Monday, October 31, 2011

Happy Halloween!!

Elmo was a huge hit.  Our neighborhood gets TONS of kids!  I think next year he'll be up for the challenge. 



Friday, October 28, 2011

Carving the pumpkin!

Angel and Devil

Oh the joys of toddler boys...


No Ben, Suzy dog is NOT a horse that you can ride!

What a nice boy eating lunch at his new table!  (thanks Mimi and Papi!)

Wednesday, October 26, 2011

Learning and Growing

We are certainly all doing a lot of learning and growing here in Colorado.  I'm learning where the closest grocery store, pharmacy, take out place, playground, etc are, and I'm also learning how long Ben can tolerate things.  Seems that he can take something fun like the playground for about 45 minutes, but we better be out of that grocery store in under 30!

This weekend Chris and I got to go out to dinner in downtown Denver while our new babysitter stayed home with Ben.  It was so nice to get out. So nice in fact that I got WAY overdressed and dolled up because I was so excited just to leave the house!  The food was good and the night out was just what we needed.
Sunday morning we all (Suzy and Ben included) went on a long walk on the trails behind our house.  What a nice way to start the day.

Ben has taken a liking to hiding in cabinets.  He empties them out and then closes himself in.  Most of the time it's OK since I can see the evidence that he has left behind and I know where he is, but...he doesn't like to respond to his name when he thinks it's a game so it can get kind of sticky.  Luckily he's never too far from my side.

Today we had SNOW in Westminster.  Actually, most of Colorado got it worse than we did, but we still had about 6 - 8 inches.  Crazy!  So, our morning and afternoon walks were adventures.  The afternoon was much better, but we still had to bundle up.  Time to get Ben some snow pants and boots!

Things are moving right along here in Colorado.  Meg and Joel come to visit in about 2 weeks, and we are so excited for that!  And pretty soon the holidays will be here, so we'll have plenty to keep us busy.  This weekend uncle Francisco is coming for a visit, we get to see Jay and Melissa, and I think Steph may finally make an appearance.  Good time ahead  ; ) 

Today's snow.  Don't they both look excited to be out?!  Side note: Ben has not taken off his "bracelets" for 3 days...


The view from our front door this morning:


Hiding in the kitchen cabinets:


Date night self photo.  We are so excited to be out!!



This is what happens when Ben and mom collaborate on an outfit:

Ben has definitely mastered going down stairs.  Super awesome to not have to carry him all the time.


He got a real haircut this week!  He got to sit in a fire truck and watch Elmo.  His dream come true!

Monday, October 17, 2011

Our first week

We have been busy over the last week.  Chris figured out the bus schedule to and from Denver, and after he got his new car(!) he is now all set to get himself to the bus station and back.  It's an easy drive from the house, free parking and the buses have their own lanes all the way to downtown Denver.  I mean, why doesn't every city have this?! 
Ben had a rough start to the week when he got sick in the car.  So much actually, that I pulled into the closest ER because I thought something was seriously wrong.  Turned out to just be a NASTY stomach bug that knocked him down for 24 hours, but better safe than sorry.  And, bonus - we found the closest hospital!  Since then he's been good.  He's loving the sandbox and swings in the neighborhood, and we've both made friends with our local Walmart greeter since we've had to go there multiple times for random things around the house.
I have been getting used to staying home instead of working.  It's a HUGE adjustment, and I'm not quite sold on it, but it will have to do for now.  I took Chrissy's advice and had Ben follow me around today acting as my helper.  Laundry helper, cooking helper, dishes helper, unpacking helper...And, we got a new little art table for him so he can draw and play with his playdough.  Although, that often ends in a time out since he just eats it...
We had a great Saturday with our pals up in Fort Collins and even got to have a slumber party at Jay and Melissa's house since Ben crashed out pretty hard and we weren't willing to risk the crib to car to crib transfer scenario.  So, we just stayed over.  : )  We got to meet baby Finley!!  And, we had an awesome dinner.  It was so nice to see everyone.  We went to see the Budweiser Clydesdale horses and then went to the pumpkin patch to pick up some Halloween decorations.  Next weekend we carve...

Here are some highlight pics from the week:


Ben looking absolutely thrilled by the huge horses...

Reading his new favorite book in the car:

Fall family pic at the pumpkin patch:


Monkeying around at the kitchen counter


LOVING the neighborhood swing set!

Monday, October 10, 2011

We're here!

We made it!  Ben was amazing on the plane.  I think all of the stimulus around him kept him going while he was up, and the Benedryl helped him knock out for a few hours when he was tired!  The new house and neighborhood are awesome, and I am so excited to start unpacking, decorating and getting settled.  So far so good.  Here are some pics of our travel and first weekend here in Colorado...


Here is Ben in NY, looking at the planes before take off
 Here he is at our amazingly awesome trip to Walmart (I've never seen a place so huge...)
 Here I am looking SUPER tired, and Ben making his "big smile" face.
 And here is Ben this morning in the sandbox outside our house.  This neighborhood is MADE for families!
 And here he is after a long morning of Walmart, sandbox, walking the dog, playing Mr. Potato Head and eating half his lunch - he fell asleep sitting up in his chair!!  : )

Friday, October 7, 2011

Saying our goodbyes

Today was my last day in CT with Ben.  Tomorrow morning we get on the first flight out to Denver where we'll meet Chris and Suzy dog in our new house!  I can't wait to be together again. 

Ben and I went all around today to say our goodbyes to everyone, and at our last stop at the camp office, we found that the best way to beat the goodbye blues is to wear funny camp hats.  See pictures below...

Special shout out to Chrissy, Calli and Drew for letting us crash with them for the last few days and extra special thanks to Calli for letting us have her room!  We'll miss you guys!

See you in Colorado!






Monday, October 3, 2011

Sunday, October 2, 2011

They made it!

After 30 hours of driving they were a little delerious, but Chris and Sunil made it out to Colorado last night with Suzy dog.  Yay for a fun and safe drive!

After one more week with Aunt Chrissy, Ben and I will be out there too.  Can't wait!