Park City Mash-up: Snowmamas Party & Xtreme Ziplining

July 21, 2011 By

The Setting
For two blessed days, I stayed in the master bedroom at this glorious four-story “cottage” at Silver Star at Park City.

Call me crazy but I didn’t think cottages had elevators.

Snowmamas Party
I was in Park City for Evo Conference, a top-notch social media conference for bloggers of all abilities. I have been a Park City Mountain Resort’ “Snowmama” ambassador the past couple of years and this was a chance for us to congregate and have one final party. There was karaoking where it was confirmed I can neither sing nor dance.


And that my sole Paparazzi is 9-month-pregnant Head Snowmama Krista.

On Friday night, the Snowmamas threw a party. If you’ve never never been to Park City Mountain Resort in the summer, you’re missing out. The compendium of activities include the Alpine Coaster AND Alpine Slide, Ziprider, bungee trampoline, miniature golf, climbing wall and Little Miner’s Park with a carousel and rides for small children.
(With the Snowmamas prior to going down the Ziprider. Not all at the same time. That would have been craaaaazy).

Xtreme Fun
Even though I had a blast attending Evo and hanging with the Snowmamas, one of my favorite activities was at the very end. I’m a big fan of anything fast and furious and was thrilled when fellow Snowmama Linda hooked me up with a ticket for the Xtreme Zipline (a $20 value) at Utah Olympic Park. Careening down the world’s steepest zipline at 50 mph has been on my bucket list for a while.

If you’ve never been to Utah Olympic Park (UOP) in Park City it’s worth a visit. The facilities include interactive Alf Engen Ski Museum, the inspiring 2002 Eccles Olympic Winter Games Museum, a fascinating bus tour of the aerials, ski jump and the combined track venues. In the summer months, they have the “Quicksilver” alpine slide, the ULTRA and Xtreme Zipline and the bobsled.

Though I can’t say I recommend the latter item after my infamous run last winter.

I stopped by UOP on my way back to Salt Lake City after the conference. I’ve traveled extensively by myself but it never once occurred to me that you need a buddy to ride the zipline.

Evidently, that is the case because in I was the only solo rider when I arrived at the top of the chairlift. Undaunted, I chatted with the other people as we endured the hour-long wait. I wasn’t nervous in the least and despite its velocity and pitch, the Xtreme Zipline has never resulted in any fatalities.

The ride was a blast and for a moment, I felt like I was a ski jumper as I careened along the K 120 ski jumping hill. Rest assured, there were no crash landings.

But here’s a confession: you always wonder what you’ll think about during your final moments on earth. For some, they think of their family. Others, they pondering the meaning of life.

For me, I sent Jamie the following email just a few minutes before riding the Xtreme Zipline:

If I die on the zipline I just wanted to make sure you already returned my library books. :) XO -A

A sentimental fool ’til the bitter end.

© Crazy Bloggin’ Canuck–A Denver Mom’s Blog
Filed Under: Humor, travel, Utah Tagged With:

Great Canadian Road Trip Leg 1: Denver to Utah

July 20, 2011 By

I’ll be jumping around over the next couple of weeks in an attempt to document our Great Canadian Road Trip. Leg 1 from Denver to Salt Lake City was via Wyoming’s desolate wastleland (sorry Wyomingites but there’s no other way to describe the painful drive along I-80).

Why would we endure that route, given the beautiful passage along I-70 through Vail and Glenwood Springs? Simple: Bode wanted to get a $0.50 ice cream cone from Little America in middle-of-nowhere Wyoming.

Yes, that’s correct, folks. I endured nine hours of mind-numbing boredom for that. Just call me Mother of the Year.

In Salt Lake City, we met up with Haddie (who had flown out the previous Friday) and I spent a memorable couple of days hanging out with Jamie’s family. We hit Liberty Park with my scrumptious twin nieces….
Where we played for hours at Seven Canyons (the park’s unique water feature), on the merry go-round, Ferris wheel and cooled down with guava snow cones.
I spent a quick 36 hours in Salt Lake City before leaving the kids with my mother-in-law Linda as I attended Evo Conference in Salt Lake City (more on that tomorrow).

