Lions and Tigers and Bears (and River Otters and Moose), OH MY!!

Today was the member preview of the newest exhibit at the Cheyenne Moutain Zoo.  Jerry, Elaine and I went together and had a fabulous family outing!  It was even more fun because the animals were out and playing, swimming, moving  and eating this morning. 

Rocky Mountain Wild includes bald eagles, river otters, mountain lions, bobcats, moose and grizzly bears.  The addition is beautiful and is going to be a great draw for the zoo this summer!  Along with seeing the newest animals, we fed the birds, giraffes (my absolute favorite part of the zoo!!!) and rode the kiddie train.  We are so lucky to have this fantastic zoo so close to our house! 

Entrance to the newest exhibit

Bald eagle and grizzly exhibit

Jerry feeding the Budgie Buddies

Elaine and I petting a sleepy goat

Elaine’s first ride on the kiddie train

Feeding the giraffes–no it didn’t eat her entire arm!!

Elaine’s not freaked out by the long tongue!!!

 

 

The sandbox is full…

Our neighborhood is filled with dozens of kids ranging in age from 2 to 16.  It is rare to be outside and not see at least 1 of them skateboarding, sledding, riding an bike, playing basketball or some other team sport or just sitting on somebody’s front lawn.  We are SO fortunate that each one is so excited to play with Elaine. 

Last evening, Jerry was grilling out back when suddenly 4 kids rounded the corner into our backyard to see Elaine.  They saw the new sandbox and in no time, the lid was off and the toys were is motion.  They taught Elaine a few things and it was fun to see some of the bigger kids (3 of whom I’ve had as students) having such a good time with some of Elaine’s toys.  From the looks of things, we might need to consider the sandbox upgrade…

 

 

 

 

 

 

Art show…

I was walking down the hall the other day a wayward 5th grade boy looked up at me and said, “This place looks awesome!”  I have thought that all week and it was all confirmed when I heard that statement! 

Tonight we went to the Skyway art show.  It was AMAZING!!  This year, Skyway hired a new art teacher (and fellowSkyway alum!) and it has been nothing but a phenomenal decision.  Tonight sealed that for me.  The halls were lines with unbelievable kid art.  I truly mean that!  I have never been more impressed with kids’ artwork.  The color, contrast, medium and product are truly inspiring.  Along with having the hallways saturated with kid work, there was an art project for the kids to do, face-painting and treats.  Elaine had her face painted for the first time and ate as many cookies as she could handle.  (Pictures to follow–I took pictures on the school digital and didn’t bring it home!)

 

Beaches of Beacon Hill…

One of Elaine’s most endearing traits, so far, is that she loves to help.  She is always willing to do whatever needs to be done to complete any project! 

We got her a sandbox and bought sand for it over the weekend.  She really wanted to help us lift the 50 pound bags of sand and was disheartened to realize, and ultimately accept, the impossibility in doing so.  She was most relieved to see how the sand was finally going to be used and is ELATED that she has her own sandbox!  This summer, it’s going to be a daily event, for sure!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

I think it’s ok, but it’s not much fun!!??

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I LOVE helping Daddy!!

Make sure you spread out the sand!!

I think I’m getting it!!

This is SSSSOOOO much better!!!

Come and join me–it’s fun in here!

50 things…

I got this as an e-mail a while ago and thought it would make an interesting post.  If anyone’s interested in filling it out and sending it back to me, I’d love to see how you answer it!!!  (Some of the questions fit an e-mail so disregard those…) 

50 ODD Things about you! If you opened this, FILL IT
OUT! Learn 50 things about your friends and family,
and let them learn 50 things about you!

 

1. Do you like blue cheese?  yes–it’s a relatively new development,

            although my mom tried for years!! 

 

2. Have you ever had an alcoholic beverage?  Yes–sometimes I’ve had

            more than 1
3. Do you own a gun?  NO and I can’t foresee ever having one. 
4. What flavor do you add to your drink at Sonic?  cherry
5. Do you get nervous before doctor Appointments?  Not anymore

6. What do you think of hot dogs?  I don’t like meat to start with and too

           much processed stuff–YUCK!

7. Favorite Christmas movie?  Elf or How the Grinch Stole Christmas

          (animated version)
8. What do you prefer to drink in the morning? milk
9. Can you do push ups? I can do the “girl” kind.
10. Age? 34 
11. What’s your favorite piece of jewelry?  wedding ring and my

             grandmother’s wedding ring

12. Favorite hobby?  scrapbooking

13. Favorite Actor? John Travolta, Matt Damon, Johnny Depp, Sean

             Penn

14. Do you have A.D.D.? sometimes I think I could, but I really don’t

             think I do
15. What’s one trait you hate about yourself?  having too many balls in

             the air

16. Middle name?  Elizabeth

17. Name 3 thoughts at this exact moment. Have too many papers to

           grade, I hate days that are this busy, I’m glad Elaine was super

           snuggly tonight when I put her to bed

18. Name 3 things you bought yesterday/today: Diapers, powerball

           tickets and groceries

19. Name 3 drinks you regularly drink?  water, tea, milk
20. Current worry?  Having too many things to do, with and without my

             students before school gets out!

 

21. Current hate right now? Political candidates bickering at one

              another like 5 year olds

22. Favorite place to be?  anywhere Elaine is

23. How did you bring in the New Year?  Sleeping–sadly enough! 

24. Where would you like to go?  Ireland, Italy, back to Alaska, NYC,

              London, back to Australia (but only with a 1st class ticket),

              Orlando, lots of places!  Too little money and time right now!!!

