Ho Ho Ho - Merry Christmas
Showing posts with label Baby Girl. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Baby Girl. Show all posts
Friday, December 25, 2009
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
Colorado Vacation 2009
Homebase for our Colorado vacation was a wonderful cabin called the Royal Roost; nestled between Mts. Rosalie and Logan at 9,200 feet elevation near Bailey, Colorado.
A true mountain cabin, our little home for the week was located behind a locked gate inside the Pike National Forest, surrounded by conifers, aspens, granite outcroppings, and a brisk, bubbling creek right outside the door.
The location was so peaceful and secluded that it took no time at all to decompress and get into a vacation frame of mind. After unloading the car, we lit the fireplace, cracked the window open, and in poured the bustling creek sound that would lull us to sleep all week. Oh yeah, we also opened up a nice Port to enjoy by the firelight.
The next day we ventured out to explore the creek, the woods, the trail that led up into the moutains, and to start to get used to the elevation! Those first few days, we were sucking the air for every molecule of oxgen we could get.
Well, two of us were ... baby girl turned out to be a natural-born, sure-footed mountain goat (or perhaps, lamb.) She ran and jumped and explored the area all around our little cabin. We had a hard time keeping up with her.
We want to thank our great hosts, Tom and Judy Jeute, owners of Royal Ranch, Llama Adventures, and the Royal Roost. Check out more pics and info at: http://www.royalranch.net/ and http://www.vrbo.com/211164
They welcomed us when we first arrived in the rain with a huge umbrella, took us to the cabin and showed us around, and helped us during the week with local info. And the breakfasts ... oh those wonderful breakfasts!!! The cabin was already stocked when we arrived with coffee, hearty homemade breakfast burritos, and yummy chocolate muffins. They turned a great location into the perfect place to make our Colorado vacation special.
Thanks Tom and Judy ! ! !
We arrived in Colorado with a list of things we wanted to do in Denver and the surrounding area, but after we settled in at the cabin, we slashed that list WAY down. It was just too much fun to explore the woods around the cabin.
Our first must-do list item was to take baby girl to the Denver Zoo. Her favorite animals were ones she knew from the Wonder Pets; for you non-toddler parents, click here. So, in review; ducks, turtles, fish, kangaroos, and cute little animals are good; big, scary animals are bad. In all, it was a good outing, plus daddy and daughter got to wail on some cool drums!
Thursday was the best day of our week.
After coffee and another hearty breakfast, we started hiking up the mountain along Deer Creek. It was in the mid-fifties and the sun was shining. We explored the pine-needle-padded twisting trail as it meandered through the woods. Obstacles turned into opportunities as we navigated felled trees, roots, rocks, and boulders. All sorts of fungi, moss, and lichen colored the detritus on the forest floor.
We took a break on a small island carved by a fork in the creek. Celia sat under a tree and looked at pine cones, twigs, and rocks while we enjoyed the sounds of a small waterfall tumbling into a pool.
Back down the trail and nearing our cabin, we got another taste of the rapid weather changes we’d been observing all week. Clouds began to fill in the sunny sky and the temperature dropped 15 degrees. Not quite sleet; not quite hail; what can best be described as tiny soft-packed snowballs began to drop on the final steps of our wonderful two hour morning hike.
After a being foiled in our attempt to take a well deserved nap by our rambunctious toddler, we went into Denver for our, now traditional, vacation wine-pairing-dining splurge.
The restaurant we chose was Rioja, named for a Spanish wine region.
http://www.riojadenver.com/
We started off with a flight of artisan goat cheese paired with a Spanish white wine. Main course choices were: Pan-Seared Sea Scallops with Risotta and heirloom tomato-tarragon salad; and Hawaiian Blue Prawns with Crispy Pork Belly, and green papaya salad with peanut sauce. Each dish was paired with a red this time ... because we like red. Both dishes were amazing. But, dessert took the cake :-)
We ordered two desserts: a warm cashew tart, with chocolate and espresso custard, toasted cashews, and vanilla bean ice cream with Hawaiian sea salted caramel; and beignets made with sweet goat cheese and black mission fig filled pastries, and a ruby port wine reduction. These were paired with a white and a rose champagne. Best beignets we have ever had ... period. When our waiter picked up the very empty plates, I asked him if it was uncouth to lick the plates ... he said he would not tell anyone!
We also got a compliment on our "very well behaved chaperone." If only she was like that every time we went out!
One more night of wine by firelight and one more day of hiking and playing in the woods, and it was time for the long drive home. Why does the drive home always seem twice as long as the drive to your vacation? ? ?
A true mountain cabin, our little home for the week was located behind a locked gate inside the Pike National Forest, surrounded by conifers, aspens, granite outcroppings, and a brisk, bubbling creek right outside the door.
The location was so peaceful and secluded that it took no time at all to decompress and get into a vacation frame of mind. After unloading the car, we lit the fireplace, cracked the window open, and in poured the bustling creek sound that would lull us to sleep all week. Oh yeah, we also opened up a nice Port to enjoy by the firelight.
The next day we ventured out to explore the creek, the woods, the trail that led up into the moutains, and to start to get used to the elevation! Those first few days, we were sucking the air for every molecule of oxgen we could get.
Well, two of us were ... baby girl turned out to be a natural-born, sure-footed mountain goat (or perhaps, lamb.) She ran and jumped and explored the area all around our little cabin. We had a hard time keeping up with her.
We want to thank our great hosts, Tom and Judy Jeute, owners of Royal Ranch, Llama Adventures, and the Royal Roost. Check out more pics and info at: http://www.royalranch.net/ and http://www.vrbo.com/211164
They welcomed us when we first arrived in the rain with a huge umbrella, took us to the cabin and showed us around, and helped us during the week with local info. And the breakfasts ... oh those wonderful breakfasts!!! The cabin was already stocked when we arrived with coffee, hearty homemade breakfast burritos, and yummy chocolate muffins. They turned a great location into the perfect place to make our Colorado vacation special.
Thanks Tom and Judy ! ! !
We arrived in Colorado with a list of things we wanted to do in Denver and the surrounding area, but after we settled in at the cabin, we slashed that list WAY down. It was just too much fun to explore the woods around the cabin.
Our first must-do list item was to take baby girl to the Denver Zoo. Her favorite animals were ones she knew from the Wonder Pets; for you non-toddler parents, click here. So, in review; ducks, turtles, fish, kangaroos, and cute little animals are good; big, scary animals are bad. In all, it was a good outing, plus daddy and daughter got to wail on some cool drums!
Thursday was the best day of our week.
After coffee and another hearty breakfast, we started hiking up the mountain along Deer Creek. It was in the mid-fifties and the sun was shining. We explored the pine-needle-padded twisting trail as it meandered through the woods. Obstacles turned into opportunities as we navigated felled trees, roots, rocks, and boulders. All sorts of fungi, moss, and lichen colored the detritus on the forest floor.
We took a break on a small island carved by a fork in the creek. Celia sat under a tree and looked at pine cones, twigs, and rocks while we enjoyed the sounds of a small waterfall tumbling into a pool.
Back down the trail and nearing our cabin, we got another taste of the rapid weather changes we’d been observing all week. Clouds began to fill in the sunny sky and the temperature dropped 15 degrees. Not quite sleet; not quite hail; what can best be described as tiny soft-packed snowballs began to drop on the final steps of our wonderful two hour morning hike.
After a being foiled in our attempt to take a well deserved nap by our rambunctious toddler, we went into Denver for our, now traditional, vacation wine-pairing-dining splurge.
The restaurant we chose was Rioja, named for a Spanish wine region.
http://www.riojadenver.com/
We started off with a flight of artisan goat cheese paired with a Spanish white wine. Main course choices were: Pan-Seared Sea Scallops with Risotta and heirloom tomato-tarragon salad; and Hawaiian Blue Prawns with Crispy Pork Belly, and green papaya salad with peanut sauce. Each dish was paired with a red this time ... because we like red. Both dishes were amazing. But, dessert took the cake :-)
We ordered two desserts: a warm cashew tart, with chocolate and espresso custard, toasted cashews, and vanilla bean ice cream with Hawaiian sea salted caramel; and beignets made with sweet goat cheese and black mission fig filled pastries, and a ruby port wine reduction. These were paired with a white and a rose champagne. Best beignets we have ever had ... period. When our waiter picked up the very empty plates, I asked him if it was uncouth to lick the plates ... he said he would not tell anyone!
We also got a compliment on our "very well behaved chaperone." If only she was like that every time we went out!
One more night of wine by firelight and one more day of hiking and playing in the woods, and it was time for the long drive home. Why does the drive home always seem twice as long as the drive to your vacation? ? ?
Friday, March 20, 2009
Again Daddy, Again ! ! !
Six inches of snow plus a super cool SlideWinder sled from gammy equals little baby girl's first sledding experience.We'd been waiting all winter for a good snow, and finally got one. Time to bundle up the baby girl and head out the door.
This little daredevil had a great time going down the hill ... however ... Our little baby girl got stuck with old parents.
After too few trips down and back up the hill I was already huffing and puffing, and she was ready for more.
It probably did not help that she sat down on the sled and had me pull her back up the hill. Her little legs just did not make much progress trying to trudge through the snow.Great fun was had by all, and then we went back inside for some hot chocolate.