Linda had purchased outfits for her four grandchildren and in decidedly ambitious move she, my brother-in-law Jeremy, his wife Tammy and the four kids set out to Wheeler Farm to attempt cousin pictures.

You will note I said attempt.

Jeremy is an ace photographer but not even he could tackle this assignment. Between Bode’s inability to smile and the roaming toddler twins, not even one picture of the four of them turned out.

That would be 0 out of 900.

I’d say better luck next time but judging from Tammy’s near nervous breakdown, it won’t be anytime soon.

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

Happy 5th Birthday to Bode Man!

July 18, 2011 By

Bode,

It’s tough to believe you’re 5 as Mommy adjusts to the end of your carefree preschool years and the beginning of kindergarten. You’ve had quite the year and continue to be a delightful, easy-going and sweet little guy. You thrived in preschool and when I dropped you off, everyone would stop what they were doing and shout, “BODE!!!!!!!!!!!!!”

Suffice it to say, it was a place where everyone knew your name just like Norm on Cheers.

On Field Day, I caught of glimpse of why you are so beloved. While the other kids aggressively vied for their turn, you raised your hand but sat back and waited until you were called on. At first, I was annoyed you weren’t taking more of a stance–your sister and I would have forged to the front of the line like your peers. But then I marveled how you were perfectly content to cheer for your friends and relish in their moment, knowing full well your time would come.

I think it’s called patience. And you have a lot to teach Mommy and Sissy about this foreign concept.

You learned to ride your bike and are tearing around our neighborhood skate park like a pro. You’re a stellar skier (like your namesake Bode Miller) and you were one of the leading scorers on your soccer team. You have finally gained enough courage to put your face in the water, thanks in part to the private swim lesson I bought you at a silent auction because I was unable to demonstrate myself.

You are a great reader and have a true aptitude for numbers (we jokingly call you “Rain Man.”) When Mommy and Daddy were in New York, we bought you a large number chart that we taped to the pantry door. Sometimes when you’re having a bad day, you’ll hang out in front of it, analyzing your favorite numbers.

I hope balancing Mommy’s checkbook in a few years will be equally as cathartic.

Last month, your dad and I realized we’re failing on instilling a strong work ethic within you. In your defense, cleaning out the ditch was a thankless job but your reaction is one I’ve never seen before: Disbelief, outrage, extreme mourning and then murmuring. Your dad and I had to conceal our laughter to see you, tears streaming down your face, muttering fake swear words under your breath, as if every pent-up frustration you’ve ever had toward our parental dictatorship was brewing over.

It just gets worse from here, Son.

Despite your uncharacteristic outburst, you are sweet and agreeable most of the time. You live in a world of black and white and have the gift of discernment to know, even at a very young age, what is good and what is bad. Suffice it to say, your sister (who lives in a world of gray) frequently stresses you out and we will undoubtedly form a support group during her teen-age years.

You absolutely LOVE Mario. Seanus and Seanie are your Wii buddies and you recently gained the admiration of my friend Lisa’s son Keith who is six years your senior. He was initially hesitant to hang out with you but after a few hours, he was a Bode convert after you both made it to level six for the first time. I started to compliment Keith but he interrupted and admitted, “It was all Bode who discovered a secret passageway. He’s really amazing.”

If you had a different mother who did not drag you all over tarnation, you’d be content to hang out at home but you’re a seasoned traveler and braved 31 hours in the car on our road trip to Canada. Your favorite trip ever was our Disney Cruise but you love adventures in our backyard as well. One evening, we took a family bike ride to the water tower. As you raced down the hill, Jamie had an epiphany.

“That’s him. Bode as he is right now. He is who I saw.”

I immediately knew what he was talking about. Before we got married, Jamie told me about a very revealing vision he had where he saw our children: a boy and a girl.

