Dancing in the Dark

Grace isn't channeling Bruce Springsteen, she's just Born to Run.  Actually, she's Born in the USA and dancing at our family reunion in Nebraska (also a Springsteen song!)   Grace was having a great time this past weekend at our family Reunion.  This year we attended the wedding of Tom & Stephanie Morse.  The reception was great.  There were NINE cakes to choose from!  Grace circled the custom dance floor rotating light stencil MANY times.  Like her enjoyment of the swing, I wish things so simple still made me this elated.

Congratulations again Stephanie and Tom.  Thanks for a great party!

For those of you who know a bit about photography, you can appreciate how difficult these photographs were to take.  We didn't use flash, had the ISO on it's highest possible setting (1600), f-stop on it's widest possible setting (1.8), and with the slow shutter speed still required, and Grace running around, out of 30 photos - these are the only two that weren't completely blurry.  

Water Fountain Fun

Grace is certainly part me.  I love the water and will take any opportunity to go swimming.  Sarah says I'm part fish.  I prefer to think I'm part otter; I still need to breathe air (and I'm quite playful).  I look forward to sharing my love of the aquatic as Grace and Sam grow and hope they enjoy splashing around as much as I do.  This urban fountain in NE Denver was the perfect location to spend some time on a hot spring day.

When we took Grace to Pirate's Cove water park on Wednesday (no photoed in any blog post) we were teaching her to kick her legs and swim.  Here, she shows she remembered the fundamentals of a Phelps-ian free style form.  

I know what you're thinking. "Did she eat six raisins or only five?" Well, to tell you the truth, in all this excitement I kind of lost track myself. But being as this is a mini box of Sun-maid raisins, the most delicious raisins in the world, and would blow your tastebuds clean off, you've got to ask yourself one question: "Do I feel lucky?" Well, do ya, punk?

Grace channels Clint doing Dirty Harry like no other - it's all in the cold eyes and hard stare...

 

Bellevue Park

We discovered the best park in Denver this week, complete with kiddie train rides, petting zoo with farm animals, a large creek perfect for little kids, playgrounds and adjacent water park. We spent the morning riding the train and playing with animals. We packed a lunch and got Grace to take a long nap in her stroller then headed to the pool. Grace was a bit shy of the water at first but it didn't take too long before she was learning to kick her feet and fall from the edge of the pool into my arms with a giggle. A great primer to the start of swimming lessons which start next week. Below are pics from the morning activities. 

Papa and Grace with the train

About to take a ride through the park

Our little family of four taking a break from the animals. Grace clearly not wanting to pose.

Sam enjoying some time at the park, chillin' as usual

 Feeling the soft wool

Making friends with the pig

Grace learning how to milk a cow. Great grandfather Rosser would be so proud! 

Cousins in the Yard

Grandma and Papa's back yard is exquisitely manicured, especially when compared to ours at home.  Grace and her cousin Jack have a lot of fun playing around on the grass with each other.  Here's a few photos Sarah captured from a sunset play date among cousins.

Is that a lady bug?

"Hey Jack, look at he lady bug!"

Grace giggles with the sun light in her hair. 

Jack easily matches the cuteness.

Cute overload!

Nuclear level of cuteness. 

Quilts

Samuel's godmother, our neighbor Jessie, wasn't able to attend his baptism due to previous commitments in her home town (all good, I promise).  Let's blame that on Sam's real parents procrastination, specifically getting around to invitations.  Even though we didn't ask Jessie far enough in advance for her to be available at Sam's baptism, it was far enough in advance for her to have her mother warm up the quilting factory and fabricate some amazingly beautiful quilts for both Sam and Grace.  They are truly beautiful - take a look.

The extensive detail is really beautiful and amazing.

Sam gets a feel of the fuzzy back side...

"Thanks Godmother Jessie, this quit is the BEST."

"Tell your mom thanks too!"

Grace's quilt.  More owls, smart and cute.

Grace was home sick from daycare this day, and as such, quite compliant for photo opportunities.

Again, the detail is beautiful.

Grace taking advantage of some rest time at home.

Breakfast at Sam's

It wouldn't be Denver without a morning at our favorite breakfast joint, Sam's #3. It's not on the menu any more, but we convinced the chef to
Make us a Tebo-rito. Delicious!

Sugar Highs...and Lows

Grace loves her sweets, and Papa just can't resist the excitement and joy on her face when she consumes them (as shown below). We were all treated to Dairy Queen the other night and Papa brought Grace her very own small vanilla sundae. Small, not kiddie size. In this super-size me culture, you get my drift, right? She ate it all with a big smile on her face, then got ready for bed. Bath, PJ's, books, goodnight kisses all around . Papa was the last to give her a smooch and carry her upstairs when suddenly it all came back up. White vanilla vomit all over PJ's, carpet, blanket and Papa. I don't think I'll need to say, "not a good idea" next time Grace gets dessert.

Dog Pile

Everybody loves Sarah, and on the days she's working, Sarah time is in short supply. This pile-on happened last week shortly after her arrival to dinner at Grandmuhie's house after a particularly long work day. Sarah's love is unlimited, and all of us, including Porter, want to soak up as much as possible. What with the little ones fighting for her attention, how am I suppose to get some quality personal time with the woman who changed my life?

Strawberries Delight

The day before we leave for Denver to attend the annual Family reunion, Grace plucked the first strawberry of the season from our patch.

Birthday Round 2

Round 2 of birthday celebrations were this past Wednesday, Grace's true birthday, and I believe she is starting to think everyday is her birthday. Or at least she has a birthday "week." A dangerous precedent. Scott baked cupcakes to take to daycare, which didn't get eaten because apparently they only take "store-bought" goods to give out. What a shame. I don't even want to know the reasoning behind it. Grandmuhie came over for homemade pizza and opening of presents. Grace was thrilled with the new clothes, toys, and special quilts for her and her brother made from auntie Jessie's mother (more pics to come).

 Grace opening her card and cute dress from great grandma Grace.  "Ooooo" she says to the dress!

Grace got a doll house complete with a bunny family from Grandma and Papa. We've already observed "bath time" with the bunnies (after she takes all their clothes off) and then putting them to bed. She also tells the bunnies "no touching" when pointing to the pot on the play stove.

Grace received a special gift from mommy's good friend Angie. A spatula with her favorite dessert on it...cupcakes. Now she's ready to bake!

Sam got to enjoy some quality time with Grandmuhie while Grace was preoccupied with her presents.