Something Old and Something New

Last Friday, Oliver didn't have school because his teachers had a training day.  Keith and I decided to both take the day off to have a day date with Oliver.  Since it's been so hot, we opted for the air conditioning at the Denver Museum of Science and Nature.  Oliver LOVES dinosaur's and they have a whole display on just that subject.

Oliver was a little tuckered out for the drive downtown (a whole 20 minute drive) so he just needed a quick rest. 

As we were in search of dinosaurs, we were greeted by this t-rex in the entry way.  Hmm... we could have called it a day right then and there, but we decided that we should still go in to see what else we could explore.

The one and only picture of me that has been taken in the past few weeks.  Not that I'm camera shy, I'm just usually the driver of the camera.  We were impressed that one of the first exhibits was about space and sponsored by Coors.  YAY!

Keith and Oliver making rivers in the Mars Mud.

Oliver checking out some images of Mars.

Keith and Oliver driving a space ship.  Keith had the nose and Oliver brought in the rear.

Off to see the dinosaurs!!!

Oliver checking to see if he is as long as this dinosaur.

Keith and Oliver examining some skulls.

Oliver checking out a dinosaur claw.  The guy in the back had several items to check out including this claw and some teeth.

Then, it was off to the North American Wild Life Exhibit.

Keith and Oliver counting the rings on this tree to determine how old it is. 

 Conclusion... Really, Really Old!

At times I think Keith is losing his hearing (surely it isn't always selective hearing).

Here he is trying out some mule dear ears to see if they help.

Like Father like Son.

Oliver wasn't too impressed with the wild life exhibit.  He kept asking why they weren't walking around.  I think we'll stick to the zoo and the mountains for the wild life.

A view of downtown and City Park from the museum.

We had a great day and only saw a fraction of the museum.  We decided to join as members so that we can return often.

On Sunday, we were headed to the grocery store and when I went outside to round up the troops, this is what I saw.  Two broomstick legs under the door of Keith's car.

Low and behold, Oliver was hard at work vacuuming!

Getting in deep.  This must have been a tough spot.

Shutting off the vacuum to move to the back seat.

Getting all of the dirt off the floor that Oliver probably put there while kicking his shoes around.

Another tough to reach spot.

Oliver did a great job and Keith said he didn't even have to re-do any of it.  Keith would also like it to be known on the record that just because Oliver cleaned his Daddy's car, doesn't mean he is getting his own BMW when he is 16.  He's on his own for that one!

Summertime Weekend Fun

With the end of summer and the arrival of our baby in sight, we have been trying to spend less time doing work on the weekends and more time as a family with Oliver.  Most of the work is done, including the babies room.  We have just a few finishing touches and then I'll post photos.  This leaves time for us to have fun with Oliver before he has to share the spotlight.  Last weekend we packed it full of fun activities including the pool, White Fence Farm and an impromptu lunch downtown.

When we found out we were having an August baby, I had visions of weekends at the pool.  As July was quickly ending, I made a strong mention to Keith that we had not been to the pool once.  (with a big sad face).  On July 31, we made it to the pool.  YAY!  We decided to try a pool near our house that appeared kid friendly and wasn't too far from home.  It was perfect for Oliver!! 

Having fun in the pool.  Eventually he took his hat off but by that time I was soaking in the pool and the camera was on dry land.  I'm always thankful for the time he does keep it on to protect his fair head.

What are pools for when you're two... splishing and splashing!

A view of the pool from afar.  This was right after they opened.  About an hour later it was crawling with kids and parents.

Oliver is getting braver every time he gets in the pool.  We'll have to keep a close eye on him.  Here, he was telling us he was swimming.  I guess swim lessons worked!  Not that he can swim, but he's working on it.

Saturday afternoon, I captured a few shots of a favorite back yard past time, eating the raspberries.  We planted three bushes four years ago and this year is their time to shine.  We have a raspberry feast every weekend!  We knew it would take a few years for the bushes to be plentiful and I'm glad that it is the year that Oliver can enjoy the raspberries too. 

This weekend was a weekend for wild hairs.  On a whim, we went to White Fence Farm for dinner.  We usually take out of town guests, but at nine months pregnant, I voted for the fried chicken.  At two years old (nearly three), Oliver voted for the farm experience.  Keith concurred with both options.  For the first time, we let Oliver feed some of the animals.  He did great and loved it.  They had a baby cow and...

... a goat to feed.  The goat is a regular and was quite pushy compared to the cow.

After dinner we took a walk down to the duck pond.  They too got some dinner from Oliver.

Oliver and Keith discussing the facts of a ducks life.

On Sunday, we headed off to run some errands.  I didn't say there was no work, just more play.  Since Oliver is back to getting up at 6 AM on weekends (UGH!) by 10:00 I was ready for lunch.  On a whim we went downtown for BD's.  While people were lining up for breakfast at neighboring restaurants, we were killing time until BD's opened for lunch.

Oliver taking advantage of our tax dollars by acquiring two flowers for himself.

What a great weekend!  Only a few left until we are a family of four and our schedules are turned upside down with a newborn.  We can't wait!

Sweet Cheeks

Today I had my 36 week check-up and an ultra sound of the baby.  The ultra sound was a growth check because at 34 weeks my belly had a dramatic growth spurt and I was measuring 37 weeks.  Yikes!  The good news is my belly is not all baby since they found I have a good amount of fluid for him to swim in.  With that, he is also measuring big.  As the doctor said when she walked into the room, I'm not having a little peanut.  They think that he is 7.5 lbs now and if he continues at a regular growth rate he will be 9.5 lbs at birth.  That said, that the ultra sound can be off by a pound.  Keep in mind, Oliver measured to be a 9 pound baby at birth in the ultra sound and he was one pound lower at 7 pounds 15 ounces in real life.  I'm not too worried since this is like deja vu from Oliver.  I do get excited that a big belly means I get the ultra sounds and a sneak peak at our little guy. 

As always, you kind of have to use your imagination with ultra sounds.

Here he is puckering up for his profile shot.  I think he's practicing giving his Mommy big smooches.

This is a direct face shot.  I think he already looks like he may be getting chubby cheeks.

For the first time ever, we got a 3D look.  He insisted on having his hands in front of his face so it was tough to get a good picture.  Oliver was the same way at this stage.  I still think it is a better picture than the regular ultra sounds.

We showed this to Oliver tonight and he said "the baby is in a cave."  Hmm... hope that is OK with his big brother.  He'll be warm and cozy in there for a few more weeks.

Of course, there is no telling when this little guy will come out to meet all of us.  As of this Sunday, I will be 37 weeks and full term.  According to the ultra sound monitor, Keith snuck a peak and the estimated due date was August 14 based on his measurements.  If he follows suit with his big brother he will arrive one day early on August 28.  If he follows in his mothers foot steps he will be one week late. (I'm hoping he's not like his Mom in that respect)  Only time will tell and in that time, we are anxious to meet him and give him lots of hugs and kisses.

Bubbles

One of Oliver's favorite past times in the tub, blowing bubbles!

Buffalo Bill Day

On Saturday, we woke up to cloudy skies and a forecast of rain.  We had planned a pool day with the Stack family but with the forecast we decided to go to the Buffalo Bill Days in Golden.  By the time we got there it was a beautiful day and a perfect day to enjoy the festivities.  I had never been in the nine years I've worked in Golden.  It was great!  Saturday was kicked off with a parade and then we promptly made our way to the carnival in the park afterwards.

Of course, Coors was proudly represented in the parade with both a classic delivery truck and a modern delivery truck.

These two crack me up.  Don't you think they would make a good team for the FBI with that serious look and the dark shades?

The parade even had a mariachi band.  YAY!

I think this was suppose to be the high school football team but they looked awful small and young.  Is that a sign that we're getting old?  Right in front of us they dropped to do some push-ups.

It is so fun now that Oliver is old enough to participate in more activities, including the carnival.  They had one game for little guys and it was the ducks.  I used to love the ducks when I was a kid.  He was so quick that this is the only picture I got.

Every kid wins.  For $3 he got to pick one duck and won this stuffed thing.  I thought it was an alligator but Oliver thinks it's a whale.  Regardless, he loves it!  Yes, that would be $3 worth spending.

Parker was impressed by the prize and even more impressed by the duck game.  I don't think Parker's parents had to spring for the $3. Parker is still young enough that he's ok looking and splashing occasionally.  No duck pick or prize needed.

They also had a jumpy castle for the little guys too, which Oliver is a huge fan of.  He stopped for me to take this quick photo and then he was off and running again.

Action Shot: Oliver jumping in the castle.

What would a carnival be like without indulging in the food.  We took full advantage of the situation and had lunch under a shade tree.  On the menu: corn dog, hot dog, gyro's, funnel cake and fresh lemonade. 

Calorie content: An entire month worth of calories consumed in one meal. 

Was it worth it?  YES! 

Oliver even had his first funnel cake.  MMMmmmmm!!!!

So I know it's not attractive to see a kid eating and attempting to say Cheese at the same time but I couldn't resist posting this picture.  Check out those eye brows.  Does that remind anyone of his Grandpa Garner?

This is some drift wood that was lodged against a rock in Clear Creek.  I thought it was quite impressive.

What a great day.  We will definitely keep Buffalo Bill Days in mind for next year.