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My brother-in-law, the one that drew the wonderful photo booths for Ella's party, has created a game for iphone. If you have an iphone or ipod touch, get a copy here.

The North Pole

Up in the mountains, above Manitou Springs, is a little amusement park called the North Pole. My kids can ride pretty much every ride, if not by themselves, then with an adult, so, kid heaven.

While we geared ourselves for the inevitable spinning, we decided to take the train around the park.

Aunt Jocelyn and Autumn happily waiting.
The girls on the train.
Maisy on the train.
Sadie need to ride a reindeer on the carousel, we were in the North Pole after all.
This is the highest ferris wheel in the US, not the tallest, but because of the altitude, the highest.

The little lady bugs wiped out most of the adults. Something about sitting backwards and going in circles agrees better with kids than parents.

Jack and Grandpa Christensen drove the car.
I thought this ride would do me in.
Turned out it was this one that did the trick.
I think Evan might have had a little more fun than he wanted us to believe.
Besides Santa (whom we missed seeing this year) this frozen pole gives the park its name.

Water Fun

While some of the adults went off on a day rafting trip, we decided to have a little water fun of our own.

A crazy sprinkler, a trampoline, and lots of kids. I'm surprised no one was hurt.
Ella and Audrey.
Ella making Maisy laugh.
Hula Hooping.
Until a storm rolled in over Pike's Peak and everyone scurried inside.

Garden of the Gods

Evan and I have been visiting Garden of the Gods since we met. In previous years we have climbed, but with four little ones, climbing gear doesn't seem to fit in the car. However, Garden of the Gods is a place where you can enjoy beauty even with a stroller or wheelchair in tow.

Ella looking mighty glamorous for a day hike.

Maisy giving kisses.
Amidst climbing on rocks something caught their attention...
looks like someone is setting a bad example.
And so Jack had to give it a try, luckily he can't get as far.
After climbing and exploring, we headed back to the cars,
with tired kids,
ready to sleep all the way back to Grandma and Grandpa's house.

Cheyenne Mountain Zoo

We went to an amazing zoo called the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo. I have been to hands on zoos before, but never one that offered so many opportunities to touch the animals. The weather was perfect for the animals to be out and about. Cousins were plentiful. Just a great day.

The first stop was to feed the giraffes.

So many giraffes, so few crackers.
They have long tongues.

Miss Maisy's favorite place to be, in daddy's arms.

A bird had just left Evan's shoulder.
Sadie was so excited to have one of the bird land on her feeding stick.

Maisy loved the fish.

An amazing view of Colorado Springs.
I love how the gorilla is totally ignoring everyone. Such a smart guy.
Jack's namesake.
Hiding from the camera.

Sadie is my biggest animal lover, so she was in heaven. Of the thirty-something thigs she wants to be when she grows up 75% deal with animals.

Two snuggle buddies.
All in all a great day at a fantastic zoo.

A Birthday Boy

This is my birthday ninja. He's quiet, but great.

We went to a birthday party/ movie night for Eli.
Jack had a difficult time just watching the movie.
But with a little popcorn and blankets all over the floor, a movie projected on a sheet and pizza, the rest of the kids were happy to just watch the movie.
Maisy crawled off to explore every once in a while.
But lots of fun was had.

Change of Scenery

Sometimes it is so nice to find yourself somewhere else.

Days spent with naps in the sun...
Hanging out with cousins...
And day after day...
Just hanging out at the pool.
Almost every day this past week looked just like this.
Just the swimsuits changed.
And the courage increased.
We got away for four days, although a good part of two of those days was spent driving. But it was so nice to spend some time away basking in the sun.