Critters…

Every Thursday morning during the summer, the PP library holds a kid hour.  Yesterday, was an especially cool one.  Two former teachers have gathered different animals and taught the kids about them, talked about habits of good pet owners, which animals make good pets and how to care for animals.  The kids were, of course, mezmorized by the live visual aids and I learned a ton about all different things.  Elaine loved the petting part at the end most of all!!

I ABSOLUTELY cannot stand snakes!!  For those of you who have witnessed this fear in action, I took a picture to prove that yes, I did sit in a room with a live snake.  Yes, I was totally and completely blocked from being able to run away screaming, but I didn’t throw up or pass out so I think that’s a small step (and believe me, both things crossed my mind!).  I was probably visibly twitching and I know I was fidgety, but give credit where it’s due, please!!  Pam, are you so proud???

Hairless rats–they say are one of the cleanest, best pets.  I think I’ll take their word for it. 

Yes, the snake is alive and crawling all over this woman.  I get the heebie-jeebies just looking at the picture!!!

Showing a hedgehog who was still frightened by the children.  It eventually did unroll and show its adorable face.

My favorite, the chinchilla, was beautiful and fascinating.  They hate the heat and had cold packs in their crate to keep them cool even in the air conditioning.  They also have the absolute softest fur I’ve ever felt on any animal.  I also learned they take their bath in volcanic ash, which was demonstrated.  They love this “bath” like most kids love their baths.  They jumped in and rolled around.  The friction cleans the bugs and larger dirt particles off their skin and coat.  I have never seen such a thing!! 

Elaine just pet the cute hedgehog.

Petting the chinchilla.

Elaine is at the back of the table looking through the cage at the dove.

First Dentist Visit…

Jerry and I have been talking up seeing the dentist for about a month.  We’ve talked about every “non-threatening” aspect of a dentist visit and Elaine actually seemed excited to go.  We all had appointments so Elaine could see what happened and how the equipment looked and sounded before it was actually in her mouth.  Our plan worked.  Elaine sat in the chair and the hygenist, Ms. Denise, introduced her to the equipment.  She touched her fingernails with the metal “tooth-finder”  so she knew what it would feel.  She also introduced the tickle brush (polisher), ”water gun” and ”thirsty straw.” 

Elaine sat relatively still and did an awesome job keeping her mouth open.  Even Ms. Denise was impressed.  All this and she got to pick a toy and stickers–she definitely won’t mind going back!!!

 

Introduction to the tools…

She chose bubble gum flavored paste and was very happy with her decision!!

Elaine was equally as good for the dentist’s examine.

Parade…

Last night, we headed to downtown Colorado Springs for the annual rodeo parade.  Elaine was excited to go to horses and cows.  I tried to tell her there wouldn’t be many cows there, but it didn’t dampen her enthusiasm.  As we waited, she kept walking further and further out into the street to see if it was coming.  We were lucky to know a few parade participants who were all so sweet with Elaine.  Our friend Joe tried to high 5 and our friend Mike actually put her on his horse.  She was less than excited about both although has talked about the parade fondly since.  We are already looking forward to the next one.

GOOFBALL!!!

Is it coming???

She waved to all the horses…

 

This is the horse debacle–she basically fell off into my arms!

Happy Birthday Grandma Sherry…

Today is Grandma Sherry’s birthday.  Cory and Sara were over from Grand Junction and we all met in Denver for a yummy lunch at Maggiano’s.  Although we weren’t together today, we hope Grandma had a great day–Happy Birthday!!!! 

Looking at herself in pictures!!

First bite of Creme Brulee…

with the serving spoon! (That’s my kid!!)

Stolen birthday hug from Grandma.

Cory getting in on the action

No kisses for Auntie Sara…

JUST KIDDING!!!!

