he took this portrait of the two of us.

Evidently he has something against short people.

© Crazy Bloggin’ Canuck–A Denver Mom’s Blog
Filed Under: Colorado, hiking, Humor, Jamie

KEEN Vail Kids Adventure Race: The Coolest Kids Race on the Planet?

July 2, 2011 By

When I heard about the inaugural KEEN Vail Kids Adventure Race last year, I knew my 6-year-old daughter Hadley simply had to try it.

This is her year.

On Saturday, August 13, 2011, kids ages six through 12 will get a fun introduction to adventure racing. Teams of two work together to navigate a variety of sports and and problem-solving challenges, including mountain biking, hiking, tubing, archery, a low ropes course, a zip line, a climbing wall, a Tarzan swing, a giant slip-n-slide and more. Competitors will be divided into three waves based on age and will start at set intervals. An after party and awards ceremony will take place immediately following the race.

I don’t know about you but I wish they had this race for adults!

Despite the fun factor, I had fears my 6-year-old was ready to tackle it last year but my worries were in vain. While there are some kids who are serious competitors, most are out there to have a fun adventure. Parents are permitted to accompany their child throughout the race to watch the different challenges but are asked to refrain from helping them. A large fleet of volunteers is on-hand to provide assistance.
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pUpGwZcViB4]

My daughter Hadley will be competing with our neighbor Sydney. While most kids are slacking off this summer, I’m thrilled they’ll be setting worthwhile training goals and having a great time achieving them. We’ve even recruited a few other friends to compete in the older divisions.

The cost is $150 per team of two. Registration includes a 2011 KEEN Vail Kids Adventure Race backpack and other goodies. Registration is limited to 100 teams of two kids. To register, download the registration form and fax to (970) 479-2281 or email it to bpappas@vailrec.com.

Go to http://www.vailrec.com/kidsadventurerace.cfm for additional information.

© Crazy Bloggin’ Canuck–A Denver Mom’s Blog
Filed Under: Colorado, Hadley

The act of juggling

June 15, 2011 By

Yes, I’m still alive. It is just the busiest week of our summer as we juggle Haddie’s art camp, Bode’s sports camp, and church and work meetings.

Who said summer was about R&R?

We had quite the week with a summer party in our backyard with neighbors.

Judging from the face of Bode’s bestie, the Fudgesicles were a hit.

As was the 6-mile mountain bike ride as Haddie finally conquered her new mountain bike.

The kiddos were the guests of honor at the inauguration at the Children’s Museum of Denver’s new interactive science exhibit 3, 2, 1…Blast Off (see my review here).

Not to be forgotten was hitting Water World on Wednesday. If you’ve never been to the nation’s biggest and baddest waterpark with 46 water adventures, you’re missing out. This was our best visit ever.

Disclaimer: The first time we went three years ago, baby Bode almost drowned when he fell off the ledge of the lazy river and I dove in after him, tubes flailing everywhere. For my second Water World experience, my friends’ teen-agers dragged me on every suicidal ride in the park–moderately traumatic for a water hater like myself.

Picnics are welcome, however, all beverage containers must be factory sealed. I did not know this and brought along my trusty CamelBak water bottle. Upon inspecting my bag, the worker told me I’d need to dispose of my water. After obliging, I queried “But my firearms are OK, right?”

And yes, such joking would’ve gotten me arrested at the airport.

Once inside the park, we met with a few other Mile High Mamas and their kiddos. Mine were in their element, “It’s like we’re on vacation!” Haddie squealed and she was correct. We were fortunate to chose a day with beautiful weather and minimal crowds.

We were repeatedly told to ride the most popular ride in the park–Voyage to the Center of the Earth–before it got to busy so we high-tailed over there. The problem is this quarter-mile-long plunge into a dark vortex with frightening dinosaurs was a bit too much for my kiddos.

OK, who am I fooling. And for me.

