Mile High Hamiltons: Gazillion Photos of Proof

We love living in Colorado and we love living on the western side of Denver where we have easy access to all that Denver has to offer while still feeling like we have space to stretch out and relax. One of the many benefits of living in such a great place is that we draw people we love to visit us and visit the great place that we live. This would include Keith's brother's family and his family. Yes, we love Brian, but we may love him more because of his family and his families family. Follow?

Here's the scoop.

Brian (Keith's older brother), Stephanie and their three kids Lauren (10), Kaden (7) and Hailey (1) came to visit from Keith's hometown in Wyoming. This was proceeded by the arrival of Stephanie's sister, Tammy and her family. That would be Jim, Tammy, Nolan (12) and Nash (1).

Got it!

Whew!

If you want to hear the story about how the Hamilton boys and Scrutchfield girls came together WAY back in the day, you can get a briefing at Tammy's blog, as well as her re-cap from this weekend. I find her description of life with the young Hamilton boys to be quite humorous.

Nolan came with a check list of must-do items. This included, but was not limited to:

The Zoo (first time at a zoo, ever)

Jump Street

We added the Rockies Game, which came with his request to ride a three story escalator

Tammy came without her camera. This is the second (maybe third) time that they have been here WITHOUT her camera. It's crazy. So instead, she borrowed mine. SWEET! This meant that we had nearly 1,000 photos of the two days of activities. This is also why it is taking me three weeks to write this blog post. Needless to say, we have a GAZILLION photos to prove the oodles of fun that we had.

First up, Friday morning, we hit the road East for the Denver Zoo.

This was not without a stop by Starbucks for morning chai and another emergency Starbucks stop 10 minutes down the road because our newest potty trainer needed to POTTY NOW!

FINALLY... The Billings family of four made it to a zoo, the Denver Zoo!

Jim, Nolan, Tammy and Nash

Nash was saddled up and ready to view the wildlife. He's pretty wild himself, so maybe he was contemplating giving the animals a run for their money.

The Ham Fam is a crowd of planners, so first up we had to consult the map to plan our attack.

Many of the animals were in rare form and ready to entertain.

The zebra had his own idea of entertainment or maybe he took the concept of casual Friday a bit too far. Mr Zebra gave a visual demonstration of the different between boy zebras and girl zebras. Or maybe it was his way of strutting his manhood since a few days later a baby zebra was born at the zoo. Regardless, it's a good thing that we were traveling with four boys, it didn't shock them too much but it did raise a few questions.

Kellan was HAPPY to be out of school for the day at at the zoo.

The snow leopard was parading around his cage, which is not common. Usually the big cats are lazing the day away. Again, the snow leopard had some excitement a few days later as a baby cub was born. Maybe this snow leopard was anxiously nesting and knew that there was no time to be lazing around.

With all of these parents-to-be (unknown to us), Oliver was honing in his nurturing skills by ensuring that Nash was a happy camper. Oliver is an excellent big brother to all.

The tigers were up and about too. The weather was a bit cool this morning and the sun was shining. It was proving to be a great day for many of the animals.

Unless you're this guy.

He may have been trying to find a way to end the misery... or... get to the lunch buffet on the other side.

(Tiger lunch buffet demonstration)

Oliver made sure that Nash had the best view of the tigers and dished out a few tiger facts.

"Look Ma, I'm a big boy now!"

(Or... he's wondering if he can jump the fence and challenge the tigers to a race)

Nash and Nolan

The zoo put in a new play area for kids that comes complete with a raging river (3" might be raging. It's all in your perspective).

It was a big hit for all of the boys.

Nash thought it was so good that he should drink it.

Good thing he was downstream of Kellan. What can I say? Kellan's feet hit the water and his bladder opened it's flood gates. It happens to the best of us.

Kellan and Oliver scheming up river project.

The looks this boy can dish out are plentiful.

The scheming river project, a damn.

Could they be Hamilton Engineers in the making?

I hear that Nolan has recently sprouted a few inches.

