Downtown Aquarium - Denver

We recently visited the Downtown Aquarium in Denver, as Jeff had procured some passes on base during a sale.  The Aquarium is owned by Landry's Seafood - how unsettling is that?  

We arrived just in time to witness feeding time at the shark tank which was cool.  There was also a Mermaid Show (sadly, not in the same tank with the sharks) where "mermaids" swam around with fish while "Under the Sea" played over a loudspeaker.  Alex pointed out that the mermaids were clearly not "real," as they took turns swimming to the surface for air and their knee joints were plainly visible through their costumes.  "Mermaids don't have knees."  I must admit that I had never thought about that before.  

We enjoyed the beach birds exhibit ("Why don't the birds just fly out of here?" Kieran wondered) and looking at different types of exotic fish.  Puzzling exhibits included desert reptiles, arachnids, and a live tiger.  I couldn't help but think that the business model is, "Look for creatures selling cheaply at auction.  If kids would like to look at them, buy them and we'll put them somewhere in this building."  While the Downtown Aquarium provided little educational opportunities, we had a pleasant 2 hours.  And there's probably no need to return.

Rocky MounTan Climbers

Alex was born during the Year of the Goat, after all 

Kieran isn't as fast of a climber as Alex, but he is so competitive that he's determined to reach the top.

Kieran is so light that he has to wear a tether so we can pull him down.

The kids tried indoor climbing this past weekend.  They took to it immediately and we have to drag them kicking and screaming whenever it's time to leave!

Field Day 2013

Kieran's Teacher:  "Is there a hole in that bag?  

Wait, no!  How on earth is he doing that?"

Scooter Races in the Gym

The kids' school had their annual field day today.  Against a gorgeous backdrop of snowy Pikes Peak, the students all enjoyed a bright sunny day of games and fun.

The First Hike of 2013

Kissing Camels Rock

To celebrate the sunny weather, Kieran requested that we visit Garden of the Gods.  We packed a picnic lunch and headed off to climb all over those beautiful red rocks.  Alexis had gone on a class field trip here recently, so she gave us some fun facts about the rock formations and the vegetation as we hiked.

The End of Ski Season

Ski season has finally come to an end.  We were lucky enough to get some late snow and managed to squeeze in a few unexpected trips to Vail and Keystone.  Yippee!

Ski Bunnies

We've been skiing a lot this winter and the kids have taken lessons at several mountains.  Thanks to their last instructor at Keystone, now A & K are no longer satisfied skiing on regular runs.  They love doing jumps and riding boxes at the terrain park.  When we are skiing on runs, they frequently gain speed by going into tucks.  Kieran has also barked at us, "Faster, go faster!"  Jeff is so worried that the kids will soon surpass him in ability, while Larissa cringes every time Alex taunts her brother, "I saw you jump.  It wasn't that high.  You should try to go faster next time to get more speed, then you'd go higher."

The Way it Often Happens - Christmas Cookies

Lovely Christmas Trees!

A Christmas Tableau - Elves in the Workshop

We are busy making Christmas cookies!  I didn't closely supervise the kids while I was rolling out dough.  As a result, Alexis diligently made lovely trees and painstakingly decorated each one.  Kieran, on the other hand, set to work to make some kind of Play Doh-esque creation entitled, "Elves in the Workshop."  Oh well, at least the activity kept him entertained!  He was gracious when I told him that I'd have to dismantle the tableau in order to make angels and snowflakes.  "It's ok, Mommy.  I like eating the cookies, too."