Happy New Year!

One way to measure a year: 365 photos.

Obviously, it's been a blast for Ace. Might even say it's been the best year of his life.

Ours, too!

Ride 'Em, Cowboy

Chase enjoys a wild ride on a "new-to-him" rocking horse. While on their evening stroll to the mailbox yesterday, Ace and Daddy met some new neighbors, who offered up this toy, which had belonged to their eldest daughter, now a college senior. We think he likes it.

The Little (Electrical) Engineer

Chase discovers that the Christmas lights are even more interesting once they come off the tree.

Perfecting Pointillism

The Lil' Engineer channels his inner Seurat (and a bit of his inner Eiffel in the process) as he gives his new Dot Art markers a first try. Thanks go to Grandma & Grandpa for this present, proving again that there are great artistic influences on both sides of the family!

True Reflections

At the Denver Aquarium, Chase strolls through the underwater tunnel thinking, “Do you ever wonder if the guy in the puddle is real, and you're just a reflection of him?” Deep thoughts.
― Bill Waterson, author of Calvin and Hobbes (Mommy's favorite)

Books with wheels

Family trip to Barnes & Noble today to spend Nanna's Christmas gift certificates. Daddy spent his on himself, but Mommy's, of course, went toward a fine collection of truck books for the Colorado Kid, some of which even came with wheels. Thanks, Nanna!

Santa came!

Chase dives into his stocking (handmade by Nanna), as he sits in his new wagon on Christmas morning.

The gifts were both thoughtful and plentiful, and he went to bed early, content and exhausted.

And to all a good night!

"Twas the Night Before Christmas

Chase and Mommy share a few Santa stories before bed. Ace sure is hoping the big guy will come tonight. Mommy and Daddy are pretty sure he will -- the Critter most certainly is on the "good" list.

The wonder of the holidays

The family gave each other a Christmas gift today with a trip to Denver's finest bookstore, The Tattered Cover. Mommy got two new cookbooks, Daddy enjoyed a coffee as he perused the nonfiction section, and Chase was mystified by a spectacular water fountain. The magic of Christmas!

All downhill from here

The biggest snowfall since we moved to Denver brought with it another rite of passage, as Ace went sledding for the first time. The adventure lasted exactly one trip down the hill, as the snow spraying up in his face ended the fun. Take note: high speeds and rapid descents are no problem, but don't obscure his vision.

And, it's shaping up to be a very White Christmas.

Haircut, Part II

Ace pilots the Pink Flyer as his flowing tresses get trimmed (a bit too much for Mommy's tastes).

Blossoms of Light

As Daddy's Christmas vacation officially began, the family took in the spectacular holiday light display at the Denver Botanic Gardens.

As you can tell, the Kid was well insulated against the night chill.

Double Decker

The Little Engineer takes Snowman for a ride on his newest mechanical marvel: a school bus/dump truck monster machine.

Fan Boys

Patriots 41, Broncos 23.

Mommy and Daddy cheered on the good guys from section 230, in beautiful Denver December weather that allowed us to flaunt our New England garb. Unfortunately, Ace had to stay behind, but he is well-primed for this first game in a few years.

Can't get here fast enough...

Las Posadas

Chase prepares to take place in the Posada procession, a Catholic tradition in Mexico which is apparently celebrated in Stapleton, as well. This re-enactment of the journey of Joseph and Mary involves stopping at three houses, along a candle-lit walk, singing songs (in Spanish), and trying to avoid getting burnt by dripping wax.

However, a delay involving a live donkey with diarrhea and dropping temperatures forced us to depart before the symbolic journey of neighbors began.

Next year, we shall actually participate. Especially considering that the final house includes, food, drinks, and a pinata!  Talk about Christmas coming early!

Oh, Deer

Now, Dasher! Now, Dancer! Now, Prancer and Vixen!
On, Comet! On, Cupid! On, Chaysa! And Blitzen!

Broccoli Surprise

You put WHAT in my corn muffin?!?

Giada DiLaurentiis meets Bobby Flay

Ace and Mommy took part in a little cookie decorating at Erinn's house today, although crafting culinary delights came in a distant third behind playing with unfamiliar toys and kissing & hugging the hostess.

Don't fear the fat man

Yes, we've reached the point of arranging play dates with Santa in an effort to overcome the terror that naturally accompanies being thrust upon an obese man in strange clothes with a concealed face. Stapleton has pools, parks, and playgrounds, so why wouldn't we also have access to Rent-A-St. Nick?!?

Ace clearly warmed to the fellow, although I can tell he still has his doubts about whether the old guy can actually deliver on the 72" television the Critter has been pining for.

Better than a McDonalds Playland

Chase takes a slide down the canoe at the play area in the REI store.