There is nothing like the ICEE drinks at the zoo.

There is also nothing like the ICEE drink price tag.

EGADS!

ICEE's are delish for all ages.

Drinking an ICEE by the yard can prove challenging when you're arms aren't a yard long,...

... but when there's a will, there's a way.

Loaded up and ready to roll out to the next wild animal adventure.

We stopped for a picnic lunch and Oliver was still looking after Nash, or trying to convince him that he should pull the wagon with Oliver in it.

What's better at the zoo than free lion masks?

RAWR!!!

Mommy and her boys.

RAWR!!

Hey look who's hanging around, the baby Orangoutang.

Now this was a sight to see!

The silver back gorilla was completely sacked out right in front of the glass. We've never seen such a display.

Seriously, he was RIGHT THERE!

The boys just hanging out with a silver back gorilla. Another fine day at the Denver Zoo.

How it took me so many hours to figure this out, I'll never know.

Nolan is 12 which means he's got muscle and energy. Time to put it to use as the official wagon puller.

The flamingos were on fine display.

Often it is wintery when we are here so there isn't any greenery or flamingos hanging around. It was gorgeous to see these guys and gals in all of their pink glory.

As we were headed out, Kellan consulted the map to make sure that we saw everything on our list. Not only did we see everything on our list, we had a few added bonuses, including the giraffe that was drinking the pee from another giraffe. Yes, it was disgusting. Do giraffes really drink pee? Apparently so. EWWW!

According to Wikipedia, male giraffes taste female giraffes urine to test fertility. I'm SO glad that we aren't giraffes.

At home, the Wyoming Hamilton's arrived shortly after we did and we queued up Happy Hour on our new patio, immediately.

We have several new brands that are great for the summer and I wanted to make sure that we had a nice sampler platter.

The guys just sat and waited for Keith to arrive to whip up some guacamole.

It was SO nice to have the new patio just in time for this weekend.

Hailey demonstrated her sharing techniques with her cousin Nash.

Then, Uncle Keith brought out the goods. The BIG bowl of guacamole.

Miss Hailey forgot all of her manners and dove in spoon first.

Then it was first first.

We keep hearing how Nash it the wild man but when it comes to chips and guacamole, he was very polite with his dining nibbles.

It was so great to see Miss Lauren Joy.

The guys surrounded the guac while Miss Hailey stood in first command.

CHEESEy Guacamole.

Holy Moly Guacamole!

Our handsome boy Oliver.

He loves his Daddy's guac too!

"Doesn't Mommy and Tammy know that it's TOO BRIGHT for a photo op?"

The guacamole keeps on shoveling.

If a spoon and fist aren't enough, get on it up to your elbows.

Whoa Nelly, she may be about done.

I don't know what everyone is talking about with all of the mess that surrounds Nash. As far as I can tell, he has a very modest guacamole mustache.

The most handsome Hamilton of all.

I love when Keith laughs. His laugh is contagious and his smile is so handsome. No wonder he wooed me so easily all of those years ago.

I love that while Miss Lauren is hamming it up for the camera her little sister is trying to swipe the strawberry from her lemonade.

Spunky Mr Kaden

I'm wondering why my big brother didn't provide a human swing when I was little. Nolan was making me feel ripped off. If only we all could have a big brother that would swing us into bliss.

Lauren is a natural care provider. She was quick to make sure Nash safely maneuvered down the step while securing Hailey on her hip.

All the while, big brother (and Lauren's cousin) was kicked back like the Dad's.

Here's another Handsome Hamilton. They just keep popping up.

Hailey appeared to have recovered from the guac overdose and was hamming it up with a gorgeous smile.

Is there a Dr in the house.

Apparently, Lauren needed some medical advice on cough drops from Dr Hamilton.

Stephanie with nephew Nash and daughter Hailey.

Take note that while Stephanie smiles, Nash is eying that festive pink bottle.

In one swoop, Nash has swiped the bottle and once again, Hailey shows off her sharing skills.

