Splashpark fun!

We went to our ward's Mom 'n Me group this morning, to a splashpark in Englewood (25 min away in the Denver metro). Unfortunately, we were the only ones from our ward there but it certainly didn't phase Alden. He had a splash! I love this picture I got of them sitting in the grass. What're the chances of getting both boys smiling at the same time?!?? I love it! Alden dove right in but Eli was a lot more hesitant. He didn't enjoy himself until we found a super shallow area away from anyone who was splashing. I sure have fun going places with my boys.

Fingerpaintin'

A few days ago I was flipping through this fantastic book that Sherry Smith got me before we moved, called, well, I can't find it so I can't tell you (sorry). But it is fantastic and I think every parent of toddlers should own it - I will tell you the name of it later! Anyway, it got me thinking about easy to do crafty things so we did some fun things that day. For breakfast, we made cereal necklaces out of yarn and Apple Jacks. These are pictures of Alden fingerpainting with dyed shaving cream. He had a blast and still asks to do it again everyday. This is a GREAT and easy art project for toddlers!! Another fun activity I came across in the book -creating a "nature" bracelet on walks by taping a stip of tape (sticky side out) around your child's wrist and having them attach nature objects (leaves, etc.).

A Hiking We Will Go!

There are TONS of great trails in and around Castle Rock and we've been wondering how to take advantage of them with two little ones. Well, here's how charmed a life I live: I dropped off a box at the thrift store the other day and there they were! Two fabulous child hiking carriers (or whatever they're called). I only had $11.39 in my wallet and the lady hesitatingly let me take them for that. Woohoo! Hopefully, hiking pictures to come soon.

Alden loves Ice Cream

This was so funny. We were at the outlets (yes, venturing out for the first time since PT-ing began) and there was this huge wooden ice cream cone in front of an ice cream shop in the food court. As soon as Alden saw it, he's like, "Ice Cream!!" And runs up to it and starts "eating" it, making these funny cookie-monster eating noises. It was too hilarious!

How I love Eli!

So we're on day 4 of potty-training (or, to be more specific, Alden in underpants and me following him around with a bucket of Lysol. Nothing in the potty yet.). We've pretty much been sticking close to home for the last few days, for fear of public accidents. It has turned out to be such a refreshing break from the outside world! I have re-fallen in love with my kids, especially Eli. He is just getting to the age where he is more joy than work. His little personality is coming out and it is hilarious! I can't wait to see him a year from now or ten years from now! We sat down and snapped some pictures during Alden's nap yesterday. Here they are!

Not much...

So we've been doing a lot lately as we get settled in here but...I keep forgetting my camera. We went to Castle Rock's family July 4th celebration...no camera. We went to a super cute old-school amusement park for Alden...no camera. So here are some things I have captured in the last couple of weeks.
One day I woke up and decided to make "bugs" for Alden for breakfast. He loves fruit so next time I'll have to try this tactic with the not-so-loved vegetables. It was a hit!
This is Alden and Eli playing together. They are sending cereal down the slide. Each time a piece of cereal would go down Alden would shout, "Weeee!" Eli can sit up now for a few minutes at a time. It helps a lot because now he can always see what Alden is doing!
Alden loves climbing into the laundry basket - so here he is! Speaking of laundry...we're undertaking potty training this week. Wish me luck! Any advice or tidbits of information on lessons you've learned in the process will be much appreciated! Yesterday (our first day) we had 16 accidents and 17 pairs of underpants and 0 "droppings" in the toilet.

Living in Castle Rock

Life in Castle Rock is good but lonely so far. It is BEAUTIFUL here! Our third floor apartment overlooks the pool on one side (we swim almost daily) and a golf course on the other. Yes, I did say third floor! With two boys in my arms, the climb is killing me but I blame the 6000 foot altitude change. One thing's for sure, by the end of this year, all my baby flub will be gone! I'm not buying a single thing while we live here because I'm already dreading having to move out! (Exclusion will be things found at garage sales. ;-) The area is gorgeous and seems fun and full of outdoorsy opportunities. And great shopping. The boys and I rode the train to downtown Denver the other day and we had a blast - lots to do there. Jaron's office is up and coming. It is in a super cute little retail community on the other side of town. Pictures of that to come.. I miss my neighbors and friends in OP!! How on earth do you meet people when they aren't just sitting right outside your door??