That revelatory glimpse had all been forgotten until that moment as we looked at you laughing, racing and playing. It was as if our past came full-circle with the dreams of the future. We are a family and are so very grateful to have you be an essential…and eternal part of it.

Love,
Mommy

=====

For a stroll down memory lane, birthday letters 1, 2, 3, and 4.

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

Calgary Stampede: The Truth Revealed

July 16, 2011 By

The revelation is not that these rascals of mine can be troublemakers. I’ve known that for a while.
The truth that was revealed at the Calgary Stampede yesterday: I’ve been struggling FOR A YEAR to get Bode to smile for a camera and I was going about it all wrong.

Put that kid on a “wanted” poster and he shines.

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

How Jamie and I do long-distance romance

July 15, 2011 By

Me: “Did you hang up on me?”

Him: “No. I dropped the phone & nearly broke it.”

Me: “That’s better.”

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

So many updates, so little time

July 14, 2011 By

Our past week in numbers:

*2 Countries (Canada and U.S.)
*2 Provinces (British Columbia, Alberta)
*4 States (Colorado, Wyoming, Utah and Idaho)
*31 hours in the car
*1,729 miles

So much could have gone wrong but didn’t. The kids and I not only survived the longest road-trip of our lives but I’m proud to say my intrepid travelers thrived.

I have many stories to share of tearing down the steepest zipline in the world at Utah Olympic Park, visiting dear friends in Boise, Sandpoint, ID’s glorious lakeside retreat and, of course, Calgary’s many charms including the world-famous Calgary Stampede tomorrow.

For now, I am happily tucked away in my childhood home in Calgary. The temperatures are what I live for in: mid-70s and mild. Denver’s 90+-degree summers are my personal hell because I cannot sleep in our bedroom’s inferno and my mop of hair serves as an electric blanket.

On high.

My parent’s place is an entirely different story. Their backyard is an oasis of shade trees and beautiful flowers. The kids and I are sacking out in their cool and dark basement. In fact, the kids were downright cold last night and I closed their door to keep the room completely black. I was woken up at 8 a.m. by a little voice next door:

“Mommy. Is it morning yet?”
“Yes, it’s time to get up!”
“It’s so dark in here we can’t find the door to get out of our bedroom!”

I may never leave.

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

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

Wishful thinking from the birthday boy

July 12, 2011 By

Bode is lucking out. He officially turns five on July 18 but since Jamie won’t be in Canada with us, we had a “pretend birthday party” for him before we embarked on our trip to Canada. The true motivation? I saw a Cars cake on clearance and most of his birthday presents are movies he will watch during the long drive.

Of course, he doesn’t know or care and was delighted to celebrate on two different days. We started at swim lessons and then had a Mario marathon on the Wii that afternoon.

That’s just a nice way of saying Mommy had a downtown meeting and Daddy was busy working downstairs.

Again, Bode didn’t care and was in his element. After a dinner of burgers and chips, we opened his presents (six movies, a Pillow Pet, a professional bubble machine from Grandma B. and a few misc. items).

We topped it off with his Cars cake. “Make a wish before!” Jamie instructed. Bode thoughtfully paused before attempting to blow out his five candles. He only succeeded in extinguishing one.

“That means you have FOUR girlfriends!” Haddie teased her notoriously girl-shy brother.

Bode looked her in distaste, wrinkled his nose and proclaimed “NOOOO. I didn’t wish for DAT!”

Give it a few years, son.

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

10 Activities to Keep Your Kids (Ages 3+) Entertained on Long Road-trips

July 11, 2011 By

This week, I am embarking on a multi-state road-trip by myself with two kids.

If you have never been impressed with me, now is your opportunity.

I am already nine hours into it and am currently in Utah where i attended Evo Conference last week. Over the next few days, I will drive to Sandpoint (one of Idaho’s hidden jewels) and we will ultimately spend the duration of our vacation in my hometown, Calgary.

