Colorado | Life Elevated Mom

Colorado Spring Breakin’!

March 27, 2008 By Amber

I assure you that I am indeed alive! It is Spring Break for the Canuck clan, which really doesn’t mean much because Hadley only goes to preschool two days a week. We had planned a trip to Utah but stayed home because of Jamie’s consulting gig. And because it just didn’t feel right.

What? A trip that didn’t feel right for a traveling junkie? Maybe feeling those nine hours in the car with the children had ~~something~~ everything to do with it.

The temperatures have been beautiful in Colorado and we have been hiking almost daily. Bode even did his first trek sans backpack and darned if he wasn’t the cutest little mountain man.

Hadley has really come into her own on the trail and on Saturday, we did a 1.5-mile loop through Red Rocks. And Jamie and I could not have been more thrilled.

Which begs the question: how do you feel about your children sharing your interests? Do you push them to do it?

For the most part, I really don’t care if my children excel at volleyball, roller-blading or nose blowing (particularly since I have already made millionaires out of Kleenex Co.) But I am fully invested in instilling a love for the outdoors because it transcends a mere interest into a lifestyle. And I am so glad they are both openly embracing it.

In many ways, Hadley is the mirror image of me and our similarities were no more prevalent than last summer when the kids and I had a picnic with my MIL Linda and Jamie’s sister Tammy. After we polished off our food, Hadley downed a cream-cheese brownie and asked Linda for more.

Linda: May I give her another one?

Me: Sure but make it a small one.

She cut it in half and proceeded to give it to The Hurricane.

Me: Hadley, Grandma just gave you that nice brownie. What do you say?

Hadley: I WANT A BIG ONE!

Filed Under: Colorado, Humor, outdoors

Country Roads to Evergreen Lake

January 7, 2008 By Amber

Our normally tight-knit neighborhood has gone into hibernation this winter. In an attempt to rally the troops, I sent an email inviting them to come skating at Evergreen Lake on Saturday. No one could come but I was saddened that half of them did not even bother to respond.

They could have just dropped me a note stating, “I would rather die than be seen skating with you in public.”

That would have been the polite thing to do.

It was their loss. Jamie, the kids and I prefaced our outdoor adventure by having breakfast at Country Road Cafe in Kittredge.

From their nine different kinds of eggs benedicts to the famous smashed mashes, this place was love at first sight. Jamie has never deviated from their gargantuan breakfast burrito, the kids adore the fluffy, stuffed pancakes and this time, I experimented with their egg, tomato and cream cheese sausage wrap with roasted red pepper sauce (excuse me while I wipe the tears of joy from my eyes).

From there, it was onto Evergreen Lake – my favorite place to skate in Colorado. I was thrilled because this would be my 3-year-old daughter’s first time on ice skates. Growing up in Canada, I was introduced to skating shortly after leaving the womb. I was raised gliding along frozen lakes, rivers and even our garden that we turned into a rink. When growing up on tundra, you learn very quickly that pretty much anywhere is skatable and that frozen nose hairs are a fashion statement.

Such was not the case on Saturday with our 58-degree temperatures. I thought the balmy weather would be ideal with two little ones but with sun comes slush. And every few feet, our skates sunk into the ice because of it.

Or it could have been due to the extra 30 pounds I gained over Christmas.

Despite the poor conditions, Hadley was a champ and learned to balance herself very quickly. With my assistance, she tentatively took her first steps and started gliding and weaving as she bossed me around.

Pretty much, it was like any typical day in the Johnson household.

After a while, she needed a break. Jamie and I loaded the kids onto sleds and we flew across the ice as we whipped them around in circles.

Or at least we would have had we not been skating through a Slurpee. For the first time, I caught a glimpse of what those poor sled dogs experience in the Iditarod.

And ascertained that is probably why the driver always shouts out, “Mush.”

Filed Under: Colorado, Family travel, Humor, outdoors, travel

The Broadmoor = Kiddy Heaven

December 10, 2007 By Amber

During my career as an adventure-travel writer, my accommodations ranged from the most opulent mountain lodges to the cold, hard ground. And to be honest, I loved them equally.

