Colorado Visit

Last weekend we ventured to Colorado for Parker's first visit.  We flew through NYC on the way there and Parker did wonderfully.  The leg from La Guardia to Denver is a long flight, we were on the plane for 4.5 hours.  Unfortunately, the woman seated next to us was NOT happy about being seated next to a baby.  She made a scene when she arrived at our row with a very audible "you've got to be kidding me" accompanied by lots of eye rolling. 

Upon arrival in Denver, we were greeted by a much friendlier face, Jill!  We went to her parents house to pick up Fallyn and have some lunch, delicious Colorado pizzeria Beaujo's.  The girls both napped during the two hour drive up to Edwards and then immediately were ready to play.  They had lots of fun just playing on the bed together.

Friday night the men were in charge of the babies and Jill and I had a girl's night out.  It was just like old times for me as everyone met up at Ford Ampitheater for the season's final performance of the New York Philharmonic.  Unfortunately, it rained the entire time, but the good food, wine, and especially the company made it pleasant nonetheless.

Saturday was the boy's day off and they took Dan's raft and fished the Roaring Fork River.  Meanwhile, Jill and I met some friends at Freedom Park in Edwards and a good time was had by all.  We were joined by Anne and her son, Ben (17 months) and Sally and her daughter, Avery (22 months).

Saturday night we hired a babysitter for date night.  We started off the night at Vin 48 with drinks and small plates at the bar.  Then it was on to Sato for sushi.  Finally, we had dessert at Juniper.  Such amazing food and, of course, treasured time spent with our friends Jill and Dan.

On Sunday we picked up lunch and went down to the Eagle River.  The boys did some fishing and we walked around with the girls.

Then back to the house so we could get ready for the big Olympic party!  Everyone represented a country and brought a corresponding dish.  Dan smoked a pork butt for the good ol' USA.  We did Germany with soft pretzels and beer cheese sauce.  There was also Italy and a caprese salad, the UK with yorkshire pudding, Ireland with potatoes, and Australia with vegemite toasts.  Lots of kids at these gatherings now, it was kind of crazy!

On Monday, we went into Vail and had lunch at La Bottega.  The plan was to ride the gondola to the top of the mountain, but first we had to wait out a passing storm and so enjoyed some Mudslides at The Bully Ranch. 

Then up the gondola!!  Parker loved it and was beating her hands on the windows.  It was gorgeous after the thunderstorm and we enjoyed to hanging outside for awhile.

It was a wonderful trip and with all of the fun things we did, Parker's favorite was the little walker the Chalfants had at their house.  First, we had Fallyn sit in it so it wouldn't go too fast.  Then we put books in it.  Then Dan remembered he could adjust the wheels to provide more resistance.  Here are the videos and photos of Parker's walking practice.

We will always love Colorado and cannot wait to share it more with Parker in the years to come!!