Sunday, October 24, 2010

Pumpkin Patch 2010

The weekend before last we got to go to a pumpkin patch for the first time in three years. There was quite a bit of excitement leading up to this event, but it ended up being kind of a let-down. Muriel screamed off and on for the first hour we were there until we put her in the stroller with a bag of goldfish. The Rocky Mountain Pumpkin Ranch turned out to not being quite like a traditional pumpkin patch. More like a fall festival, I suppose. A very expensive fall festival. There was no pumpkin patch, just a field where pre-picked pumpkins were lined up. There were also food stands and lots of rides and activities for the kids (all costing $, of course). Rowan ended the morning with a lovely meltdown because we told him he couldn't go on the firetruck slide. Between him and Muriel there was a very small window of time where everyone was happy. But, at least we got our pumpkins at someplace other than a grocery store!

Niamh + Wagon + Pumpkins

Wash Your Pumpkins Here

Orange Cotton Candy

More pictures on Flickr.

Wednesday, October 20, 2010

Bear Lake Trailhead

On the first weekend in October we took the kids back to Rocky Mountain National Park to do some hiking starting at the Bear Lake Trailhead. We initially skipped over Bear Lake, which is just off the beginning of the trailhead, and headed straight for the trail that leads to Nymph Lake, Dream Lake, and Lake Haiyaha (there are at least several more lakes around along this trail, but these are just the ones we hit). We started out pretty early, and on the return trip realized what a good idea that had been, as once we got closer to the parking lot the trail started to feel a bit like walking the streets of a big city. Anyway, it was a beautiful hike. The kids did about 4.5 miles without too much trouble. The only problem we ran into was that Lake Haiyaha was completely unsuitable for children under the age of about 3.5-4. It was surrounded by very large boulders, and impossible for Muriel to walk around. Niamh did fine, though she was a little scared. Rowan thought it was great fun and pretended he was a great horn sheep climbing over the rocks. Oh, on the way back to the parking lot we did peek in at Bear Lake, but it was just too crowded at that point (somewhere around noon), so we didn't spend much time there.


Time for M&Ms at Nymph Lake

Niamh Between Dream Lake and Lake Haiyaha

Rowan Hiking Amoung the Golden Aspens

Boulder Scrambling at Lake Haiyaha

More pictures on Flickr.

Saturday, October 16, 2010

Sweater by Grammie Annie

Sweater by Grammie Annie II


Sweater by Grammie Annie

Sweater by Grammie Annie III


A perfect fit! Thank you, Grammie!

Pink Boots

Niamh has ditched yellow as her color of choice in favor of pink. And she's going all out with it...

Pink Boots

...right down to her new pink boots.

Someone Has Lost Another Tooth!

2nd Lost Tooth

2nd Lost Tooth II

2nd Lost Tooth III

Friday, October 15, 2010

Party!

Birthday Festivities


Birthday Cake!

We went with slightly duck-y theme for Muriel's birthday celebration, given the attachment she has to her little duck. It was a good time, with all the birthday necessities-friends, family, balloons, cake, ice cream, and even a few gifts. More photos are up on Flickr.

Birthday Morning Photo Session

I took Muriel out early on Wednesday morning to get a few photos of our brand new two-year old. Here are a few of the photos, and I have some more up on Flickr.

Two Year Old Attitude

Playing in the Field

A Girl and Her Duck

Sweet Muriel

Wednesday, October 13, 2010

Happy 2nd Birthday, Muriel!

Our little Swiss Miss turned two years old today. We had a lovely day, and will post more photos of that later. But for now, will just end with this photo I took this morning.

Our Swiss Miss Turns Two

Monday, October 11, 2010

Sunday, October 10, 2010

Portrait of Bumpa by Niamh

Portrait of Bumpa

With "blue eyes, nose, snout (nostrils), mouth, arms, and legs"

Fun With Uncle Mike

Mike and Muriel Playing Some Backyard Soccer

A few weekends ago (actually, the same weekend we went to see Thomas) Uncle Mike came to town for one last fling before he becomes a father.

Rowan Stomps!

Boys Being Silly

It was a great weekend! The kids had fun with Thomas, picnics, stomp rockets, and playing (or pestering. It's a fine line.) with Uncle Mike. And I believe a good time was also had by the big boys, revisiting favorite college past times.

Tuesday, October 5, 2010

Day Out With Thomas 2010

A couple of weeks ago we headed back to the Colorado Railroad Museum with the Metcalfs for the museum's Day Out With Thomas event.

Waving to Thomas

Playing in the Gravel

Two Engineers

The kids all had a great time, though I think the thirty minute ride on Thomas, in which the train circled the museum four times at an agonizingly slow speed, was probably not a highlight. There was much more fun to be had sifting through gravel, playing with trains, petting ponies, sitting in fire engines, and eating ice cream.

There are a few more photos up on Flickr.