Bubble Boy

Investigating how the bubble gun works for almost a half an hour, Chase entertains himself on a warm fall afternoon.

I am, I am, I am Superman...

...and I eat Cheerios from a sippy cup.

What shall we do, Tom Farmer?

Chase treated his ladyfriend Erin to a day at Berry Patch Farm, where they saw a pig, chased a chicken, rode a tractor, and picked a (very) few berries. They enjoyed their time in rural America, and even flirted in the backseat of Erin's Mom's car on the drive back to city life.

Sunset Swing

A lengthy afternoon nap and a healthy dinner enabled Ace to stay up a little later than usual and take an evening stroll to the park. He continued his domination of the slide and commanded "Higher!" on the swing, illustrating his take-no-prisoners approach to after-hours playtime.

Everything old is new again

The trick to liking any given toy is not using it for a long time.

Today, Ace dragged this ol' standby out from under Daddy's workbench and insisted upon getting back in the saddle. Not only was he fully entertained by it, Daddy managed to get the lawn mowed while the Critter was safely out of blades' way. (For a further trip down memory lane, check out the March 2nd post.)

Through the looking glass

Chase is keeping his eye on you.

It's all downhill from here

Ace took his first solo spins on the corkscrew slide at our neighborhood park today, proving yet again that he is capable of more than his parents may realize. Even the trip down that ended in him flipping around and finishing head-first resulted only in laughter and a desire to have another go. No fear of gravity, here!

Tight as a drum

It's not only a musical instrument, it's a whole new outlook on life.

Grand Theft Auto

Apparently envious that the neighbors have way too many vehicles, Ace tries to hot-wire a Big Wheel and make a smooth getaway.

Circles

Chase found his bliss today running back and forth on some lights in the park.

Just Try It

Chase checks out the directions for the Crib Tent. The little smirk reveals he's already planning his escape!

Strange Days

Not every picture can be flattering...

...or even explained.

Up!

The family had a gondola car all to ourselves as we traveled to the mountaintop in Vail. We enjoyed a stroll at 11,000 feet and even a delicious lunch before riding back down and heading home to Denver.

Hopefully our next visit will involve snow & skis.

Swimming in the sky

Our exploration of Colorado continues, as we venture into the mountains for a weekend in Vail. (Thanks to Groupon.)

Obviously, Ace loved the heated pool and not just because of the view -- it was treated not with chlorine but with saline. Tasty!

"In da tractor!"

Be not fooled by the fact that Chase has chosen, for the second straight day, to don a preppy plaid shirt. This kid loves his heavy machinery.

Ant-Man

For a while Chase has been looking up at the sky in search of airplanes. Now, he's discovered the wonders of looking down for creepy crawlies. Today while walking to the park, Chase marvels at an ant.

Little Bill

With temps in the 50s in Denver and the first snow of the year in the foothills, Chase dons his Patriots hoodie in honor of Bill Belichick. 

Good Ol' Boys

Chase and Jamey talk trucks over frosty drinks in the backyard.

What goes around...

Do not be fooled by the cuteness of such playground antics. The real event of the day (not captured on celluloid) was Chase's escape, both this morning and after his nap, from his crib.

The cat is out of the bag.

9/11

Ten years ago, Daddy was in Harlem and Mommy was in Connecticut, and the smoke was rising into the sky for both of them to see.

Chase seemed to take his own moment of silence today, in front of a different sort of twin towers at the Denver Botanic Gardens.

Hopefully, he shall grow up in a world that is moving towards a better place.

Sun Spot

Chase discovers a bright spot at the Park Hill Library.

And, he got some books, too.

Shadow of a man

Our nightly walk to the mailbox took the usual route: everywhere in the neighborhood but the mailbox. As we turned one corner, Ace started to yell, "Daddy, Daddy!"

 He'd spotted my shadow.

Gear Head

The kid loves tractors.

Goodnight Moon

This is what happens when Mommy forgets to take a pic for Chase-a-Day. Ready for bed with all the accoutrements -- gaghie (pacifier), Snowman, and Goodnight Moon -- just waiting for Mommy to read.

Garden Furniture

Ace takes a brief rest on an oversize chair during his visit to the Denver Botanic Gardens with Mommy today.

Lionheart

What better way to celebrate Labor Day than taking your first carousel ride at the Denver Zoo with Mommy?

Prairie to Mountain

Chase checks out a gravesite from the 1870s while on a hike in Morrison, CO. Mommy and Daddy realized today that hiking with the Critter has entered the arena of "not possible," while Chase has entered into the realm of self-exploration. Luckily, for both parties, it happened that rattlesnakes were not ready to attack.

Captain America

Chase gets a ride at the end of our Saturday morning walk at nearby Bluff Lake. Daddy may be wearing the shirt, but Ace is the real captain here.

Happy Kid

Yep, life is good.

Fit to be Tied

Perhaps in preparation for his Auntie Amanda's wedding, the Critter tries his hand at tying his own neckwear -- in this case, appropriately enough, a Superman tie.