Happy 4th…

Tonight, we headed to the Air Force Academy for the fireworks show.  We actually went back and forth with what we were going to do because it rained here most of the day (today was, by far, the coldest July 4th in my memory!).  We decided to try it, along with our friends, the Chisesis.  It was dry when we arrived, however, the rain started shortly after.   We ended up sitting in our cars, but the clouds cleared and we ended up with a very nice night.  Elaine was even able to see the moon–always a highlight. 

Happy 4th everyone!!

We tried to brave the weather for little while…

The view from the car–we stayed in 20 minutes, listened to Thriller, did a little car dancin’ and the clouds cleared!!

Elaine taught herself to swing holding herself up on our shoulders.  This is what happens with no entertainment in the car for 20 minutes.

Jerry and Elaine waiting for the show.

Cattle Drive…

As a kickoff to the rodeo, we went and watched cowboys drive 60 Longhorn cattle through downtown Colorado Springs.  We went to lunch downtown and got to see the Longhorn still in the pen.  Elaine loved seeing the horses and the baby Longhorn.  Definitely not something you see every day of the week!! 

 

Elaine’s favorite horses

The bigger Longhorns kept getting in the way of the babies.  This is the best I could do–they were pretty cute!!

Yes, horses stop at red lights!  How many times have you had this happen while driving???

Summer Wedding…

We went to Krista and Rob’s wedding and Elaine had a blast.  Rob works with Jerry and there were several friends in attendance.  There were several kids there and Elaine wasted no time making friends!  She LOVED dancing, especially with the bride.  Every time I looked at her, Elaine was gazing up at Krista in total awe.  Additionally, almost every time Jerry or I stepped foot near the dance floor, Elaine said, “Go back!”  She was in her element and needed no parent time!  Thanks Krista and Rob for including us in your special day–congratulations from all the Crosses!!!

Dancing with Krista…

Dancing with the other kids…

Dancing with Daddy…

And dancing with the groom!

Gettin’ Down…

We headed to America the Beautiful Park tonight for the summer concert series.  Elaine loved playing in the fountain and on the playground.  The music was by the fantastic Skyway parent, Joe Uveges.  We also enjoyed running into several other friends.  A great summer evening!!

Obviously, Elaine LOVES the fountain!!

Snuggling with our neighbor, Deb

Birthday Post #2…

Father’s Day and Elaine’s birthday fell on the same day so we had a dual celebration.  Grandma, Papa, Grandma Bonnie, G.G., Grammy, Bob and Grandma Shirley joined us for a yummy meal, cake and presents.  Undoubtedly, Elaine was treated very, very well by all parties and her birthday was a special day.  We were lucky to be surrounded by lots of special people on a fabulous day.

Father’s Day with Daddy

Papa liked Elaine’s signature on his card

Elaine helped Bob open his only Father’s Day gift

Elaine posing with all her gifts

Elaine loves her new Barbie dig wheel

Elaine’s cake

She loved blowing out the candles…

but, most of all, she loved eating the frosting!

After cake, Papa, Jer and Bob put the big wheel together.

Birthday Post #1…

Elaine had her party on Saturday evening at My Gym.  Mr. Corbett and Ms. Danielle did a FABULOUS job keeping all the kids entertained and everyone had a good time.  The kids enjoyed the parachute game, space flight and bubble frenzy best.  Elaine is so blessed to have such good friends who were all so sweet to her on her big day.  My favorite part was hearing each child laugh while doing space flight.  The laughter was that huge belly laugh that seems to come from their toes–there is NO better sound in the whole world!  When I asked Elaine what she liked best, she said, “Cupcakes!!”   Go figure!

Elaine was so excited about her party!

During warm-up

Lane, Josh and Hannah

My Dad wanted Owen to be part of the celebration

Mr. Corbett telling stories

They dressed Elaine up when the kids sang Happy Birthday.  She sat on the high trapezee and felt VERY SPECIAL!!!!

All she ate was frosting

Can you tell how much she likes space flight??

Bubble frenzy