The boys got snakes at the zoo that were supposed to grow 600% in water. The test was on with a large audience.

Did you hear?

Snakes grow faster with toe jam.

If one foot of toe jam is good, two must be great.

While the little kids were watching a snake grow, Nolan was kicking back.

You see, when you're 12, you've already watched your fair share of growing snakes. I'm sure that if they were blowing something up, he would have been front and center. Lucky for this Mommy, our boys are a few years (hopefully) away from blowing stuff up. Can someone remind their Daddy of that?

Nolan is one smart cookie and is challenged by intellectual conversation. Clearly, uncle Brian is very thankful that he's wearing his sunglasses so that Nolan can't see that what he's talking about is way above his brain power. Doesn't it look like that to you? :)

Behold, SNAKES!

Surely, they have grown a little, right?

Once again, sister Lauren was quick to the aid of Miss Hailey. I'm starting to wonder when Lauren can move in with us?

Whether Brian likes to engage in intelligent conversation or not (he really does, but that's not fun to tease him about, is it?) he is always a prime target for a DOG PILE!

That's right Nash, just smile and wave.

Smile and wave.

Yes, we had another day ahead of us, but never pass up a photo op.

A row of cousins riding off into the sunset.

Kellan, Oliver, Lauren, Kaden, Hailey, Nolan and Nash

We love Nolan and Nash so much (as well as their Mom and Dad) that we decided that all of the kids could be honorary cousins. I'm sure somewhere they believe that we're all related, even if it's by marriage in some aspects. We are adopting that concept here.

Isn't this a bunch of cutie pies?

We took full advantage of Nolan and not only did he pull the wagon for me, we recruited him to take photos also.

This photo brings me great entertainment.

Not only is this a SUPER FUN bunch!

I like to take note that clearly the Hamilton boys and their chicas have the prom pose down to a science. Tammy and Jim may need to work on their pose a bit. Hands in the pockets? I love how their posture is exactly the same, it's a sign of a match made in heaven. I'm going to also challenge them to practice their prom pose for our next photo op. It could be in a month or a year, but it will come.

Also take note of Brian's posture. Look very very closely at his tippie toe stance and his guilty cheshire cat grin. Then, feel free to tease him the next time you see him. We will.

Keith, Carrie, Brian, Stephanie, Tammy and Jim

If you're still confused on relations...

Keith and Brian are brothers

Stephanie and Tammy are sisters

Jim and I, we just married into this crazy bunch.

I always like the cozy shots. I think they bring out personality. This photo bring out lots of fun and cozy personality. Plus, a clear paranoia that Brian is concerned that Jim might try to snuggle him while we're all hugging. I see those sideways eyes, Brian. Ha Ha!

Tammy and Nolan.

Tammy and her two boys; Nash and Nolan.

That night it was sleepover central in the playroom.

Lauren, Kaden, (insert Nolan here), Oliver and Kellan with a Daddy story time topper.

Oliver and Kellan prepped and ready for a playroom sleepover.

Saturday morning was nothing but rest and relaxation. Mid-morning, Oliver came down and asked for a meat and cheese snack. Does this boy know how to be a host or what? With a movie in the VCR and sleeping bags galore, they had their snack and show.

Meanwhile out back, the guys were enjoying their own R&R.

Later, the kids wanted in on a bit of Nash's iPhone action.

Miss Lauren is always such a treat to have around.

On Nolan's must-do list was a trip to Jump Street.

Who were we to disappoint?

Jump Street it was.

For the first time, Kellan jumped right on in, literally.

Our baby is growing up.

I love the accidental alignment on this photo. The criss cross of shadows with the criss cross of Oliver's legs.

It was Jump Jump Jump for ALL of the kids; Nash and Kellan included.

The big kids dove into the foam pit.

Oliver LOVES the foam pit!

These boys are getting so big and it's random moments like this that I really notice it.

When I saw Kaden fly off the super trampoline, I told Stephanie that this guy should be a gymnast. It was amazing to watch how he flew through the air with ease and height.