25. Name three people who will complete this? 

26. Do you own slippers?  Yes

27. What shirt are you wearing?   Air Force basketball t-shirt–I have MANY of them!! 

28. Do you like sleeping on satin sheets?  not as much as soft cotton

29. Can you whistle? yes
30. Favorite color?   red

31. Would you be a pirate?  depending on the day

32. What songs do you sing in the shower? whatever’s on the radio

33. Favorite girl’s name? Elaine, Kelsey, Katie

34. Favorite Boy’s name?  Ryan, Christopher

35. What is in your pocket right now? Burt’s Bees chapstick

36. Last thing that made you laugh?  Elaine

37. Best bed sheets as a child?  Sesame Street

38. Worst injury you’ve ever had?   bone infection in my thumb

39. Do you love where you live? YYYEEESSS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

40. How many TVs do you have in your house? 2

41. Who is your loudest friend?  I can’t think of anyone who’s louder than 

             me

 

42. How many dogs do you have?  1

43. Does someone have a crush on you?  Not that I know of…

44. What is your favorite book(s)? Velveteen Rabbit

45. Where were you born? Colorado Spgs, Co 

46. What is your favorite candy?   I like so many types of candy–Dove

            chocolate, Reese’s Jelly Belly, Sweet tarts.  It’s too hard to pick just

            one…

47. Favorite Sports Team?   AFA basketball or CC tiger hockey

48. What song do you want played at your funeral?  On Eagle’s

            Wings, I think

49. What were you doing 12 AM? Sleeping
50. What was the first thing you thought of when you woke up?  I have a

            VERY VERY long day and I won’t see Elaine much

OK COPY AND PASTE TO A NEW EMAIL
AND SEND OUT TO ALL YOUR FRIENDS!!

First of many…

Elaine LOVES being outside!!  There have been winter days when we’ve asked the dog if she needs to go out and Elaine goes to the door.  Now that the weather is finally warmer, she is realizing it’s an everyday occurence again. 

We were working in the garage today and she fell and scraped her knee a little bit.  Then on a family walk later in the day, she fell and really scraped the other knee.  We ended our walk to come home and care for the broken-hearted girl.  Here is the montage of pictures that followed.  Even hours later if you ask her about it, the bottom lip goes out, the tears come and the trauma begins all over again.  AND, summer’s just beginning!!

 Upon arriving home…

Reliving the incident…

This will make it feel better…

Put it on just like this!!

Skyway Barn Dance…

Every year, Skyway’s PTO puts on a spring barn dance.  It serves as a good get together before the hectic end of the school year rush.  Last year, Elaine sat on my lap and watched all the kids dance.  This year was a whole different story.  She didn’t have to sit around and watch.  She was an active participant and thoroughly enjoyed every minute of it.  Her friends Lane, Riley and Josh were there too and she enjoyed having some familiar faces, although it didn’t bother her a bit to get right out in the middle of all the big kids either.  Elaine also loved trying her first ever root beer float–a very special treat!

Next year, the only thing that we need to do differently is dress the part.  We are sorely lacking on our cowgirl attire!!

Dancin’ with the big kids

Doing the Virginia Wheel

First root beer float

Elaine with 2 of her favorite big girls

 

 

 

Thanks Grandma Sherry…

We drove Grandma Sherry up to Denver where me met Great Grandma Jean and Grandpa Jerry for dinner.  We went to The Cheesecake Factory for dinner, which was a nice way to spend a little time together before going our separate directions. 

Grandma has been with Elaine for the past 2 days and from what we’re told they both had a wonderful time.  The Itsy, Bitsy Spider was a favorite this trip and Elaine mimicked the whole thing.  Before saying our good-byes we took pictures of the production.  It is too cute and something we definitely want to get on video tape before the moment has passed!!

 Oh the drama!!!

 Out came the sun!!

Gentle reminders…

I have a friend who had a health scare with her youngest son.  As a mother and a friend, I listened to her talk about the possible issues and couldn’t help but be heartbroken with her.  Today, the doctors told her not to worry or jump at anything.  Thankfully!!  For now, they’re watching, but optimistic.  Consequently, I am reminded to be thankful.   

Her crisis reminded me to never, ever, ever, ever take for granted that, so far, my daughter is healthy.  We have had our health scares with Elaine and been to doctors hoping to hear the best.  Wondering, in the back of my mind, if I should be prepared to hear otherwise.  As we left the hospital with our most recent issue, which turned out to be RSV, I said to Jerry that there are parents who have never seen their child outside the walls of a hospital.  It is simply stated that I cannot imagine how parents in that position do it.  I can’t imagine having to find the strength to face a child feeling scared, lonely and unsure and not let their own fears show.  It is unfathomable to me. 

To my friend, I say I’m here for her regardless of what is to come and am so glad to hear good news for now.  To the world, I say I’m thankful for my daughter’s health and don’t, for a second, take it for granted!!

 

Officially over…

Every year the Air Force Academy basketball banquet symbolizes the end of Jer’s busiest time of year.  The offical end of traveling, working late nights, working weekends, writing, reminding coaches of media commitments, press conferences, etc. for Jerry.  The banquet itself serves as a reminder of the short time the players are in our lives and it is always a bittersweet event.  Tonight, we recognized 4 seniors who will be graduating.  We also bid a happy retirement to the WORLD’S BEST trainer, who has healed countless cadet athletes and the occasional sports information director AND his wife.  They will all be missed!

An added bonus was that Jerry and I had a pseudo date in the process.  Thanks to Grandma Sherry who came to babysit, Jer and I got dressed up, actually ate dinner that did not include chicken strips and chocolate milk and had real life adult conversation for 3 whole hours.  Only 364 more days until next year’s banquet–I can’t wait!

 

 

Jerry with Larry “The wonder trainer”