2 Months of Activities

I know it's been forever since I've updated my blog, but as you'll see, I've been very busy. Ellen and I moved to Colorado in July. I started a new job at the beginning of August and we've spent every weekend having fun!

Move From Florida to Colorado (7/11-7/13)


Ellen and Aunt Dawn getting ready to eat the yummiest pecan waffles in Mobile, Alabama.

Ellen looking at Jackson Square in New Orleans.

Ellen wanted to go on a "horsey" ride in New Orleans, but we didn't have time (and they're actually mules).

On our drive through Louisiana we took a scenic route that took us past many old Southern Plantations. They were pretty amazing.

This plantation reminded us of the movie "Forrest Gump."

Cheyenne Mountain Zoo (7/16)

Ellen feeding the giraffes at the zoo. Last time she went, when she was 1, she wanted to eat the giraffe's crackers and she was sad that the giraffes ate them. This time she was okay with the giraffes eating them.

Austin holding Ellen's hand at the zoo--too cute!

The grizzly bear was swimming in the water and playing with a ball. Ellen loved watching him.

Ellen petting the goat before Austin accidentally let him out of the fence.

I thought this was cute of Ellen sitting on the log and Carson talking to her.

Renaissance Festival (8/2)

Ellen got to ride an elephant for the first time at the Renaissance Festival just north of Colorado Springs.

Pretty princess

Ellen loved riding the frosting (what she calls blue) butterfly.

Ellen wanted to ride a horse, but when she found out she could ride a cow, she was even more excited!

Aunt Riana and Ellen were attacked by a dragon!

Penny Arcade (8/15)

In nearby Manitou Springs there is a penny arcade where kids can ride a bunch of rides (actually the rides are a quarter--or two). Ellen had so much fun going from ride to ride. As she was riding one ride, she was planning out which one she was going to ride next. This spaceship was one of her favorites because it played music that she liked.

Carson's Birthday (8/22)

For Carson's birthday, we went on a train ride (he loves trains!) Meridian, Ellen and Acadia got all dressed up.

Meridian, Ellen, Aunt Dawn, Aunt Riana and Carson on the outdoor train car.

Ellen and Carson ate pizza outside after playing in the sprinklers and on the slip and slide.

We had ice cream cone cupcakes.

Rolling in the BIG Ball (9/5)

Ellen had so much fun rolling in the ball with Sawyer. She especially liked to hang onto the handles inside and flip over as Sawyer rolled the ball.

Balloon Festival (9/5)

We went to the Colorado Springs Balloon Festival Balloon Glow. It was an absolutely perfect night.

Aunt Dawn brought glow in the dark necklaces that Ellen loved playing with.

Sawyer, Meridian, Carson, Acadia, and Ellen (Austin was hiding in the background.)

Colorado State Fair (9/6)

We went to the Colorado State Fair in Pueblo. Ellen liked seeing all the animals.

One of the favorite activities of the kids was playing in a sandbox of corn. (Ellen, Acadia, Austin, Carson, Sawyer and Meridian)

Ellen buried in corn.

Meridian and Ellen by the bunnies.

Labor Day Swimming (9/7)

Ellen spent quite a bit of time this summer at the Little Dipper pool by Aunt Dawn's house. By Labor Day (the last day the pool was open) she was getting pretty good in the water and could walk on her hands with her feet out. She was pretty good at kicking her legs and moving her arms too. Next year she'll probably be a little fish.

Ellen liked jumping off the side of the pool to Aunt Dawn.

Happy Apple Apple Farm (9/19)

Grandpa Dave and Grandma Linda came from Nebraska to visit for the weekend. We went to the Happy Apple Apple Farm to pick apples. Ellen has a Baby Einstein movie where they pick apples so she's been dying to do this! We had a picnic, after picking, of apples, cheese, crackers and peanut butter. When we got home, Grandma Linda helped me make an apple crisp. Tomorrow we are going to make homemade applesauce.

Carson and Ellen picking apples and putting them in their bags.

Ellen trying out one of her apples. Mmm...mmm...good!

Ellen wanted to climb a tree like her big cousins were doing. Sitting in one seemed to make her happy enough.

Ellen and Carson happy with their bags of apples.

All the cousins (and one honorary one) at the apple farm. Sawyer, Jamie, Austin, Acadia, Ellen, Meridian, and Carson. I thought it was funny that they all wore shades of green. (It was not planned)

Grandpa Dave, Ellen and Tammi trying to pick some blackberries, but they were very picked over.

Carson, Austin and Ellen on the tractor ride.

Ellen being cute at the picture spot.

Garden of the Gods (9/19)

While Grandpa and Grandma were here, we went to the Garden of the Gods.

Austin, Carson and Ellen found the "Cave of Wonders." (That's what
Ellen calls all caves from the movie "Aladdin."

Momma and Ellen.

Aspens (9/26)

Today we went to see the Aspens changing color. They are not completely changed yet, but looking good. We had some REALLY cold weather this week so we were afraid we might miss the fall color if we didn't go soon. We might try again next weekend too. Ellen had fun hiking.

There was some leftover snow in the aspens. Ellen liked walking in it, sitting in it, and eating it.

The mountains got quite a bit of snow this week. By the time we got back today, much of the snow had melted though.

A couple of videos to share. Notice Ellen in the ball and the other one is Ellen on the train ride for Carson's birthday party.