Mommy's Pancakes

Mommy made Chase and Daddy some delicious whole wheat apple pancakes and sausage this morning. Chase ate about four pieces of pancake fast, then proceeded to pawn the sausage off on Mommy.

This may look dangerous...

... but actually, it really is.

Jingle Bells

Adorned with bells on all four limbs, Chase joins in with the rest of the kids for a merry rendition of Jungle Bells.

Extreme Couponing

With this gently used grocery cart, Chase is ready to save some cash. He knows he'd win on Supermarket Sweep.

"I saw Ace kissing Yoda Claus"

After opening the Christmas decoration boxes, Chase fell in love with bobble head Yoda Claus.

Bouncy House

Chase is elated as he explores the bouncy house at Lil' Monkey Bizness.

Farewell for now

Chase grabs some last minute moments with G&G at the airport drop-off. Luckily, he'll see them again for his birthday next month.

Merry Early Christmas

Chase enjoys some Christmas cheer with Grandma and Grandpa in front of the Christmas tree. He sure has loved having them here. We will miss them, but know that we will see G&G soon.

Choo-Choo Tryin'

Besides playing "I chase you!", putting his face in the humidifier, coloring, discovering a tree in the living room, getting a bath from Grandma, Skyping with Nanna, Papa, & Nanna K, watching wedding videos with Grandpa, helping vacuum, and running around the entire house like a chipmunk on RedBull, it was a pretty slow day.

To unwind, Ace linked four Thomas train cars together, a first. Add magnetism to his growing body of knowledge.

We've Got the Beat

Grandma and Chase keep the beat at music class.

Boulder Boy

Chase lives up to one of his many nicknames, Boulder Boy, today at the Museum of Science and Nature. He liked all the exhibits, but he especially enjoyed playing with Grandpa.

First driving lesson

Ace gets instruction in proper hill descent from Grandpa, who arrived today for a delightful early winter visit. Tomorrow's lesson: "Double declutch!"

Hide n' Seek

Despite our best efforts to hide, Daddy found us.

Go West, young man

Despite throwing up a few times this morning, Chase enjoys a ride with his pal Erin in the covered wagon at the Denver Zoo. The girl in the back is a stowaway.

Stripes

While folding laundry, Chase demanded Mommy's socks. Then he asked her to put them on his feet. This led to raucous drum playing and, finally, a bum drum.

Wild Imagination

The Kid has begun to engage in creative play: bobbing toy animals up and down and declaring that they are "running," putting his doll into the crib to go "night, night," and, in this case, putting a handful of wood chips on the table at the playground and declaring them "cronie, cronie" (a.k.a. macaroni & cheese).

Daddy did need to step in to ensure that the play didn't lead to the actual consumption of the wood chips, but it was advanced creativity, all the same.

Pancakes! Pancakes!

Ace enjoys some Black Friday diner fare at Snooze. Afterward, he enjoyed an hour at Lil' Monkey Bizness and another hour at Ikea, where we supported the economy by spending exactly $0.00.

Giving Thanks

Chase enjoys his second Thanksgiving with our Denver family, the Cassetta-Waxmans. We are so thankful to have friends and family both near and far.

Ace was thankful that he was welcome at the big-people table.

Captain Chase

The Little Engineer discovered a complete airplane cockpit right in the middle of the Green Valley Ranch branch of the Denver Public Library this afternoon. He successfully landed the jet between the children's section and the DVDs.

Where'd Mommy Go?!?

An all new and novel way to play peek-a-boo. Just close your eyes and everyone disappears!

Still Cute

Even on a slow photo day, the Kid looks good.

Lovey

We all know Chase loves Snowman. But did you know that he likes to rub Snowman's tag on his nose?

Cleaning up the joint

Chase stuffs his face with grapes while Mommy continues her pre-holiday cleaning frenzy. This involves, of course, the vacuum, so it's been a fantastic day for the Critter.

Sittin' Pretty

Hey, look -- I have a new booster seat!

...and a tongue!

If the shoe fits

Chase went into a closet today and emerged with new footwear. Walking in shoes 10 sizes too big while drinking juice from a sippy cup proved no problem for this coordinated tyke.

Bromance

Chase and Jamey gear up for a high-five.

Down the Rabbit Hole

Chase enjoys a stroll through the Botanic Gardens today.

Boxed In

Remarkably, this did not result in injury.

Finding Refuge

On our third attempt as a family, we finally managed to visit the Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge when it was open to visitors.

Just a few miles from our home, the Arsenal has an amazing history involving munitions for World War II, Cold War bomb shelters, and 165 million gallons of hazardous waste pumped into the ground. And now there are bison running around. Pretty amazing.

By the way, Chase is looking out on Lake Mary. What do you think of that, Nanna?!?

What a pear!

Chase has moved beyond finger foods.