Even Nolan went for a few flying leaps.

Oliver even went into the "big kid" trampoline area where they had wavy trampolines that the kids liked to run across.

Aunt Stephanie and Nash

Since Nolan is a Wyoming boy, he had to show us how it's done on the bull.

When you're born in Wyoming you just know this stuff, right?

Ride 'em cowboy!

Jump Street even comes complete with a huge inflated slide. SUCH FUN!

Kellan couldn't get enough of the farm bouncy castle.

Before long, he was back on the big trampoline.

As if we hadn't had enough fun yet, on Saturday afternoon we headed off to the Rockies game on the new light rail. Riding the train wasn't on Nolan's list, but it was an easy add on.

This was our first time on the new line that runs to Golden and it was great fun for all.

Oliver and Kellan loved it!

The Billings family on a train into the depths of Denver.

The Wyoming Hamiltons.

Dont' worry, Brian doesn't bite, often.

Oliver was sweet enough to take a photo of Mommy and Daddy on the train too.

The train was supposed to drop us off just a few blocks from the stadium. Little did we know that Union Station is still under construction. This resulted in a HIKE! While carrying small kids, we hiked well over a mile, with hills and heat, wrong turns, bridges that we had to walk over and then under all just to see the Colorado Rockies live and in person.

It was worth it. The kids loved the game. The adults loved the game. We returned the calories burned back to our bodies through stadium food. It was fabulous.

First up, a group shot.

The group photos were absolute chaos, which was perfect. It was an exact depiction of the crazy fun we were having (minus the unexpected hike).

It took about 2.2 seconds for the cotton candy man to spot our crazy crew.

Kellan was quick to tip it on back.

Nash wasn't shy to request the $4.75 ice pop. He was just following the lead of his older cousins.

Aunt Stephanie and one of Kellan's many stinker faces.

Cheers to an excellent weekend!

Slushy's make the world go round!

There is nothing like swiping cotton candy from an unsuspecting cousin.

Nash and Kellan kept the ladies behind us entertained.

In the third inning, we had the inside track as to where to find Dinger, the mascot. The boys waited patiently.

They brought Nash in on our their patient waiting and photo op.

Finally, we were almost next!

Then, it was our turn. Oliver dove in for a hug from Dinger.

Some of the newbies were a bit more cautious.

Nash politely shook Dingers finger.

Then he gave Dinger some kisses.

The gang with Dinger.

Stephanie, Hailey, Nash, Dinger, Kellan, Oliver, Kellan and Lauren.

With the little ones removed, we took a fun photo of the big kids with Dinger.

Apparently, Kaden looked mighty tasty.

Lauren, Oliver, Kellan and Kaden

Aunt Carrie and Miss Lauren

Nolan loving some ribs from his lips to his brows.

Even Miss Hailey was in on some Rocky Dog action.

Self portraits are always fun and entertaining, especially when you find out later that Daddy was photo bombing.

Mommy and Kellan having photo ops while Jim actually tries to watch the game. Who really watches the game anyway?

Whoa Nelly!

Too many goodies for this belly.

"Look Mommy, I've got goodies in my belly."

Our handsome, Oliver.

What a great day for a game!

That slushy guy had our number and game back for round two.

The Billings family wrapping up a fun filled weekend in Denver and an entire Rockies game from the National Anthem to the final pitch.

We had an absolute blast with the Wyoming Hamiltons and Billings here. We missed Nolan's request to ride the three story escalator at the Rockies game, but hopefully we more than made up for it with everything else. We loved every second of the weekend and we were sad to see them all go. However, nothing clears up the empty house blues like a dip in the pool.

Oliver is turning into quite the fish.

Kellan is just trying to figure out how to play with the big boy toys.

What out because everyone is a prime target.

That night, we went to Hacienda Colorado for dinner and Oliver said "Mommy, will you take our picture?" You dont' have to ask twice, buddy. Of course I'll take a picture of you two handsome gents.