While I have traveled extensively with my kids (ages 4 and 7), I have never tackled a vacation of this magnitude. For our extended road-trips, Jamie and I have tag-teamed but being the lone member of the entertainment committee is daunting, especially because I’ll be consumed with the task of not veering off the road and killing us.

If you’ve ever played referee to your kids in the backseat, you know what I’m talking about.

Here are a few activities I’ve rounded up to keep the kids entertained:<!–more–>
<a href=”http://www.milehighmamas.com/wp-content/blogs.dir/66/files/2011/07/audio.jpg”><img title=”audio” src=”http://www.milehighmamas.com/wp-content/blogs.dir/66/files/2011/07/audio-263×300.jpg” alt=”" width=”263″ height=”300″ /></a>
<li><strong>Books on tape.</strong> We’ve never tried listening to audio CDs so my fingers are crossed this will be a new favorite. We rented several from the library including Flat Stanley, various Magic Tree House Collections and Classic Fairy Tales. For a fantastic age-by-age guide on the best audio books (starting age 2), check-out <a href=”http://www.travelsavvymom.com/blog/resources/the-best-audio-books-for-kids/”>Travel Savvy Mom</a>.</li>
<li><strong>Summer journals.</strong> At the beginning of the summer, I gave each child a notebook we dedicated as their summer journal where they could write and draw their favorite activities. Our goal is to be on the lookout for fun roadside treasures to sketch in our travel journal, which is where we will also preserve many of our souvenirs. We also like to make funny signs and pictures to display when we pass cars.</li>
<li><strong>Maps</strong>. My kids are not directionally-challenged like their mother and they adore maps. I always print out Google maps and we also follow our route in our Rand McNally book of maps. When I’m really organized, I do some research and share fun things the children who live in that area like to do. Many times, this is where we’ll stop for our regular breaks.</li>
<a href=”http://www.milehighmamas.com/wp-content/blogs.dir/66/files/2011/07/easel.jpg”><img title=”easel” src=”http://www.milehighmamas.com/wp-content/blogs.dir/66/files/2011/07/easel.jpg” alt=”" width=”300″ height=”300″ /></a>
<li><strong>Coloring/craft projects</strong>.  I have a travel easel for each child where they draw, make crafts and play games (I used a cookie sheet when they were younger because constantly picking up dropped items gets old, fast). This time around, I have a big ol’ laundry basket in between the kids’ car seats replete with coloring books, notebooks, crafts, tape, pipe cleaners, crayons and markers. Easy access means mama won’t be turning around every five minutes to help (in an ideal world).</li>
<li><strong>Movies</strong> (and lots of them). We are not fortunate enough to have a DVD player in our car so will bring our portable one. Because the car is noisy, I always bring a head phone splitter so both of my kids can listen with their headphones.</li>
<li><strong>Nintendo DS.</strong> We have a Wii at home and my kids are only allowed to play the DS on road-trips so it is a privilege they look forward to. At home, their recent addiction is the new Wii Play Motion (12 crazy-fun games and our favorite is bonking the garden vermin Linkon the noggin’ is a Whack-a-mole game on steroids). Since we don’t have the Wii Play Motion on the DS, the kiddos love Super Mario and also Mario vs. Donkey Kong.</li>
<li><strong>Dollar Store.</strong> I am convinced the Dollar Store was made expressly for kids on road trips. The week prior to our vacation, I assigned my kids various chores around the house. With the money they earned, I set them loose at the Dollar Store to relish in the glory of cheap plastic toys that I do not care if they get broken.</li>
<a href=”http://www.milehighmamas.com/wp-content/blogs.dir/66/files/2011/07/hippo1.jpg”><img title=”hippo” src=”http://www.milehighmamas.com/wp-content/blogs.dir/66/files/2011/07/hippo1-297×300.jpg” alt=”" width=”297″ height=”300″ /></a>
<li><strong>Travel Games</strong>. We have a great collection of travel-sized games that ranges from Hungry Hungry Hippos to magnetic playing cards. After losing numerous game pieces to our car’s Black Hole, we now keep them in an enclosed container. You can also find a lot of great printable car games online and don’t forget about the old classics like “I Spy” or the license plate game.</li>
<li><strong>Books</strong>. My kids aren’t big readers yet so this won’t hold their attention for long but I’m hoping to spend at least a half-hour each day listening to them read.</li>
<li><strong>Healthy snacks</strong>. In the past, our road-trip offerings have been solely junk food. While we will have treats, my goal is to take plenty of fresh fruit, nuts, trail mix, Pirate’s Booty and granola bars. I’m also giving each child their own snack bag so they don’t fight over the food (I speak from experience.)</li>
<em><strong>What are your must-have items for long road trips with your kids?</strong></em>

