Day at Elitches

The boys participated in the summer reading program again through the Denver Public Library.  Every 3 weeks or so they can collect a prize.  One of the prizes was a ticket to Elitches.  After looking at our summer schedule, I realized last minute that today was our last full day with no plans and also one of the coolest days of this hot week.  I thought with it being Wednesday, it wouldn't be too crowded.  I intended on getting to the amusement park right at 10, but LT had an orthodontist appointment that lasted longer than anticipated.  When we finally arrived, the line was really long to get in.  We ended up waiting an hour an 15 minutes just to get in the gates.  I thought the ride lines would be long (and maybe they were for the big roller coasters), but we didn't have to wait in any lines once we got in.

 This was Adler's favorite ride, the hopper.

 Mesmorized by the Octonots show.

 Driving trucks.

 Bumper mice.

 Rockin' tugboat.

Paint spinners.  They both really loved the roller coaster, but I am not able to ride on it right now and couldn't even stand in line with them, so I wasn't able to get pictures.

Famaly Rools

 These went into the recycling today (LTs idea so he had space to put up a homemade basketball hoop), but they needed to be shared before they were forgotten.  They are too funny.  Especially the "no potty talk" which is something neither Brian nor I have ever said to them.  

Adventures in Aspen

 The boys and I headed to Aspen with another mom and her two boys (nearly the exact ages as ours) for a mom/son weekend in Aspen.  The kids could not have gotten along better and it was so fun to see them each have a friend to play with.  We were outside nearly the entire time we were there, only returning to their condo for food or to sleep.  

 They built dams in a little stream.

 Explored the John Denver sanctuary.

 Walked the long paths that meander through the town.

 Swam at the rec center.

 Had to stop at the Aspen Center for Environmental Studies to have a pretty large splinter removed.

 But also to play, jump and explore the non profit land.

 Played lots of morning games while waiting for breakfast.

 And legos.

Visited a historical museum at dusk.  Apparently the night before a bear had been visiting the same museum at dusk and was chased off by a dog!  

 Fun in fountains.

Private swim lessons

I signed the boys up for the last session of swim lessons thinking it would be pretty relaxed, but not realizing what luck we would have!  They each have private one on one swim lessons for two weeks for the price of group lessons.  LT is making great strides on his dives off the block, as well as flip turns, breast stroke and backstroke starts.  Adler is perfecting his freestyle, working on his backstroke and learning to dive as well.  

Lair of the Bear

 The boys and I made a poster of all the things we still want to do this summer before going back to school.  One thing on their list was to hike at Lair of the Bear.  We had an open morning and decided together that today was the day (very last minute).

 Throwing sticks and rocks off the bridge into the river was a must.

Banquet

 The end of swim season brings about a huge fun party to celebrate.  It consists of a big potluck dinner, acknowledging each child on each team, awards, a slideshow and a huge dance party.  When thinking back to the potlucks Bri and I attended as kids, I remember nothing but lasagna after lasagna and was determined to bring something different.  The boys and I decided to start a "quesadilla factory" in our kitchen and make as many quesadillas as we could to bring, which we did.  Our two huge trays of quesadillas were gone long before half the kids had gone through the line.  I guess they were a hit!

All "dressed" up for the party.

There are about 100 8 and unders on the team this year, which took quite a while to recognize each and every one of them.  The coaches did a nice job doing it quickly, yet fairly.  LT is in a blue sweatshirt in the middle.  He was so proud to get his packet from his coach which held all the ribbons he hadn't gotten from the season, a sheet with a picture of him with his coach and his best times as well as a certificate for completing the season.  Unfortunately Brian wasn't able to join us, but we still managed to have a nice night together celebrating a fun season.  

Last swim meet of the summer

LTs last swim meet of the summer was last week.  It was at Skyline (the biggest competition for VV when Brian and I swam, yet not even close to competitive with VV these days).  He's been a really strong swimmer all summer, but he ended on a really great note after this meet.  He swam the 50 free for the first time, and did really well.  He came in 9th out of 42 kids in the 25 free and was 2nd in his 25 breast stroke, but qualified for league!  He was beaming and proud and confident.  Exactly how I wanted him to end his first swimming season  

Swim lessons for #2

 Adler just finished up a session of swim lessons.  We somehow lucked out in that there were only 4 kids with two teachers (the other swim classes had 8 or 9 kids with one teacher!)  According to Ads, he didn't learn anything new, but I disagree.  He definitely learned how to jump off the board and now swims to the side with no help.

Take apart, part II

Inspired by an activity at LT's school and an at home take apart project Kari did with the boys, I let them dismantle an old TV that we've had in basement storage for years. Good times were had by all.  And now we know how the TV works, kind of.