Sunday, August 20, 2017

Grandpa and Grandmomma


Exactly a year after our first family of three trip to Colorado Springs, we were excited to embark on the journey again to see Grandpa and Grandmomma!

We were very hopeful our bigger boy would do better on the plane this year.

Unfortunately, due to weather delays and a semi-short layover, we arrived in Atlanta just in time to watch  our plane taxi away from the gate without us.  
We were stuck in Atlanta for the night.
Bummed about our delayed arrival in CO

We did see this cool grasshopper, though!

What a blessing that my family is in Atlanta!  Even though we didn't finally get a game plan from Delta until after 9pm, and we had to be back at the airport by 5am, my mom jumped into the car and rushed at the chance to grab some snuggles.


Delta even gave us a brand new car seat to keep since we had ours checked.

First ever train ride.  He was insistent on holding the handles.

Potatoes did great on all four plane rides!
He sat with Daniel for all except a half of one flight.

We had to fly into Denver in order to get to Colorado sooner, which worked out because Grandpa was in Denver waiting to be picked up and taken home.

We were so glad to see him and bring him back to Colorado Springs!

Our first day was spent mostly in the yard, playing with the chickens, the border collie, Jake, the cat, Charlie, and exploring every nook and cranny.




He loves playing car!  He wants all the doors closed and then says, "bye!" and 'drives' away.  I always make sure the back door is cracked- and lucky so!  The first time we played, there was a sudden 'click' of locking doors!

Our second day was spent at the Indian Cliff Dwellings

It was like a playground for Potatoes- tons of stairs and exploring
 

This stud....road rash and all



Trickster Daniel snuck Potatoes down the ladder when Grandpa wasn't looking, making Grandpa think he'd disappeared!



Making cornmeal

This legitimately scared Xander!

That night, we headed to an old fashioned ice cream stand
I got a peanut butter dipped cone- yum!


Being on Toddler Time and CST, we woke up early, so each morning we headed out for breakfast anywhere with a playzone.  It was a great way to burn some energy!

 




 The weather was PERFECT!

Colorado is so beautiful

We went to the most interesting place on our trip.  It was called Bishop's Castle.  This sign explains it better than I can

 

Starting the climb








Me, turning my back so I didn't have to see my two favorite people that close to the ledge


You're safe!!!!



I went to the very top step


View from the top

All that climbing wore him out!

Grandmomma, Daniel, and I all got treated to our first trip to The Melting Pot by Grandpa!



Colorado Ale cheese

Thank you, Grandpa!

Just like daddy

Grandmomma bought this Peter Rabbit set when they lived in Germany 
(Daniel was about 4 years old!)

Time to head home

When we got home, Xander went in his room.  Following him, I found this...
Jammin' out on the drum Grandpa got him at the cliff dwellings!
We love you, Grandpa and Grandmomma!

*I want to say a special thank you to Daniela for letting us borrow her pack n' play so we had one less thing to worry about in toddler travel!  And thank you, Alyssa, for introducing me to your wonderful sister-in-law and linking us up!


Saturday, August 5, 2017

Papa Comes to Town

I think my dad's heart has officially melted into a puddle for Young Master Alexander
(this would be a traditional British nickname for a young boy)

On my dad's most recent visit, as he stepped out of the car, Alexander exclaimed, "Papa!"

From that moment until his departure, the two had tons of fun and adventure.

Previously, Potatoes was too rambunctious around Grandpops to do bedtime routine together.  Being a bit older and a lot more attentive to books this visit, he loved being read to and tucked in by "Papa"

Per usual, we spent most of our time together outside
Walking around the yacht club


My dad was amazed at how well Xander swings

Sitting by the pool

Helping to put the stroller away after a walk

He wore his shades for all of about 5 minutes

But was not interested in his goggles

 
Though he won't wear one for a prolonged period, he loves to talk about hats and put them on both himself and others

My dad brought corn fresh from his garden.  Alexander loved eating it right off the cob!

On the second morning my dad was there, he and I were sitting by the pool drinking coffee when we heard through the monitor, "Papa!"
This was one of the only times ever that I have not been the first thing Xander seeks out when he wakes up.  These two have a real connection.

We can't wait for you to come back!