We plus-forty first-time parents have a saying in our house: "She's either going to make us feel younger, or she's going to kill us."
I think this sledding outing leaned towards the latter.
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Powell Gardens
In the latest stop in the continuing series of family "staycations," mommy, daddy, Baby Girl, and both sets of grandparents took a day trip to Powell Gardens.Powell Gardens is an amazing oasis of nature just 30 minutes east of Kansas City in Kingsville, MO. Nestled among over 900 acres of lush rolling hills, this beautiful collection of native and exotic plants, flowers, and trees; fountains, streams, and water features; shaded walking trails; wildflower meadows; and inspired architecture, offer a welcome reprieve from the strip malls and traffic of everyday life.
Sorry for the "flowery" language, but this collection of gardens really leaves a lasting impression.
At the end of the afternoon, rounding the last corners of the trail, we were all amazed that we had spent over 4 hours strolling through the gardens. Even if you are not "into" gardening, this place really draws you in: butterflies drifting from flower to flower--cool breezes blowing across the lake--shaded benches to stop and rest and enjoy--each hour draws you closer to the natural roots that stir in each of us.
This year, through October, the Gardens are also featuring "Chapungu: Nature, Man & Myth." These 54 hand-carved stone sculptures from Zimbabwe, all along the walking paths, reflected their natural setting and only added to the overall effect.
Baby Girl really enjoyed herself too. She usually gets antsy in her stroller, but she just kicked back and enjoyed the ride all afternoon. She had lots of flowers and butterflies and waterfalls to keep her occupied. I think the serene settings of Powell Gardens even succeeded in calming the rambunctious nature of a nearly-two toddler.
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
The Shark says Arf
Dogs, cats, bears, pigs, fish, and elephants--all creatures great and small say Arf!
So says Baby Girl.
Our little 22 month old is in full-on language experimentation mode. A new word every day; new noises, sounds, and syllables; numbers, letters and more.
Did you know that our counting system starts at five? and then goes to nine??? Five, nine, five nine, nine, nine, nine! She has started saying one and two with prompting, but goes straight to five and nine after that.
This past weekend, she woke mommy up with a reading of the LED display on her alarm clock. All fives and nines of course.
She has started to pick up several words from her Dr. Seuss ABC book: bee, baby, bubble, ear, mice, straw, and tree.
She is getting a good start on body parts: eyes, mouth, ear, hair, and nose with the ever popular finger inserted while saying it. One of her first recognized body parts was the belly button, bay-bow, she's still working on the pronunciation.
Her parents, daddy and me me have been named, as have her grandparents; dapaw and mamaw, pa pa and gee gee.
This is most definitely the good part! Next thing you know she will be saying, "daddy, can I borrow the car keys?"
So says Baby Girl.
Our little 22 month old is in full-on language experimentation mode. A new word every day; new noises, sounds, and syllables; numbers, letters and more.
Did you know that our counting system starts at five? and then goes to nine??? Five, nine, five nine, nine, nine, nine! She has started saying one and two with prompting, but goes straight to five and nine after that.
This past weekend, she woke mommy up with a reading of the LED display on her alarm clock. All fives and nines of course.
She has started to pick up several words from her Dr. Seuss ABC book: bee, baby, bubble, ear, mice, straw, and tree.
She is getting a good start on body parts: eyes, mouth, ear, hair, and nose with the ever popular finger inserted while saying it. One of her first recognized body parts was the belly button, bay-bow, she's still working on the pronunciation.
Her parents, daddy and me me have been named, as have her grandparents; dapaw and mamaw, pa pa and gee gee.
This is most definitely the good part! Next thing you know she will be saying, "daddy, can I borrow the car keys?"
Friday, August 8, 2008
Apple Picking Baby Girl
Well, they were really tomatoes, but Baby Girl called them "appo's." Everything is apples right now: roundish fruits and vegetables, roundish objects like her red Weebles--not balls though, they are balls--many red or green objects are apples, and even the dried fruit in the snack mix are apples (pineapple, mango, papaya, etc).
After firing up the grill and having dinner on the patio, we went out to the tomato patch for some picking. A family that picks together, sticks together!
One problem, Baby Girl liked to pick the green ones! Appo! Appo! Appo! That girl was a pickin fool. I tried picking some ripe ones and letting her put them in the sack. That worked for a few seconds. She went back to the green ones. So after we hurried and got all the ripe ones, we went inside. But Baby Girl was not ready to quit. She cried all the way up the stairs until mommy could stick a sippy in her pie-hole.
I am sure all you gardening parents have been through this too. And we were warned about the prodigious picking abilities of toddlers. So we planted eight Roma and eight Big Boy plants. That should be plenty for us, plenty for the squirrels and bunnies, and plenty of appo's for the Baby Girl.
