lollipop park

Yesterday Grandma came over to spend some time with the kids and then to go with us to lollipop park.  She brought over her sewing machine to help Cate fix her Cinderella dress and then they made a blanket for her doll Lanie.  

Lollipop park is an indoor carnival for young kids.  There were a bunch of different rides for the kids to go on.  At the place they only run one ride at a time and then all of the kids get off that ride and head to the next one.  So for 2 hours the kids went from ride to ride to ride.  They had a blast.  At first they weren't too sure about the rides so Grandma and I went on them with them.  Once they were used to the rides they wanted to go by themselves.  Here are some pictures from all of the rides:

They had a ferris wheel and you got to ride in hot air balloons.  Cate rode with Grandma the first time and Ashton was in with me.

Next were the tea cups.  Grandma and Mommy both told the kids that we didn't want to spin fast.  Some of the kids in the other cups were spinning so fast.

Cate and I rode together

Next was the Whip it ride.  It's name explains the ride well.  Cathy and I weren't too sure if they kids would like it but there were a bunch of other little kids going on it.  So we went for it and put the kids on the ride.  They giggled so much on this ride.  They really enjoyed it.

Here is a video of the kids on the "whip it" ride

The next ride was the train.  Ashton was dying to go on the train.  He had a hard time waiting until it was time for the train.  They got to ride in the caboose and loved it.  

On the next go around they did the rides together without Mommy or Grandma.  I love seeing them in the tea cup together.

On the whip it ride again.  (By this point I was getting dizzy just watching them go on the rides)

Here they are on the carousel.  Ashton looks so thrilled :)

At the end Ashton decided that he wanted to go in the hot air balloon without Mommy or Grandma.  

It was a lot of fun to take the kids to Lollipop park.  They had so much fun!

We climbed up that Castle Rock

Today is a beautiful day and I have been really wanting to take the kids hiking up the Castle Rock.  So this morning we decided to head up to the top.  The kids did so well.  They hiked all the way to the top on their own.  We helped them on the way down.  Here are some pictures from our hike:

Eric with the kids at the start of our hike

Ashton was so excited to go to the top.  As soon as we got on the trail he started running up as fast as he could.

Daddy and Cate walking up the trail.  I love that Cate wanted to go hiking in a dress and tights :)

Taking a little break on the way up.

What a great view of Pike's Peak

Cate and Ashton at the top.  You can tell that Ashton worked really hard getting up there by the redness in his cheeks.

Here is a picture of the kids when we hiked up the Castle Rock a year ago.  (Ashton's cheeks were just as red then too)

St. Patrick's Day

Grandma Schmidt gave the kids some adorable outfits for St. Patrick's Day.  Cate was so excited to celebrate.  We made green scrambled eggs and green pancakes for dinner.  Here are a couple pictures of them in their outfits:

I love this picture of Cate.  She is showing the hand painting that she had done at the gym before dance class.

Enjoying the nice weather

The weather has been so nice this week.  I am so ready for spring/summer to come.  It has been great to be able to spend so much time outside.  Everyone is happier when they get to be outside!

The kids and I went for a walk to a park today.  Here are some pictures of the kids at the park.

The other day Cate asked me if we could go fishing.  I told her that we couldn't go real fishing but we could pretend at home.  It turned in to a fun project for the kids.  I cut out a bunch of fish and the kids colored them all.  Then I made them fishing poles out of a stick and some yarn.  Lastly I took Christmas ornament hooks and put them on the end of their poles and on each of the fish.  Voila we went fishing at home :)

Fancy Nancy

A couple months ago I bought tickets to a "Fancy Nancy" show at the Lone Tree Performing Arts Center.  Yesterday Cate and I went to the show which included a book signing by the author, a tea party, arts and crafts, and a performance.  It was so wonderful for me to get to spend some one-on-one time with Cate.  We had a great time!  Here are some pictures from the event:

Cate picked out a very "fancy" outfit to wear

Here we are about ready to head out

There was a purple carpet set up for the kids to walk on 

Cate in line with her Fancy Nancy book waiting to meet the Author

Cate decided to have the Author write Catherine in her book because she thought that would be fancier.  Here she is watching Jane O'Connor sign her book.

There was a place to pose for a picture with Fancy Nancy

Of course we had to head over to get some treats.  They had these adorable cupcakes and pink lemonade

Cate loved the treats

Next we headed over to the crafting area and Cate decorated a tiara

After all of that fun we headed in to the theatre for a book reading from Jane O'Connor and a performance

Here is the stage

Jane O'Connor read her new book Fancy Nancy and the Mermaid Ballet.  Cate really enjoyed this part.  After Jane read the book there was a performance by a theatre group of Fancy Nancy.  

Cate and I had a wonderful time at this event together.  I love getting to do fun things like this with my daughter.  

Photo Shoot

I took the kids in to get pictures taken and here are some of the best shots that we got: