Meeting Baby Brady (Denver Trip)

Jim, Ben and I booked a last minute trip to Denver so we could meet Ben's newest cousin, Brady. We thought a weekend in Thornton, Colorado would be great - we'd get a little snow to go sledding, Ben and Chase could play together, we'd get to meet Brady on his 1-month birthday and Ben was still free to fly! Well, the weekend met every expectation except one - they had unseasonably warm weather of high 60's/low 70's and sunny! At first I was bummed we didn't get to see snow and go sledding, but I think it was a blessing in disguise - we didn't have to deal with bundling up, the boys got to spend a lot of time outside and at the park, and we could take Brady out as well. It ended up being a wonderful weekend - the boys were GREAT together - playing and having conversations, and getting deliriously funny when they were tired. And what a treat to finally meet sweet Brady who was just along for the ride most of the time. As long as he's being held, he's a happy camper. :)

On the bus going to the SD airport

Made it to gorgeous Colorado

On Friday, the boys spent the morning playing in the basement before heading to the big park close to their house. We managed to find some lingering "snow" on the ground - more like ice - and made snowballs out of it to throw at Dad/Uncle Jim. That evening we took advantage of the gorgeous weather and played outside in the driveway and street.

Chase and Ben at breakfast

Ben trying out Chase's new roller coaster
Finally meeting baby Brady

Ut oh - someone is jealous and wants in Mom's lap!

Off to the big park down the street

Making snowballs out of the ice - my hands were frozen!

Ben checking it out - hey, this is the closest we'll get to snow!

The 2 boys having fun together

Check out Chase on his big tractor

Ben stuck with the smaller, slower one

Baseball practice in the driveway

Flying down the driveways in the car

Nighttime snuggles

Saturday we took the boys to Monkey Business, an indoor playground. They had a blast (after a minor meltdown by Ben) climbing all over the equipment, going down the slides, and playing in the bounce house with Jim. After Monkey Business, Jim and I took the boys on the train that rides around the shopping center while Lori stayed behind to feed Brady. They LOVED it. We headed to another park later that evening and it was pretty chilly for the first time all weekend. To finish up our day, Lori and I made funfetti cookies with the boys and then Jim and Craig helped them ice and decorate the cookies once they cooled.

The cousins with their Elmo backpacks

Chase and Ben playing at Monkey Business

Chase having fun

Who's there?

Jim and I "watching" Brady

Waiting for the choo-choo train!

Jim and I with the boys, all ready to go

Jim and Chase on the train

Me and Ben on the train

Ben LOVED it!

Chase and Ben being silly on the bed after Chase's nap

They had such a great time together

The Momma's with their boys at the park

Baking cookies

Such great helpers - they both love cooking & baking

Putting in the eggs

Everyone loves funfetti cookies!

A big hug after a job well done! Chase getting down with the harmonica

Ben playing with Chase's Etch-A-Sketch

I loved hanging out with my sister - miss her so much!

Time for the Dad's to help decorate

Icing and sprinkles

Chase showing off his finished product

Jim tried to show Ben's finished product, but he went in for the bite!

On Sunday we went to the Rec Center to go swimming and play with the water toys and slides. I couldn't believe how nice the Rec Center is - for $6 you get access to an incredible gym with an indoor running track and rock-climbing wall, an indoor playground for the kids and then a pool, 2 spas and basically a mini water park! It was awesome and the boys had a blast - Chase went down the slides while Ben stuck to the water fountains and just going under the water in the main pool. They also both loved the family hottub which is hot, but not as hot as a regular hottub so the kids can go in. What a cool place.

Getting a picture of all 3 boys that morning

They didn't sit still for long!

Indoor playground at the Rec Center - Jim almost got stuck!

Fun in the pool

Chase going down the slide

Craig and Chase enjoying the water

All of us in the lazy river

Family hottub!Brady wasn't phased by all of the activity at all! :)

One more attempt at a group picture before we had to leave - not so successful!

Waiting for our luggage back in SD

Thanks for having us for the weekend - we had a great time! Love you and congrats again on your second little miracle. He's a doll.