Tiny Town

Chance is obsessed with trains right now, or CHOO CHOO's as he likes to call them.
Max and I decided that we should take an interest in Chance's likes so we packed up a picnic lunch and headed out to Tiny Town today.


Did you know that Tiny Town has a "world famous" little railroad?  No?  Neither did I until I had a toddler who loves everything trains.

Tiny Town is a little village full of miniature replica's of famous sites and places in the Denver area.  A father started the idea when he wanted to find something to bond with his daughter over.  I guess one doll house turned into hundreds and now fifty years later there is an entire town of pint sized houses complete with a railroad to go around them.  

Chance loved looking in the little windows! He had to check out each building. 

 

 

The train runs constantly around the town.  It is really cute to see all of the kids so happy and waving at the train every time it goes by.  

Chance liked the houses that were big enough to go inside the best.  

 

 

 

We had a blast exploring Tiny Town.  We ate a quick picnic lunch and then decided to end our visit with the grand finale of the train ride.  

 

Chance was SO EXCITED waiting in line to get on the train.  

We even got front row seats.  

I'm really glad that we were able to spend the day riding a choo choo with our little man! 

 

A Farewell to Summer

This past weekend was our first weekend home in weeks.  It felt great to spend some time at home and soak in the last few days of summer in the city.

On Saturday morning, I had to make a tough decision.  I've been training for the Chicago marathon for 16 weeks but the past few weeks of training have been less than great due to some minor cases of morning sickness.  Even though I really want to run Chicago, the thought of even a minor case of morning sickness while I'm trying to run 26.2 miles sounds miserable!
So...I decided to finish my last long training run with my running partner on my bicycle.  Saturday was supposed to be our last 20 mile run before the race.  I really didn't want to let Lauren down because I know how hard it is to run 20 miles...let alone when you are on a dirt trail all by your lonesome.  I expected to shed a few tears, but I actually felt a great sense of relief on this long little bicycle ride.  I feel certain that I am listening to my body and doing the right thing.  Also, it was really fun to chat with my buddy and play DJ on a bicycle.  I know she loved having me a long for the run...even if I was cheating a little by bringing my bicycle and my itunes :)

We're still planning on going to Chicago for the race.  I guess this way I will just have to get my exercise by walking up and down Michigan Ave.  *sigh*

The rest of Saturday seemed to fly by.  We ran errands, cooked food, and helped Bret and Lauren move in to their new town house in the Highlands.  It is gorgeous!
AND
You know that we were watching the CATS take down OU on Saturday night.  I still can't believe it.  So proud of our Wildcats.

Sunday was the perfect farewell to summer.  We woke up early and walked through the farmer's market and stopped at our neighborhood coffee shop. 

We walked through Wash Park and watched Chance feed the ducks.  

 

 

 

 

We played and played on the swings and the playground.  

 

 

 

Sunday afternoon, Drew and Tina invited us over to go out on the boat.  We laughed with our friends all afternoon and soaked in the last day on the lake.  

 

 

 

 

Chance loves playing with Callie.  He's even started stealing a few kisses :)

 

Goodbye Summer.  It's been a great one!

Telluride

Telluride is by far my favorite mountain town in Colorado and fall is my favorite season in the mountains.  Put those two things together, add in my family, and my closest friends, and I’m one happy girl!

Megan’s boyfriend , Ben, was gracious enough to share one of the mountain properties that his company owns with us for the weekend.  We packed the whole Denver village into a three bedroom condo and had an amazing time full of fun. 

We all took off of work on Friday to make the six hour drive to Telluride.  We arrived just in time to walk around the village in the afternoon, make a grocery store run, and settle in for the stay.  My best friend Lindsey Springer was also in town for the weekend from Los Angeles with a group of her friends from California.  We decided to meet up downtown for happy hour.  

Chance has become much more comfortable with gondola rides.  Thank Goodness! 

Ian loved playing with my camera and went around the entire evening taking photographs of all of our friends on the patio.  

Lauren and Katie decided not to go to happy hour and surprised us with a mexican feast when we arrived back at the condo.  We spent the evening in enjoying each other's company and good food.  

Ian and Chance played so well together.  The best part of the day was bath time in the giant jacuzzi.  Chance was fascinated with the bubbles.  

We all called it a night early and snuggled in for a full night of sleep so that we could explore the mountains the next day.
Can you believe the view from the living room?  I could have definitely decided to live in that condo for the rest of my life.  

On Saturday morning we split off into groups for exploration.  The Colorado boys divided themselves between the mountain bikers and the fly fisherman.  The girls met up with the California kids for a hike to blue lake.  Thanks again to the California kids for waiting around for us so that we could hike with you.  I don't know if it was the view or what, but we could not seem to do anything quickly on Saturday morning.  

I'm so glad that we finally made it out though.  The views from the hike were amazing and it was so fun to catch up with everyone on our long hike up the mountain.  Jeremy and Justin were invaluable and helped me carry Chance the entire way up and down the mountain.  The hike was 5 miles round trip and straight up which took us most of the afternoon. I could not have taken Chance without help. 

 

Chance loved throwing rocks in the lake and immediately asked where all of the ducks were.  Poor guy didn't understand that ducks don't like being 13,000 feet above sea level. 

 

We had to hurry back after the hike to shower up because our beloved K-State Cats were taking on North Texas and we all wanted to cheer them on.  We made snacks, played games, and cheered the Cats on to a win.  

Chance loves giving TOUCHDOWN high fives!

After the game we had everyone over for a huge pasta dinner and drinks.  

We all talked for hours and had a blast spending times with our friends.  

There was a lot of girl talk happening around the fire and a lot of old memories to discuss.  

We decided to spend the day on Sunday in downtown Telluride. 

We took the gondola down again and explored all of the little shops in town.  We spent a few hours  with the Springer's at the house that they were staying in downtown.  It was fun to spend the afternoon lounging around and taking in the scenery.  

I'm always sad to leave Telluride.  I hate that all good things must come to an end.  

Until next year, Telluride, stay beautiful.