Until I gave birth.

And then camping involved wrestling young children away from the fire pit and sleepless nights in the tent as they howled like insomniac wolves. Given my passion for the outdoors, I hope to someday return to the extreme backcountry with them. Like maybe when they are 20.

In the meantime, I have been on a quest to find family-friendly accommodations and will highlight a different destination each month.

My latest pursuit led me to The Broadmoor. You know, that one hotel in Colorado Springs that has been the nation’s longest continuous winner of the Mobile Five-Star and AAA Five Diamond Awards. I did an online search for travel reviews and stumbled upon a crotchety old man who described The Broadmoor’s influx of children and activities as “Kiddy Hell.”

It was then I knew it would be my heaven.

We stayed at The Broadmoor for the first time on Saturday. We are generally not 5-star folks but I am a firm believer that the occasional splurge is good for the soul. And it seemed like such a pity to have never been to a legendary hotel practically in our backyard that places such an emphasis on children.

December in particular is a family-oriented month and we dove into a variety of activities, starting with Breakfast with Santa. It was located on a beautiful set in the ballroom complete with Santa, Mrs. Claus, elves and enough calories to last until Christmas. This was my brazen daughter Hadley’s first visit of the season with Santa and she has been prepping for weeks.

But as we approached the stage, she choked. Ever the concerned mother, I thought only of our requisite annual shot with The Man in Red and hissed,

“If you ever want another present from Santa again, you WILL get up there.”

I just wonder how I will convince her to still do it when she’s 20.

Maybe it will be during one of our camping trips.

From there, it was onto cookie decorating, a quick stop in The Little Theatre for a showing of “A Christmas Story,” and the highlight of the day: storytime with Mrs. Claus. I have been to my fair share of children’s shows and storytimes but I have never encountered anyone as engaging and hilarious as Mrs. “Beth Epley” Claus, who has been performing her songs and stories at The Broadmoor for 19 years. She has children who return every year to see her and she was the highlight of our weekend. Well, she and the Kobe beef at the Tavern restaurant. I do have my priorities.

Even though The Broadmoor is 89 years old, it only took Saturday’s storm to leave the expansive grounds looking renewed with a delicious frosting of snow. The snowflakes whirled around us in a flurry of white, like pigment seeping into paper. The children were mesmerized – and cold – so we hit the indoor pool at The Broadmoor Spa.

After splashing around for a while, we stopped to admire our luxurious surroundings as my husband Jamie proclaimed:

“Hadley, this is what it looks like on the other side of the tracks.”

And I am so glad to have caught a glimpse.

(Originally published at Mile High Mamas).

Filed Under: Colorado, Family travel, Humor, travel Tagged With: Broadmoor

Cabin Fever Redefined

November 5, 2007 By Amber

I am writing this as part of my recovery. At least this is what my pseudo-therapist-husband prescribed.

To preface this confession, my disclaimer is that I have never been one to be caught up in the material world of lavish houses, clothing and cars. I loathe the haughtiness of country clubs and abhor shopping anywhere except for R.E.I., Super Target and Costco (the latter of which is only during “sample” hours. Because evidently I am also a big fan of freebies).

Most of our discretionary income goes towards travel, travel, travel. And muzzles for the children.

So, here’s the deal. I am obsessed with The Granddaddy Purchase of them all: a cabin in Breckenridge. Last summer, I even had a checklist detailing the reasons why this is my ideal location.

Gorgeous mountains: check
Nearby lake: check
Close proximity to Denver: check
Extensive network of hiking trails and paved bikepaths: check
Cool resort town: check

I excitedly shared my list with Jamie and elucidated that everything was in place. Until my bubble was burst: “Sure, Amber. Everything except for the financing.”

Oh, yeah. That minor detail.

As with most addictions, I started out as a casual user. I would glance at the listings posted outside the real estate offices on Main Street. Then it turned to flyers, which evolved into Mountain Homes Illustrated. I currently have in my possession every single flyer, pamphlet and booklet on the area.

After a recent trip to Breck, I was slowly weaning myself off the real estate sites until I found this listing.

Authentic naturally hewn custom log home with stunning mountain views. Close to trails and the wilderness, high alpine getaway at its best. Birds of prey are your neighbors. Hot tub deck and porch are magnificent. Triple log cathedral ceiling, Douglas fir and ponderosa pine log construction, custom granite counters, different custom wood flooring themes throughout home.

The only problem? The “F” word again.

But then I found a listing that we could maybe possibly afford if we gave up all our discretionary income, television and Internet subscriptions. Oh yeah, and our current mortgage.

The glowing description of this place?

“Close to the bus route.”

I guess I’ll just keep dreaming.

Filed Under: Colorado

Breckenridge or Bust Part II

October 25, 2007 By Amber

Jamie’s wonderful family is very different from my own. The Canuck Clan has always been active and outings revolved around camping or water-skiing in sub-zero temperatures. Because with two weeks of summer you just have to make concessions.

On the other hand, Jamie’s clan are homebodies and most gatherings revolve around food, relaxing and well, more food. What makes this perplexing is they are all tall, skinny metabolic wonders with bodies like the very stars and stripes upon which this country was built.

The Canucks? Think maple leaves.

When Jamie’s family arrived in Breckenridge on Saturday, we ate, relaxed and ate some more. Now, don’t get me wrong–I have absolutely nothing against relaxing. I think I even did it once back in 1986. But when we invited them to come play in the snow with us, our invitation was greeted with blank stares that implied my little half-breeds and I suffer from a permanent brain freeze. What? People actually choose to touch that stuff?

When it came to hot tubbing, the whole famn damily excelled (possibly because it involved relaxing?) It would have also involved hot chocolate if it were not for my dear hubby’s communication blunder. Call me crazy but when a man offers to “Go make everyone some hot chocolate,” wouldn’t you also assume he was going to make and deliver it? He somehow forgot to disclose he was going to take a shower and run a marathon in the interim. When we finally gave up, I had a new appreciation for the grape-to-prune evolution.

As payback, I later snuck a three-foot-long icicle into his bathwater. OK, maybe “snuck” is a bit of an overstatement. More like lugged the frigid beast and hoisted it into the tub, ignoring his protests. It was a small payback for the many ice cubes that have somehow found their way down my back over the years.

As much fun as I had [relaxing and eating] with the family, I most enjoyed my alone time with Jamie on Friday. The gourmet buffalo fillets he grilled for us:

And the Rockstar Energy drink. I joked that we were there to chill. Why on earth would we need an energy drink?

I found out later that night.

(Note: no relaxation involved.

Filed Under: Colorado, Family travel, Humor, Jamie, outdoors, travel

Breckenridge or Bust Part I

October 24, 2007 By Amber

This will be one of my memorable two-part series. One might assume it is due to the length and the inordinate amount of pictures, which would be true. But the real reason is I accidentally deleted the rest of the #$&#*& post and will have to rewrite it tomorrow.

Our weekend in Breckenridge was whimsical, relaxing and fun. The cabin Jamie rented was absolutely gorgeous and cost us the equivalent of a trip to Hawaii. Well, without the airfare.

We lazed around all Friday afternoon gazing out the vaulted windows at the Ten Mile Range. He later cooked me a gourmet meal and we indulged in Crepes a la Cart in Breck for dessert. Oh, and did I mention it was a pumpkin crepe? Evidently, I have issues.

The next morning, we snuggled in bed watching a movie. This was not just any movie. This was the movie of my youth – Stealing Home starring Jodie Foster and Mark Harmon. Never heard of it? Nobody has so I was shocked/thrilled when I discovered it in the cabin’s collection.

It took me back to when my three best friends and I repeatedly watched it in high school, falling deeper and deeper in love with William McNamara (one of the stars) every time. And how Rachel, the evil wench, sent away for an autographed picture of Billy Boy. She then proceeded to frame and lust over it on her bed stand while I had to slog through life with my woosy Ralph Macchio poster.

