Geocaching

When last this blog was updated we had returned from our California trip. That was almost two months ago and the summer has flown by.

The kids have had a video game ban for the summer. They have enjoyed a lot of swimming, bike riding, playing soccer in the yard, and using their imaginations. However, the big revelation of the summer has been geocaching. Yes that is right we have been looking for mystery containers in the woods, parks, and alleys of Fort Collins and Larimer County. I purchased a new GPS in June for this specific purpose. The kids have really taken to it and we are getting outside more than usual. Most of the caches contain dollar store level prizes but the kids are also excited to find ones that only have a log as well.

Legoland

The consensus on Legoland was that it was mediocre as an amusement park. However, all the lego sculptures were pretty cool. Miniland where was very impressive with it's versions of New York, Las Vegas, New Orleans and San Francisco.

Dessert

Cake to celebrate grandma's retirement.

Koalafornia

The white and black blob above Maya's head is a sleeping panda.

There was a hippo that seemed to enjoy showing off for the crowds.

Feeding time for the orangutans and their monkey roommates was very exciting.

There were somewhere between 30 and 50 koalas. The San Diego Zoo has the largest population of Koalas outside of Australia. Of all of those Koala's this one might have been the only one that was awake.

To be fair, this guy was half-awake.

Disneyland

 

On the drive from San Diego to LA Aden decided to sample the local drinking water. This was his reaction. Guess he is spoiled by that clean Rocky Mountain water.

 When we first arrived at Disney it was mostly empty and the rides had short lines. We started with the Jungle Cruise followed by Indiana Jones (Aden's favorite). We then proceeded to Pirates of the Caribbean and the Haunted Mansion (my favorite). Next was Splash Mountain (Maya's favorite).

 

 On Cale's favorite ride, Autopia, he actually stole his first car. When the attendant told him to stop he drove by and took the car for a second lap.

We finished up the day with the Small World ride. This was grandma's favorite but I think everyone else was a little creeped out by the ride's extreme peppiness and unintentional racism. I don't know what that says about grandma.

I guess we were too busy having fun at Disney to take more pictures.

To San Diego

Waiting at DIA and eating Junior Mints

 On the airplane

Renting a car

 View from the vacation house. We could see fireworks at night from Seaworld.

 Kids getting introduced to the ocean.

22 Inches of Snow in Mid-April

Puppy Pictures!

Okay... I'm sure all of my regular readers (aka mom) want some more pictures of Lilly.

Chicago

 Striking a pose outside the Shedd Aquarium

 Striking a pose at the Museum of Science and Industry

 1400 feet above Chicago

Striking a pose at the Willis Tower

Aden helping Lucy

 Cale conquering Chicago

One for the parents/grandparents

Draper's Day

On weekdays and a lot of the weekend, especially during the winter, this is how Draper passes the time. He doesn't care for cold and snow.

Today he did know what was in store for him.

He went to meet his little sister and brothers.

And to top it all off he met his dad. Draper was more freaked out by his dad than by the puppies. 

Our new housemate at end of March...

Draper's little sister!