A Much Needed Break

After all the crazy-busyness of the band getting ready for CMEA, early morning rehearsals almost every day, plus the regular concert schedule, and basketball games, etc. We decided we needed to get away. So, away we went to west Denver for President's Day weekend. I think this was our first family vacation, just the four of us.

On the way to Denver Friday evening, we enjoyed a yummy dinner (breadsticks, breadsticks, breadsticks for Kellen) and then a treat of ice cream. Rice Crispy Treat ice cream flavor did not disappoint!

Kellen climbed up on the luggage cart all by himself in a split second! This boy keeps us on our toes! Jenna could hardly contain her excitement, so as soon as we unpacked we headed to the pool, of course. Nothing like swimming to make you tired even when you're super excited.

Saturday morning, we were awakened by the hotel fire alarm at 7:30am. The clock by the bed said 6:30 am, so that's what time I thought it was as we rushed around getting kids, coats, and valuables ready to escape. As we went outside, we didn't notice anyone else leaving and only a few others (like us) getting warmer in their cars. Two fire trucks came - entertaining for Jenna. Soon the alarm was off, so Kevin took Jenna swimming while I took Kellen up to the room to see if he would go back to sleep. No luck. We had breakfast and then headed to Golden and the Colorado Mills Mall.

We had a great time exploring the mall and saying "yes" to things that we don't normally. We passed by a fun candy store and said, "Yes, you can pick some candy." And then at the carousel, "Yes, you can ride."

We went back to the hotel for a cheaper lunch of sandwich stuff that we had brought from home. We found that they had slipped this apology letter under our door. We had a great time turning the letter into a rap. Kellen was bobbing his head to the beat, and Jenna is still cracking up about it. Fun memories.

After Jenna had a good nap and Kellen had an unsuccessful attempt, we drove to Silverthorne to see the Ice Castles. Thankfully, Kellen did nap in the car on the way, so we arrived with two happy kids.

Super cool!

My favorite picture.

The great deal with the admission to the Ice Castles is your admission is good for the whole day. So, we went in the late afternoon, then went to eat dinner (we got the last table at the restaurant before people started having to wait). Then, came back after dark to see them again with lights.

Only, after dark, it was only 20 degrees outside. Too cold to stay long!

We had the best time! Yay for groupon for the idea and the deal!

Sunday morning, the girl child woke up at a very uncharacteristic 6:30 am and woke Kellen up, too. Kevin and Jenna went swimming while I once again tried to get Kellen to go back to sleep. No success, so we joined them in the pool. Breakfast and packing, and then we set out for the Museum of Nature and Science.

Jenna Moose.

Both kids loved the place. There was lots of finger pointing and "oohs" from Kellen. A perfect vacation from start to finish. When naps were missed, they were made up for later in the car. Lots of fun and no meltdowns (until we got home, that is). Just that little fire alarm thing that got our day started without wasting it sleeping and turned out to be kind of funny.

My Funny Valentines

Here are some fun times with my two favorite Valentines (besides their Daddy, of course).

 (See videos 3229 & 3230 in the Jenna & Kellen folder.) He's laughing and having a good time, I promise!

They were having a grand ole' time in the storage-ottoman-thing at the foot of our bed! Kellen was "talking" at the top of his lungs. And seconds after this picture was taken, dove head first out of it.

 Sword-fighting. (See video 3232 in Jenna & Kellen folder.)

"Music" practice. (Until he noticed the camera and made a mad dash for it.) (See video 3244 in Jenna & Kellen folder.)

"It's so much friendlier with two." - Winnie the Pooh, A. A. Milne

CMEA

 

Friday, January 27, Kevin directed his band (Lewis Palmer High School) at the annual conference of the Colorado Music Educators Association. They auditioned in the spring and were chosen from 121 bands. They performed an incredible concert and received a lengthy standing ovation from an audience of fellow band director peers and families. It was really great to hear all their hard work pay off and to hear so many great compliments from Kevin's peers! So proud!