Note to self: Don’t do the scariest ride first.

In the end, the trauma was forgotten and we all had a blast.

Water and all.

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

So longs, farewells

June 2, 2011 By

Tuesday was the final day of school. Even though I’m looking forward to summer break, I was dreading the juggling act of work and home. For my final moments of freedom, I hiked Belcher Hill at White Ranch Park.
When I first got married and moved to Colorado, I was jobless so spent a lot of time exploring the local hiking trails while Jamie worked. I struggled with the transition but he tried to relieve me of my guilt by explaining, “I’ll earn the money and you spend it.”

I’ve never looked back.

Unfortunately he has and I’ve been working a lot lately, leaving little time for my favorite recreational follies. But on Tuesday, I needed a couple of hours to myself before summer kicked off.

As I started climbing, I realized this was the same hike I had done the day I found out I was pregnant with Hadley. Bursting with excitement, trepidation and gratitude, I remembered these emotions like they were yesterday.

And they became my today.

I reflected upon the almost eight years since that hike: all the highs, lows and joys of raising our family. My pregnancies, their early years, the first day we moved into our sparky new house and I thought, “I can never be unhappy here.” And I was right. It’s been the ride of my life since that hike and I would not change even one thing.

It’s no wonder that when I picked up Bode for his final day of preschool–the end of an era–that I started blubbering as we said good-bye to his dear teachers, Ms. Jan and Ms. Vicky, who also taught Hadley.

Next, we retrieved Hadley who was brimming with enthusiasm and her exuberance was infectious. Before us, we have 80+ glorious days to play, relax, travel and just be together.


And I intend to make the most of every, single one of them.

© Crazy Bloggin’ Canuck–A Denver Mom’s Blog
Filed Under: Bode, Colorado, Hadley, hiking

Bode’s home stretch

May 18, 2011 By

With only two weeks left of school, Bode and I are enjoying our final afternoons together. While his sister slaves away in first grade, he and I have been biking to the skate park or have gone on fun adventures to check-out fossils at Dinosaur Ridge.

Yep, those are real dinosaur tracks behind Bode. Both of my kids are dinosaur-obsessed and marvel at being able to live so close to the shores of the Cretaceous Interior Seaway.

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Soccer season wrapped for the season on Saturday. Bode is a great little player and scored yet another goal. The highlight was when Uncle Chris made a surprise showing (he moved to Colorado from Utah this week).

OK, so maybe getting a trophy was pretty darn cool, too.

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Of course as avid fans of the Amazing Race, we had a viewing party for the finale (I’m still waiting for CBS to STOP THE CANUCK DISCRIMINATION so I can participate). By far, our favorite moments were when Zev and Justin (two very hairy dudes) had to get waxed for one of the challenges.

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vuJA5nihGkI]

OK, so maybe it was just Haddie’s (and my) favorite moment. She rewound it over and over again while cackling evilly. Poor Bode, on the other hand?


He despaired deeply for his fellow dudes.

One of the fun things about Twitter is it’s possible to connect with all kinds of people and the Amazing Race‘s Justin is on it (@justin_kanew). I tweeted that picture of poor Bode and was thrilled when Justin not only retweeted it but said how much he likes both Haddie (the evil cackler) and sympathetic Bode.

Justin doesn’t know it but he’s my “in” for getting on Amazing Race 19.

© Crazy Bloggin’ Canuck–A Denver Mom’s Blog
Filed Under: Colorado

Staying in Colorado this summer? Don’t miss my top 10 choices for family travel!

May 16, 2011 By

Staying in Colorado? Don’t miss our top 10 choices for family travel!

Summer is just around the corner and you don’t need to look far to have a world-class vacation with your family. From a new zip line tour to free events galore, we have the inside scoop on All Things Colorado.