When we eventually detached ourselves from the cabin and Billy Boy (just don’t tell Jamie), we hiked Baker Tank Trail in the snow and 4X4ed Boreas Pass. It was such a throwback to my former life except the views are that much more rewarding when trailing my hubby from behind.

Day two, Jamie’s family arrived with the kids. I had painstakingly packed The Kitchen Sink for them. Unfortunately, Grandma only brought the drain because she somehow forgot all their winter clothes.

Because why would we need boots in a winter wonderland

Oh, and did I mention it snowed 10 inches Saturday night?

To be continued tomorrow….

Filed Under: Colorado, Family travel, Humor, Jamie, outdoors, travel

Dumb and Dumber: Mile-High Style

September 24, 2007 By Amber

There are some mornings when I wakeup and feel indomitable. Coincidentally, these are the same mornings I received minimal sleep. The result is a veritable delusion of grandeur.

I had a summer of these. Hey, why not ~~climb~~ ~~limp~~ crawl up Colorado’s highest peak? Or better yet, let’s bike 24 miles in the mountains hauling the kids. Gee, that sounds like fun!

Last week was no different.

I decided to bike the Clear Creek Trail along Highway 58 from the I-70 junction to Lion’s Park in Golden. Hauling the kids. Uphill. Both ways.

Now, let’s see. Child #1: 35 pounds + Child #2: 23 pounds + 15-pound Chariot carrier + everything including the kitchen sink to keep the kids entertained = a tabulation I care not to compute. Why would I? I lived every stinkin’ pound of it.

I will spare you the gory details but in the end, we miraculously made it. Well, at least the kids did.

I’m sure my remains are still somewhere along the trail….

Blasted from the Past

I should have learned my lesson. Admittedly, these same delusions led me to roller-blade that path a couple of years ago. A path that contained the same hills but with different challenges. On a bike, the climbs are arduous. On blades? Quite the opposite.

I had started out strong on my blades. Smooth, powerful strokes. I was completely alone on the trail, which I love. But then I encountered hill No. 1. No problem. My pace slowed a bit but I triumphantly summited.

Then came Hill No. 2, then No. 3. All was fine and dandy until it came time to turn around.

But then came the “Ohhhhhhhh fudge” (I blame Ralphie from The Christmas Story).

During my jubilation of conquering the trail, I hadn’t realized how truly steep my ascent was. For those who have ever been on roller-blades, stopping while careening 100 miles an hour down a hill can be problematic. For me, it proved to catastrophic. Because in addition to the steep hills, there were also signs everywhere with the squiggly arrow (the official road-sign term, I’m sure). You know, the one that says “You’re dead if you don’t follow the hairpin curves.”

The rest of the story was not pretty. What ticks me off is do you think anyone witnessed my triumphant ascent? Nooooooooo. But now bikers started coming out of the woodwork as I desperately clutched the railing, my legs wedged in a ~~snow~~ asphalt-plow.

In the end, I only suffered a few scrapes and a bruised ego. But worry not, after these two sordid experiences I have certainly learned my lesson.

Until my next episode of sleep deprivation, that is.

Filed Under: Colorado, Family travel, Humor

Dumb and Dumber: Mile High-style

September 22, 2007 By Amber

There are some mornings that I wakeup and feel indomitable. Coincidentally, these are the same mornings I received miminal sleep. The result is a veritable delusion of grandeur.

I had a summer of these. Hey, why not climb..limp crawl up Colorado’s highest peak? Or better yet, let’s bike 25 miles in the mountains hauling the kids. Gee, that sounds like fun!

Last week was no different.

I decided to bike the Clear Creek Trail along Highway 58 from the I-70 junction to Lion’s Park in Golden. Hauling the kids. Uphill. Both ways.

Now, let’s see. Child #1: 32 pounds + Child #2: 23 pounds + 15-pound Chariot carrier + everything including the kitchen sink to keep the kids entertained = a tabulation I care not to compute. Why would I? I lived every stinkin’ pound of it.

