Wiggly Good Time…

We were lucky enough to get to go to a pre-party last week for the Wiggles show.  We met Wags the dog and got to play and dance with other Wiggles fans.  Cory was here to join us and the kids had a great time. 

Elaine loved the mirrors–Cory was such a good sport!!

Meeting and dancing with Wags

Silly boy!

Last night, we went to The Wiggles show downtown.  We had great seats so we made a sign to get Jeff’s attention.  We had a can of coffee with us too.  Although Jeff and Sam made comment to Elaine and her sign, we brought the coffee home with us.  Nevertheless, Elaine loved dancing along to her favorites and almost seemed mesmerized by parts.  She like Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star best.  We met up with Lane and Mrs. Kemper afterward and went for ice cream.  It was a fantastic night for our little girl!!

Showing off her sign before the show…

Big Red Car intro

Elaine likes when Dorothy dances

Twinkle, twinkle equipped with disco ball and all! 

Dancing the night away

Curtain call

Fun Summer Days…

Sherry, Jerry and Cory came to spend a couple of days with us.  As with Brooks, it is so fun to see Elaine enjoy time with her cousin!!  There never seems to be enough time together.   They started the visit at the AFA where Jerry gave Cory a tour. 

The kids started out playing with the other neighborhood kids and Cory jumped right in like he’d lived here for months.  Last evening, we went to the park for the summer concert series but eventually left because of rain.  We ended up at the Manitou arcade and the kids had a great time. 

This morning, we took the kids to the library program and back to enjoy the fountain at America the Beautiful Park.  This afternoon we went to a Wiggles dance party leading into next week’s performance.  I’ll share that story tomorrow. 

The kids had a great time together and got along so well.  We had a great visit!!

Cory in front of the B-52 bomber

Cory on the campus cam at the AFA

Cory hanging on for dear life with Elaine driving!!

Crazy cowgirl!!!

Elaine talking with her preschool friend, Anya, and Cory waiting for the magic show to begin at the library.

Enjoying the fountain at the park

Elaine snuggling with Sherry to get warm

Such a sweet picture!!

Tired Pup…

 

Morgan lost her pillow so she was forced to use a puzzle box.  Do you feel sorry for her???

New Bedding…

I ordered  new bedding for Elaine and it came today.   We also went and bought her first regular sized pillow.  She was so excited to see get into bed tonight.  It’s always fun to put a really, really happy child to bed!!

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???