After firing up the grill and having dinner on the patio, we went out to the tomato patch for some picking. A family that picks together, sticks together!
One problem, Baby Girl liked to pick the green ones! Appo! Appo! Appo! That girl was a pickin fool. I tried picking some ripe ones and letting her put them in the sack. That worked for a few seconds. She went back to the green ones. So after we hurried and got all the ripe ones, we went inside. But Baby Girl was not ready to quit. She cried all the way up the stairs until mommy could stick a sippy in her pie-hole.
I am sure all you gardening parents have been through this too. And we were warned about the prodigious picking abilities of toddlers. So we planted eight Roma and eight Big Boy plants. That should be plenty for us, plenty for the squirrels and bunnies, and plenty of appo's for the Baby Girl.
Monday, July 14, 2008
Garden Fruition
After months of digging, raking, pruning, brush clearing, planting, mulching, and sweating, our garden is starting to take shape!
I should say gardens. Mucho plural.
In the front of the house, there is a large rock garden with numerous groups of flowers, grasses, plants, and ground cover; a small sedum-only garden next to the porch; and a short bank next to the neighbor's drive with a peony's and English ivy.
The backyard features a 60' boomerang-shaped color riot of wildflowers backed with slowly emerging hollyhocks; an island of small, medium, and large sunflowers to camouflage the neighbors workshop; Roma and Big Boy tomatoes, green, red, and yellow, serrano and jalapeno peppers, and and a creeping monster pumpkin patch; and a fence corner rose garden surrounded by creeping thyme.
I failed to mention the most numerous plant ... WEEDS! Those little bastards are everywhere. If you have a bare patch of dirt, it takes weeks or months for purchased plants and seeds to get established, but give a weed five minutes of sun and a thimble-full of water and it's Jack-in-the-Beanstalk time!
Ahem ... excuse me ... back to the fruition part. Last night after a tasty Papa Murphy's Mediterranean pizza, we fired up the mosquito lanterns and the fire pit and enjoyed a nice glass of wine, or two, with some fresh-baked cookies (the oven was already hot after all).
Conditions were perfect: lower 70's, low humidity, little wind, and a cloudless starry sky with a 3/4-full moon peeking above the trees.
Before dusk, our baby girl amused herself with her favorite backyard activity, picking wildflowers. After it turned totally dark, she sat with mommy and daddy watching the fire and playing keep away from the dogs with her cookie. But all good things must come to an end, especially for those with small children. After our old knees gave up the bouncy-bouncy game, baby girl decided it was time to go inside.
More projects are in the works including a patio area in the crook of the boomerang, and a mulch-covered romping ground with a slide, climbing wall, and swingset to give the wildflowers a chance to recuperate from time to time.
Work is the operative word here. It is a lot of work, but we enjoy it, and times like last night make it all worth the effort.
I should say gardens. Mucho plural.
In the front of the house, there is a large rock garden with numerous groups of flowers, grasses, plants, and ground cover; a small sedum-only garden next to the porch; and a short bank next to the neighbor's drive with a peony's and English ivy.
The backyard features a 60' boomerang-shaped color riot of wildflowers backed with slowly emerging hollyhocks; an island of small, medium, and large sunflowers to camouflage the neighbors workshop; Roma and Big Boy tomatoes, green, red, and yellow, serrano and jalapeno peppers, and and a creeping monster pumpkin patch; and a fence corner rose garden surrounded by creeping thyme.
I failed to mention the most numerous plant ... WEEDS! Those little bastards are everywhere. If you have a bare patch of dirt, it takes weeks or months for purchased plants and seeds to get established, but give a weed five minutes of sun and a thimble-full of water and it's Jack-in-the-Beanstalk time!
Ahem ... excuse me ... back to the fruition part. Last night after a tasty Papa Murphy's Mediterranean pizza, we fired up the mosquito lanterns and the fire pit and enjoyed a nice glass of wine, or two, with some fresh-baked cookies (the oven was already hot after all).
Conditions were perfect: lower 70's, low humidity, little wind, and a cloudless starry sky with a 3/4-full moon peeking above the trees.
Before dusk, our baby girl amused herself with her favorite backyard activity, picking wildflowers. After it turned totally dark, she sat with mommy and daddy watching the fire and playing keep away from the dogs with her cookie. But all good things must come to an end, especially for those with small children. After our old knees gave up the bouncy-bouncy game, baby girl decided it was time to go inside.
More projects are in the works including a patio area in the crook of the boomerang, and a mulch-covered romping ground with a slide, climbing wall, and swingset to give the wildflowers a chance to recuperate from time to time.
Work is the operative word here. It is a lot of work, but we enjoy it, and times like last night make it all worth the effort.
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