A week in Denver

Our family spent the last week in beautiful Denver, Colorado. Dave had a conference all week, and Tyler and I tagged along for some fun. We learned a lot about traveling with a 10-month old.
The first night we arrived at our hotel around 11:30pm. Tyler was wide awake! Then we found out that the hotel did not have a crib for us (that we had requested weeks ago!). Much to our chagrin, Tyler slept with us that first night. Getting him to go to sleep was another chore, because usually being on the bed means play time!! Even though we had a king size bed, no one but Tyler slept well. Thank goodness for coffee.

The next morning we drove to Colorado Springs and attended the McCain/Palin rally. It was located at the Jet Center, so I was thinking it would be a nice indoor arena – Wrong! It was a jet hanger, and since we didn’t arrive 3 hours early we stood on the tarmac in the sun. At least the weather was nice! Unfortunately, we were so far away that we couldn’t even see Sarah Palin…not even a glimpse… kind of a bummer. But the waving flags and patriotic spirit made it all worth while. We had a nice time decked out in our red, white & blue flair and we were able to snap this fun family photo.

On Sunday we attended church with the Winans’ good friends, the Deneui’s. We really enjoyed their church and Dave is already talking about moving to Colorado. Don’t worry, it’s all talk! Sunday was also our 6th Anniversary! The three of us celebrated with dinner at the Cheesecake Factory. It was a nice loud place for Tyler. On the walk back to our hotel Dave was gracious enough to give our leftovers to some homeless kids. What he forgot is that our anniversary cheesecake was in the same bag! (by the way, cheesecake is one of my favorite desserts) So, we headed back to the restaurant to buy another piece. I have a wonderful husband!

Sunday night Dave’s classes started and Tyler and I were on our own. We drove back to Colorado Springs on Monday to see the Focus on the Family headquarters and also tour the Navigators ministry headquarters. The Navigators campus was beautiful! The headquarters and retreat area are tucked back up against a rocky mountain and most of the offices are in a castle built back around the turn of the century. Tyler and I took a tour of the grounds for over an hour before we had tea in the castle. He’s such a good little kiddo, and everyone loved him. Here he is getting some much needed wiggle time smelling the flowers at the Carriage House.

Tuesday, Tyler and I walked around Downtown Denver and did laundry. Not too exciting, but it was nice to have a low key day. Wednesday, we visited the zoo. Tyler seemed to enjoy the monkeys and the fish the best…. Or maybe the ice cream was his favorite. It was his first taste of the lip smacking dessert.

Thursday, we went to the Denver aquarium. We got lost along the way, but Tyler ended up getting a nice long nap, so it worked out well.

Friday, we packed up and headed home. But what trip would be complete without a stop at the Bass Pro Shop...huh?!? It was actually pretty nice. We could have spent a lot more time there. We walked away only buying a pair of sunglasses. I had to remind Dave that nothing else would fit in our suitcases!

At the airport we saw Drew Clader, and he was on the same plane home! Tyler completely fell apart and screamed over half the flight. When we landed someone commented, “Boy, he’s happy now that we’ve landed”. To which another passenger replied, “As are the rest of us”. How children keep you humble!

We had a great trip through all the ups and downs, but we’re glad to be back home and sleeping in our own beds again. I think Tyler is the most thankful.

p.s. I forgot to mention that one the way home the shuttle bus driver took my suitcase off at the wrong stop. Of course we didn’t realize this at the time and ended up coming home with one less suitcase. Dave looked at the bright side and said, “Well, it’s one less suitcase to for me to carry!” All worked out well and my suitcase was turned into lost & found and was sent home (via the airport) on Sunday. Thanks, Southwest!