New Toy

Chase discovers a new way to clean out his nasal passages with his new little backhoe loader.

Dino-rific!

Chase enjoys a little PB&J while leaning against a wall of real dinosaur footprints (colored in with charcoal to be more visible).

Indeed, we toured Dinosaur Ridge today, which is the top-rated dinosaur fossil site in the United States. The two critters who walked around here several million years ago were likely an Iguanodon and a carnivorous theropod, but you likely figured that out from the picture.

As cool as the experience was, Chase was frankly most excited by his sandwich and the ride on the tour bus. Hey, he's the Little Engineer, not the Little Paleontologist.

Snake Charmer

Anaconda, you got nothin' on Ace.

Dump It

Sorry to be repetitive, here, but trucks continue to be a whole lot of fun.

Spring Back

This cool cat and his Mommy enjoyed a leisurely afternoon on the porch. It really was as fun as it looks.

Paging Dr. Dyer-Payne

Chase was sure medicine would make this Puppy feel better.

War Paint

Gazing at himself wearing diaper cream on his face while brushing his teeth makes for a great start to the day.

Woodland Sprite

The Critter tried out his green thumb by going to each plant in our yard and giving it a hug. We both agreed this would help them grow faster and healthier, and they certainly appreciated the gentle attention.

Earth Day

Our plan for a quiet morning in the children's section of the Denver Botanic Garden did not account for the fact that today was Earth Day. Small tip: do not attempt to go to a botanical garden on April 22nd.

The change of plans, however, turned out for the best, as we detoured to Washington Park (2 playgrounds, a stream well-suited for throwing sticks, long walking paths, and lots of Frisbee and volleyball games to watch).  Chase particularly enjoyed his sunbutter & jelly sandwich during our first picnic of the season.

"You guys are the 1% coolest parents in America!"

For all of you who want government to shrink to a withered old guy manually operating one street light in the center of Washington D.C., we give you:  National Park Week!!!

Yep, free entry into any national park, so we got up early and trekked into one of the best: Rocky Mountain National Park.  Snow packed trails, 9000-foot thin air, and spectacular views welcomed us into the glory of acres and acres of condo-less terrain (and please, Dear Zeus, slow down the natural gas drilling around here). Ace spent some of the time enjoying the ride in his backpack and tackled some of the trail on his own, complete with Leki hiking pole.

And let's just add that the people who take advantage of your tax dollars at work are a fun bunch, including a twenty-something who correctly assesses, as detailed in today's title, our parenting prowess.

Who are the people in your neighborhood?

Chase checks out the passers-by while hanging out on the fence at the Turtle Park after music class. Truth be told, Park Hill is not his neighborhood, but we do spend a lot of time there.

Miss You Already

Chase's look of despair as Auntie Amanda said goodbye mirrored Mommy's feelings about her sister leaving. We are so fortunate that Auntie comes and visits frequently, but it doesn't make saying goodbye any easier.

Batter Up

Ace tries out our neighbor's new baseball and tee -- and hits a towering fly ball -- this afternoon in the courtyard.

While his form may need a little work, it's clear he's a switch hitter who can work from either side of the plate.

Carousel Ride

Chase rides the carousel at the Denver Zoo safe in Uncle Johnny's arms. He has loved spending time with Amanda and John -- showing them all his favorite spots around town.

Swinging with Auntie

After a two hour trip home from Vail, Chase and Auntie Amanda let off some steam at the Sand Park.

Ski & Swim

Ski resorts aren't just for skiing, as Ace enjoyed a dip in the pool with Mommy during our second day in Vail. The other highlight, naturally, was riding the bus. The kid knows how to make the most of the mountain!

Window Payne

What a treat! Chase gets to spend a weekend in Vail with his Auntie Amanda & Uncle Johnny.

After dinner out, he climbed up on the window ledge -- yes, we assure you this was safe -- to gaze lovingly not at the freshly fallen snow, but at the air conditioning equipment visible on the adjoining rooftop.

Hanging out with the dudes

Ace enjoys some quality playtime with Henry and Gavin as the "Last Six Weeks of School" party rages inside with Daddy's colleagues. The kid loved playing with some new friends, although he missed the toilet paper pranking that capped the evening. Yep, those educators throw wild celebrations!

Sharp Dressed Man

Real men wear lavender.

Treetop Flyer

A first attempt at tree climbing. Katniss Everdeen look out, you've got competition!

Shovel Ready

Chase was ready to work today at the Children's Garden.

Triken'

Chase looks both ways before exiting the alley on his "new-to-him" Radio Flyer Classic Tiny Trike.

On the Hunt

With his bunny-shaped basket waiting on the patio, Ace tracks down eggs (courtesy of Nanna) in our yard on a beautiful Easter morning.

Seder

Chase discovers the wonderful world of Matza tonight at the annual Cassetta-Waxman Seder.

ATW

This is how I roll.

Preppy Guys Eat Granola Bars

A post-nap snack of a chewy, chocolate chip granola bar keeps Ace's collar popped.

Sick of Trucks?

Not this kid.

Slip Sliding Away

Ace and Mommy checked out a new play place today, Baby Power. (What a name, huh? And... it's in a shopping mall, between Great Clips and Taste of Asia.)

Clearly he enjoyed practicing one of his new tricks: going down the slide backwards. That's pure baby power!

High-Speed Impressionism

A (frantic) Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man.

Andiamo

Chase goes full throttle today at the Children's Museum in preparation to ride with Grandpa on Andiamo one day.

Today was Daddy's last day of Spring Break. Chase and Mommy had such a fun time this past week, we will miss him terribly tomorrow.