Building a Better World

The Jefferson County Summer Reading Program is offering great interactive, informative shows.  Today we visited 2 libraries; Wheat Ridge and Lakewood to see two very different programs, Safari Sally and the Salida Circus.  

Camping with the Jackson's

We had a very nice, relaxing camping trip with the Jackson's last weekend, despite insane amounts of fellow campers having the same idea!  Mike and I have never seen so many people surrounding Meadow Creek Reservoir.  We luckily found a relatively secluded spot and still felt the peaceful, rejuvenation of the fresh mountain air.  

Our New Favorite Park

This is our 3rd visit to the Spiderweb Park since we discovered it earlier this week!  We came here for a picnic lunch with Grammy 2 days ago, although we didn't take any pictures to document it.  And here we are with Graceyn and her family this evening.  The play ground itself is fun for the kids but the beautiful views of the lake and surrounding park is breathtaking as well.  

A Day in Arvada

Lazy summer days are a dream come true!  This is exactly why I made the change to become a stay-at-home mom.  I want my kids to relax, unwind and enjoy their summer break.  I want to be able to attend impromptu concerts in Olde Town and wander around the Arvada Center letting the kids climb on the serpent and then finish it up lounging at the pool.  We are not taking ANY of that for granted or missing out on any opportunities this summer.

Franti!

A Michael Franti show is more that just a great concert, it's a motivationally uplifting experience!  Is motivationally even a word??? Casey, Sommer, Melissa and I had the nicest night out.  We tailgated with yummy Noodles and Company dinner, uninterrupted conversation and wine.  Well, no wine for me this time, Mike and I are in the midst of a 30 day alcohol free challenge.  Michael's shows are so good and uplifiting - you don't need a drink to enjoy them!

I was so wired after leaving the show, I stopped at King Soopers to shop (without the kids!).  Funny how difficult (and annoying) it is to take a 4 and a 6 year old to the grocery store.  As I wandered the aisles, I took a piece of Michael Franti's message with me, I made eye contact with everyone in the store and tried to exchange simple, small greetings.  It felt really good...and it was reciprocated!

Good Ol' Fashion Fundraising

Lowry hosted a fundraiser for the Alzheimer's Association.  We enjoyed a picnic lunch, bought a few raffle tickets (and won!) and spent 5 bucks so Lillian could throw a pie in my former bosses face.  She really, really enjoyed that!  

Fire Fighters Camp

Sometimes my wild and crazy ideas are a hit, and then there are times like this when I FAIL big time!  I signed the kids up for Fire Fighter Camp for a few reasons: 1.  I thought it sounded fun.  2.  There aren't many camps that accept 4 year olds (and Jak won't turn 5 for another month).  3.  It was cheap.  The kids loved driving downtown, parking in the big city and they loved the museum.  They did not enjoy sitting in the "classroom" and learning fire safety for hours upon hours!  I think the instructor needed to incorporate a few more games in her repertoire.  Oh well, I made them stick it out for 3 days, and then faked other engagements and let them off the hook, cause even I found the class boring!  But the pictures captured some fun.

 The building looks the same today as it did over 100 years ago.

John Healy was Denver Police Chief for over 30 years (When fires were very dangerous and frequent).  He also happens to be the grandfather of one of my residents from the Village at Lowry. I enjoyed the museum....for the first 30-40 minutes I was trapped there waiting for camp to end!