Aspen/Snowmass

It may be summertime but Snowmass has returned to the Ice Age with the new Snowmass Ice Age Discovery Center that features the most significant Ice Age ecosystem find in Colorado history (and it’s free). Visit the Snowmass Rodeo on Wednesday nights and sign up your kids for the Calf Scramble. Hike or take bikes up the Snowmass Mountain chairlift or if you really want to try something new, learn how to Stand Up Paddle at the Aspen Kayak Academy. Get inspired at the Anderson Ranch Arts Center, a stellar place for kids of all ages to take workshops that include sculpture, photography, painting, beading, and mask-making.

Breckenridge

The big news in Breckenridge this summer is the new Gold Runner Coaster located at the base of Peak 8. A 2,500 foot elevated track loops through the forest giving you the best views at super speed. Each car can accommodate 1-2 people and single rides start at $7 for children age 3-7 to $24 for an unlimited day pass for children. Other Breckenridge fan favorites include fishing or biking the trail along the Blue River, a scenic drive over Boreas Pass road, accessing 1,000 miles of mountain biking across Summit County or hiking Breckenridge’s countless miles of trails or climbing a nearby “14er.” Photo: Carl Scofield

Crested Butte

Hands down, Crested Butte is my favorite summer destination in Colorado. In addition to world-famous mountain biking and hiking (the views from Snodgrass Mountain are second-to-none), don’t miss the Crested Butte Music Festival in July (with free Saturday kid concerts) and the Wildflower Festival (July 11-17) where you’ll swear you climbed onto a Monet canvas of mad, extravagant colors. Crested Butted Mountain Resort’s Zip Line Tour debuts in June 2011 and includes five zip lines and a series of features such as an “Indiana Jones Bridge,” a “Burma Bridge” and a net climb. This is the only guided zip line tour at a Colorado ski resort and will operate during the winter and summer months. Weight requirements are 70 to 250 pounds.

Colorado Springs

We love Colorado Springs staples like the Garden of the Gods Park, The Pikes Peak Cog Railway and Manitou Cliff Dwellings. A fun (and thrilling) new addition is the Cave of the Winds’ new Wind Walker Challenge Ropes Course that is located on the rim of a 600-foot drop into Williams Canyon. Cheyenne Mountain Zoo is one of the top-ranked zoos in the country and just welcomed their first ever red river hoglets. If you need further motivation to head south, Colorado Springs has launched Tank Full of Summer Savings, offering reduced prices on anything from a steak dinner to lodging to an authentic dude ranch experience.

Durango

Durango Mountain Resort is another resort hopping on the very welcome zipline bandwagon and they are debuting the “Purgatory Plunge,” which soars for 420 feet at speeds of up to 35 mph. Cost is $25/person and can be purchased à la carte or at a discount when combined with the summer Total Adventure Ticket. This includes killer activities like the Alpine Slide, scenic chairlift, mountain bike uplift, miniature golf, climbing wall, bungee trampoline and mechanical bull. Durango Mountain Resort also features horseback riding, a Fridbee Disc Golf Course, naturalist tours or gold panning in the Plaza with the Durango Mining Company. Packages start at $97 per person and includes four nights lodging for the price of three, plus four Total Adventure Tickets.

Estes Park

Most Coloradoans know about hiking and camping in glorious Rocky Mountain National Park, biking around Lake Estes, checking out the darling shops on Elkhorn Avenue and tearing around the go-cart tracks. But most don’t know about the Rocky Mountain Nature Association, which offers a variety of half-day courses for kids and grown-ups alike such as geo-caching, animal tracking, stargazing and art sketching as a travel souvenir. Classes are four hours and many only cost between $10 and $15 for children. Festivals abound in Estes Park during the summer–the Fishing Derby (June 4) and Wool Market (June 11-12) are fun for kids and parents.

