Bono at the Sand Park

Since Ace wakes up and goes to sleep saying "Sand Park", I thought we would go there and see how long it took him to tire of the place. After three hours Mommy caved, realizing she should not test the will of a 2 year old.

Sun & Sand

The Critter seems not to notice the biting winds and frigid temperatures that have settled into Denver, and he is, in fact, quite insistent that a trip to the Sand Park is always an appropriate activity.

While Mommy may not agree -- and she assures you that those fading rays of sun brought no warmth -- she is always willing to sacrifice personal comfort for the entertainment of her special one.

Anywaaaaaaay...

Chase does his best Ellen impersonation.

He's really good at it. Really good. She should definitely invite him on the show. (If you don't see the connection, check out the last 3 seconds after the credits of any episode.)

The Other Extreme

The Critter went from soaking in the tropical heat and lush vegetation of the rain forest yesterday to contemplating dead sticks while leaning into freezing Colorado winds today. Nonetheless, his spirit of adventure propelled us through a chilly trek around the neighborhood, where at least the late afternoon sun kept Vitamin D levels in the survival range.

Garden of Eden

Chase had the Denver Botanic Gardens virtually to himself as he and Daddy enjoyed a Saturday morning together.

(Can't blame Blogger for posting this one a day late -- just a slip-on on the parents' part!)

Construction Zone

This dude was truly a man at work today, as he spent much time "dumping dirt" with his favorite heavy machinery.

A Perfect World

Chase enjoys an after nap whirl on the iPad with Auntie and Mommy.

Round & Round

Chase and Auntie enjoy a few turns on the carousel. As usual, Chase chose to ride the giraffe.

Catch Me If You Can

Trying to catch a bubble isn't easy. Chase discovered this today while at the Children's Museum with Mommy and Auntie Amanda.

Flying Ace

Chase pilots a fighter jet while visiting the Wings Over the Rockies Museum in Lowry with Daddy and Caleb.

Bucket List

Ace crosses that one off of his Life's Goals list. Next up: getting a ride on a forklift.

Knee Deep

Chase practices walking in the deep snow.

Naked Sewing

Craftwork in his birthday suit? The Critter thinks he's a child of the sixties.

Class of 2032

Ace proudly shows off his new shirt and future status as a Princetonian.

Hip! Hip! Rah! Rah! Rah! Tiger! Tiger! Tiger! Sis! Sis! Sis! Boom! Boom! Boom! Ah! Thirty-two! Thirty-two! Thirty-two!

Wet behind the ears

 Tubby time is fun.

Valentine's Day

Of course the little lover boy wouldn't forget to make a card for his favorite lady on Valentine's Day.

I love you, Mommy!!!

Road(side) Warrior

So, it turns out that car seats have an expiration date, not unlike milk and high-end salsa. Yep, it's printed right on the back, and this little dandy "went bad" two months ago. So, rather than face the potential dangers of Chase suddenly finding himself hurtling down the highway strapped to a giant puddle of cottage cheese -- that's likely what expired car seats turn into, right? -- we've converted it into mod livingroom furniture.

At least his truck book is consistent with the theme.

Shutterfly Butterfly

The family took a much needed "get the heck out of the house" trip to the Butterfly Pavillion this morning.

While Mommy enjoyed the humid climate of the butterfly house, Ace was a bit freaked by being dive-bombed by the little creatures, and retreated into his mother's arms. She, of course, reassured him that the little critters were no match for our Lil' Critter.

Present!

The endless birthday continues, with Chase become clearer about what a "present" is by the day. Our neighbors Nick & Linda brought over a book, which the Critter took great delight in opening. His wrapping-paper-ripping-technique is certainly developing quickly, as is his appreciation for Mr. & Mrs. Newton!

Go ahead and cry

This did not make Daddy happy.

It did lead to some interesting vocabulary development, as the Kid quickly adopted -- and incessantly repeated -- Daddy's instructions to "Go ahead and cry." 

I know: great parenting.

Godfather

It's good to be the king.

Chairman

The Critter ate much of his dinner tonight while sitting in a big-boy chair, sans booster. Such mature behavior, however, did not nullify the use of hands to rapidly shovel food into his mouth.

Paleontology

Recognizing his adopted state's rich Dino tradition, the Little Engineer tries his hand at uncovering ancient fossils while visiting Denver's Museum of Science & Nature.

Figaro

Chase looks on as an opera singer walks by singing "Figaro". We spent the morning at Boettcher Concert Hall listening to the orchestra as they played all around us.

(Note: we tried to publish this on 2/6/12, but Blogger wouldn't upload it until 2/7. Not our fault!)

Oh Well...

Chase practices his best Brady pass, but alas he couldn't carry the Patriots to a win. As Chase has so eloquently learned to say, "Try again." That's right Patriots, try again next year. You've got a fan forever in Ace.

Snow easy task

It took 6 1/2 hours, but the Cajun Critter finally got the entire sidewalk shoveled. He'd better pick up the pace if he every wants to make any money at this.

Clean Bill of Health

The first snow day of the year allowed the entire family to go to Chase's follow up appointment with Dr. Amy. We happily discovered that his ear infection has cleared up and his iron levels are fine.

A small price to pay for a little prick.

Going Greek

Ace enjoys an afternoon snack while lounging on the couch.

No worries: it's thick Greek yogurt -- virtually spill-proof, especially for a well-coordinated lad such as this.

Doc Ock

Double, double toil and trouble;
Fire burn, and caldron bubble.