I will spare you the gory details but in the end, we miraculously made it. Well, at least the kids did.

Blasted from the Past

I should have learned my lesson from when these same delusions led me to roller-blade that path a couple of years ago. I had started out strong. Smooth, powerful strokes. I was completely alone on the trail, which I love. But then I encountered hill #1. No problem. My pace slowed a bit but I triumphantly summited.

Then came Hill #2, then #3. All was fine and dandy until it came time to turn around.

But then came the “Ohhhhhhhh fudge” (I blame Ralphie from The Christmas Story).

In the end, I only suffered a few scrapes and a bruised ego. But worry not, after these two sordid experiences I have certainly learned my lesson.

Until my next episode of sleep deprivation, that is.

Filed Under: biking, Bode, Colorado, Favorite Posts, Hadley, Humor

Tasting Colorado

September 2, 2007 By Amber

Happy Labor Day weekend!

Or at least it will be after I have thrown my final party for the ward tomorrow: a Labor Day breakfast. Yes, friends. The heavens didst shine upon me yesterday and I have been released as the Party Princess Extraordinaire. I will now be playing the piano for the Primary a.k.a. Youngins, which I will gladly do so long as it does not involve eggs. Of any variety.

On Saturday, we attended a huge party in downtown Denver: A Taste of Colorado. We toured around the hundreds of overpriced booths, gorged ourselves in sub-par BBQ, danced on the tables and got the children sauced.

We also had a grand ol’ time rocking out to a live band, Night Ranger. I couldn’t tell you even one hit song they had back in the 80s but Jamie seemed determined to relive his youth. I indulged him by enthusiastically nodding every time he exclaimed, “They’re tight, they’re still tight after all these years.”

This is Jamie’s way of thinking he sounds like some cool music aficionado.

I debated showing my support by throwing my bra onstage but I just didn’t think my nursing bra I should have retired ages ago would have done the trick. Then again, has-beens breed has-beens.

Bubby got into it by inventing moves we didn’t know he had. Moves that entailed the flailing of just one arm. I called it The I’m Drowning to the Beat of the Music dance.

We kept vowing to leave unless we heard a song we actually recognized. It didn’t happen and so when there was a delay between sets we started walking out. But then they started playing again.

“Hey wait, Jamie. I recognize this song!”

“That’s became they just played it.”

Apparently the kids weren’t the only ones.

Filed Under: Bode, Colorado, Family, Hadley, Humor

Let’s Make Lots of Money

August 2, 2007 By Amber

We have enjoyed a glorious week of playgrounds, ponds, picnics and potty training. All right, so maybe the latter activity is significantly less than glorious and my patience ~~is beginning to wear thin~~ is positively anorexic.

Yesterday, I set the children loose at a fountain park. Or rather, I set the Hurricane loose.

Ever-cautious Bode analyzed these shooting streams of chlorine and calculated the associated risks. After a half hour, he hesitatingly made his approach, only to scurry back to me each time.

His downfall was not the actual fountain but rather, the brief interlude when it stopped spewing. If the kid had any sense about him, he would know that Old Faithful is just that: faithful. And those cool bubbles that formed in the interim turned very quickly into an onslaught of water.

That is where good parenting comes in.

Or at least, it should. Unless you’re out for a laugh.

It did not end well for little Bode.

While I was taking pictures of our outing, I was reminded of a hot topic at BlogHer regarding the monetization of blogs. This was highly controversial among the Mommy Bloggers in particular because critics say by having ads we are just using our children to make a buck.

And so in the light of exploitation, I am proud to announce Bode’s future with a certain sporting goods company:

And Hadley? Surely there must be some money in the en*ema market….

Filed Under: Bode, Colorado, Hadley, Humor

Colorado Spring Breakin’!

Country Roads to Evergreen Lake

The Broadmoor = Kiddy Heaven

Cabin Fever Redefined

Breckenridge or Bust Part II

Breckenridge or Bust Part I

Dumb and Dumber: Mile-High Style

Dumb and Dumber: Mile High-style

Tasting Colorado

Let’s Make Lots of Money

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