Glenwood Springs
Take the world’s largest outdoor mineral hot springs pool (Glenwood Hot Springs), add an adventure park built on top of a mountain (Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park), sprinkle in the Roaring Fork Valley’s crimson rocks and emerald forests and you have a memorable family vacation just a few hours from Denver. Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park launched a bungee jumping station this spring–the first in Colorado–as well as a zipline. The attraction joins the newly-opened giant canyon swing, which launches riders 1,300 feet above the Colorado River. The faint-of-heart need not apply.

Grand Junction

There is no lack of entertainment on the Western Slope! If you have dinosaur lovers, get up close and personal at the Museum of Western Colorado’s Dinosaur Journey with dinosaur skeletons or take a single-day or multi-day dinosaur expedition. Bike a portion of the relatively flat 18-mile Colorado Riverfront Trail that winds through picnic grounds, botanical garden, protected wetlands and fishing pier. The area is the heart of Colorado’s agricultural region and fruit stands and orchard tours are in abundance (don’t miss the mouth-watering 44th Annual Palisade Peach Festival Aug. 18-21). For indoor fun, the Bananas Fun Park offers a miniature golf course, arcade, go carts, laser tag and bumper boats, an indoor playland and more.

Keystone

It’s all about the kids with Keystone’s Kidtopia Kids Fest June 25, July 16, 30 and Aug 13. Enjoy gold panning, petting zoo, train rides, caricatures, face painter, balloon artist, midway games, spin art, kids’ show, bounce houses and much, much more! Keystone Kidtopia Music Festival is June 25 & 26, 2011 and features family-friendly live music, an international marketplace and tasty food. Deal: Stay in Keystone for three nights and get the fourth night free at all Keystone lodging operations.

Vail

Just when you thought it wasn’t possible to do Vail on the cheap, think again. Vail Valley is full of free events that are perfect for families in the summertime. Don’t miss the gondola rides for kids, Hot Summer Nights Tuesday Concert Series, guided nature hikes of Vail Mountain, volleyball, bocce and horseshoes at Adventure Ridge, kayak demos and more. Head over to Beaver Creek for the Chef Demonstration series in June, July, August and September in the Bon Appétit tent where you can sample some of the finest local culinary delights…all for free!

What are your favorite Colorado destinations in the summer?

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Some other ideas for fun in Colorado:

The trek with teens

How to hike 14ers

The spiritual sojourn

The low-key car camp

The cultural connection

The fly-fishing jaunt

The western wind-down

The budget birders getaway

The bon vino voyage

The all-in bike outing

The pampering pilgrimage

The way-cool whitewater odyssey for families

Filed Under: biking, Colorado, Family travel, hiking, outdoors

Happy Belated Mother’s Day!

May 11, 2011 By

I had one of my best Mother’s Days on record. It started with breakfast-in-bed, thanks to Jamie and Hadley.

Though I could have done without the wake-up call to receive it (guilty parties, take note). Fortunately, they ended much better with grlled rib-eye steaks for dinner.

I was showered with gifts that included a handmade mug and card from Hadley, a personalized card and photo from Bode and a much-needed Sierra Designs windbreaker from The Honey.

At church, moms were revered, honored, and perhaps most importantly fed pie. I say “most importantly” because a couple of years ago, they attempted to yank this long-standing tradition by instead giving us a nice flower.

It did not go over well.

We’re a “let them eat cake pie” kinda ward.

Following church, I wanted to spend time with my family in a meaningful way so suggested we go for a walk around Evergreen Lake’s 1.3-mile loop. Just a 20-minute drive from our house, this mountain hamlet has long been a favorite skating destination in the winter. We spotted mallards, Canadian geese, Double-crested Cormorant and crawdads.
We threw rocks, marveled at the dam and resolved to return this summer to go paddle-boating.

Possibly my favorite Mother’s Day ever?

I’m so grateful for my mom, mother-in-law and all my friends who are such tremendous examples of how to be a great mom. I’m indebted to my kids for making me one in the first place and for showering with me with affection and recognition.

Now, I just need to figure out how to convince them every day is Mother’s Day.

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