Photos:<a href=”http://www.americanprofile.com/articles/road-trip-tips-kids/”> American Profile</a>, <a href=”http://www.journeyetc.com/travel-tips/top-travel-tips-for-road-trips-with-kids/”>Journey Etc.</a>

Filed Under: Family, Family travel, Humor

My Summer Travels: The Great Canadian Road Trip

July 6, 2011 By

On Monday, I am embarking on our cross-country road-trip to Canada with the kids. The Lord of the Gourds may-or-may not be joining us near the end. He has to work and it is, of course, the peak of pumpkin season.

I’m so thrilled about this trip because we will be spending a couple of weeks in my hometown Calgary and camping in my favorite place on earth.

As previously mentioned, Grandma invited Hadley to fly out early and spend the 4th of July in Utah. Bode and I braved the long drive (we’re not bitter) where we will spend some time with Jamie’s family before I head over for the social media Evo Conference July 7-9 in Park City!


Then, it will be onto Rexburg, ID to visit my dear friend Jason and his family who were like surrogate parents when I went to Ricks College (now BYU Idaho).


Let’s hope Hadley has a better day than our visit with him a few years ago.

Then, we’re driving eight hours north to one of Idaho’s hidden gems: Sandpoint, ID where we will be meet my parents to celebrate my mom’s (ahem) 29th birthday. I’m looking forward to some downtime at Dover Bay Bungalows on the banks of magnificent Lake Pend Oreille, Idaho’s largest lake.

Photo: R.J. White, Sandpoint Magazine

Well, if downtime consist of checking out the darling shops in Sandpoint, kayaking, hiking the 9 miles of trails in the area, swimming and biking lift-serviced Schweitzer Mountain Resort.

From there, it will be homeward bound to Calgary with oodles of cousin time, the zoo, biking along the Bow River and of course, The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth, The Calgary Stampede July 8-17, 2011.

Photo: CBC.ca

Calgary will also likely consist of my brother Pat dragging us out on the lake where it will be confirmed that I suck and will always suck at water-skiing.

From there, we’ll begin our drive back to Denver via my favorite place on earth. I’ve traveled the world and for me, there is no greater destination than Waterton Lakes National Park, located just north of the U.S. border. I’ll have many details to come about my favorite childhood haunt in this hauntingly beautiful enclave.

Photo: Kevin P. Rauch

And of course, the other side of Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park is glorious Glacier National Park where we will camp, play and marvel at one of the most beautiful drives along the lower 48: Going-to-the-Sun Road.

Photo: St. Mary Lake, Jon Tester

Our summer will consist of lots of family time, driving and camping. I’ve been asked if Jamie will be dismayed we’ll be gone so long and he alleges he will be. But to be honest, I’m usually a single mother in July because he’s slammed with his pumpkins, work and church responsibilities. Plus, unlimited time in the pumpkin patch without the wife nagging about family responsibilities?

It’s his version of a bachelor party.

Updated: Jamie and I were featured on the premiere of NBC’s The Marriage Ref regarding his pumpkin addiction. For a behind-the-scenes glimpse, go here.

© Crazy Bloggin’ Canuck–A Denver Mom’s Blog
Filed Under: Canada, Family travel, Humor, pumpkins, travel Tagged With:
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