Where have we been?

This weekend has been full with a Frazier family visit! We ventured up to the Grand Canyon and Sedona to explore northern Arizona. We had a great time and took hundreds of pictures! More to come...until then...our very silly boys...

Party at the Train Park

Friday afternoon we had Allen's birthday party at the train park. Last year Drew had his party there, but it was a "do it yourself" party in one of the park ramadas. This year both boys want their parties there so we decided to do the organized parties that they offer. We were in the "Birthday Party Railroad Car" which is a converted Pullman coach (with air conditioning!) so that was exciting all on its own. We had two party organizers who led the kids in games on the lawn, set up for birthday cake inside the car, and took the kids on the train and carousel. Allen even got to sit in the engine and have his picture made! It was definitely simple and perfect for a bunch of 3-year olds!






















Even though the party was at the train park, Allen decided he wanted a Mickey Mouse theme. He gave specific instructions for the cake - it was to have Toodles, Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Daisy, Goofy, Pluto, Clarabelle and Pete. We managed to fulfill all requests except Clarabelle and Pete but I don't think he noticed! Patrick made his cake again this year and I think it was his best yet. It was very detailed and tasted great!







Allen loved his party and was so excited to have his friends there. As each one arrived he went out to say hello and would yell "Happy Birthday!" usually followed by "is that my present?!"...I guess we need to work on that side of things! He was also really good about saying "thank you" to everyone as they left. He was very proud that it was "his own birthday party" and I think it was everything he had hoped for!

Happy 3rd Birthday Allen!

Today Allen turned 3! We had a full day of donuts for breakfast, playtime at the park, a walk with Grandma, lunch and a quick nap followed by a birthday party at the train park! For dinner he chose cheeseburgers at In-N-Out and then we came home to open presents and play with lots of new toys! A successful day and a wonderful celebration of our fun, busy 3-year old!

Allen's School Birthday

On Thursday, Allen had his special birthday day at school. He started the day as the class librarian - his job was to collect the books his friends were reading at the beginning of class. Then he got a birthday crown and all his classroom friends sang Happy Birthday! At the end of the day he gave out his goodie bags that he had helped put together - he was so proud!

Oh dear...

Tonight at dinner, Allen burped. No big deal - just reminded him to say "excuse me". Well, he got the giggles about it and burped again, louder. His daddy told him it wasn't funny. So he burped again, even louder. At this point his daddy informed him one more would land him in time out. Allen's response? "Fine - I will go in the playroom to burp and you stay in here and you can't hear me." Sassy little guy, isn't he?!
After dinner, he took his dishes to the sink and went off to play in the hall (we have miles of Lego train track set up in the dining room and hall right now...it's lovely!). He suddenly stood up and said "Oh - I forgot to go to the playroom and burp!" And took off! Oh dear do we ever have our hands full with that one!

Open House

Last night was Open House at the boys' preschool. Allen was so proud that it was his night too and not just for Drew! They each showed us around their classrooms, which were so cute! Allen's themes for the beginning of the year were apples, creation and family. Drew has been in full pirate mode in his class and the room definitely showed it! They had ice cream in the courtyard as well as information booths set up about the school year. There was a "cake walk" for the kids but the line was long and we didn't participate. Drew was very upset with us but once we explained that he probably would NOT get a cake, he seemed ok. (Of course I found out this morning that his friend Kenley DID win a cake...I'm going to be in trouble I'm sure!) We were there for a while since each age group had their rooms open at different times...the boys got a little antsy after their ice cream while we were waiting for Drew's turn so they ran races in the front yard of the church. It had rained that afternoon so they both ended up covered in mud all the way up their backs...yuck!

Bowling!

Last week, Drew went to his good buddy Tobi's birthday party...at a bowling ally...in Dave & Busters! He thought he was such big stuff! He had never bowled before (other than on Wii which I'm not sure is teaching him any of the basics of how to actually bowl!) and I was a little concerned about how it would go but with the invention of the automatic gutter bumpers and the rack that shoots the ball right down the lane...well, he had a good time!


Getting pointers from an "older woman"...Tobi's big sister!


"Can I go now?"


It was very serious business...


Hugs...or attempting to lift each other up...these two are hilarious!

Rocky Top!

Singing "Rocky Top"...his own version!

More Pictures from Colorado

Splash Park in Golden


Walking along Clear Creek



Colorado Railroad Museum



Mt. Evans

Drew & Allen's First Fourteener!


Camping & Hiking