More Firefighter Fun

Taylor

Firefighter turns Four

Sound the Alarm.... Taylor has officially turned four and wanted to celebrate with a Firefighter Party since that is what he wants to be when he grows up! Funny thing is he wanted an "airport firetruck" We gave the baker a picture of one and he did an awesome job, we should have just told him to put a 4 in the place of the 3 on the truck.

The fire department came out and put on an incredible show for the kids and adults alike. They not only demonstrated all the amazing tools on the truck and let the kiddos sit in front, but they hooked up the water hose and let each of the kids get a chance to spray the hose. When finished, they connected up to our fire hydrant and demonstrated the water cannon... too cool. Kevin decided after looking at their rig, that he needed some updates to his truck.

Madison Swim Class

Madison and Mom started a group swim class so we could spend a little more time in the water together. Mom could do this on her own, but this pool is incredibly warm and the kids just love it and thrive in it. Madison initially loved the water, but has grown shy. However, we think she was just bored because when she found out she could do sit dives into the water from the pool deck and go eyes under after that, she loved it. She just isn't interested in any of that silly music and movement stuff to warm up.

Dogs and Emergencies

Jan 31: We headed up to ski cooper again to get Taylor on the slopes. Madison, Kevin and I just kind of tootled around the Nordic center, had some outstanding buffalo chili and watched a winter triathlon... snowshoe run, snow bike and cross country ski. Taylor's lesson didn't go near as well this time, but after a couple hours of solace on telemark skis, Mom came to ski with him on the bunny hill and we had a great time.

That night we came home, Taylor insisted on opening Grandma and Pop Pops present and proceeded to put out emergencies with his new gear.

KU Basketball and Stock Show

Back in January, the Family took in a KU vs. CU ball game up in Boulder, CO and then decided to hit the Denver Stock Show on the way home. At the game, Madison ran around everywhere annoying all kinds of Jayhawk fans and then proceeded to fall asleep in MOMS arms the second half. Taylor did make it on TV briefly, but only if you knew what you were looking for... A kid in a red shirt on his Dad's shoulders.

At the stock show, Taylor was a little erratic about what he wanted to do since there were tractors, animals, Merry GO Rounds, toys, swing sets. We powered through and force fed a hot dog down him to even out the blood sugar. After that we had a good time just sitting on every kind of motor powered vehicle on display. I can't even begin to tell you how many people commented on our Kansas garb and were pleased to hear that they had won the game.

Taylor's Big Ski Day at Ski Cooper

On Friday we got up terribly early to meet the neighbors and their daughter Julia up at Ski Cooper for a little ski lesson for Taylor. It was destined to be a horrific outing with Taylor crying from the get go that it was dark, that he didn't want to go and refusing to let mommy get him dressed. We then had a car ride with quite a bit of whining, especially when he saw us drive into the mountains at dawn with Pikes Peak looming. I think he thought we were going to make him ski on a huge MTN like that and was a tad frightened. Things settled down after we got a chocolate sprinkled donut, but he got upset again as we got closer. However about five minutes out, Mommy told him about the ski goggles. He got really excited and couldn't wait for people to "laugh at him."

The lesson went great and he learned how to stop pretty well (same control freak as his mother) which does create some issues with actually moving down the hill. He had a blast giving high fives, throwing snow at the instructor and doing snow angels with the other two kiddos in his group. Madison enjoyed walking up and down the ramp near the kids center and often bolted for the parking lot, given there was a nice slippery slope she could attempt to not fall down. While Taylor ate lunch and played with friends at the kids center, Mom and Dad took Madison and the dogs for a nice snowshoe hike and all had a very busy day!

More Christmas Joy

Just a few more pics from Christmas. Now Madison has more dolls (and her duck which she loved). She is still showing remnances of her shiner she got when she decided to walk down the neighbors stairs a few days prior. Taylor is showing love for his screaching gorilla. We were fortunate enough to go pick up Dad after opening gifts and were invited to the neighbors for Christmas Dinner so mom did not have to cook. Here is Madison eating large amounts of mashed potatoes off Ashely's plate. Ashley was very pleased that she was no longer scared of her. She entertained everyone else at the party by begging them to take her up and down the stairs. Needless to say, all the teenagers who offered to help later told me she was too tiring.

Christmas Joy

Here are the kiddos Christmas morning showing off their Christmas Swag! Madison and Taylor both got "bikes" from Santa. Madison prefers just sitting on hers and pushing on the ground. Taylor received copious amounts of Fire Station stuff from Santa and others and has proceeded to have all kinds of emergencies around the house everyday. Madison loves her baby dolls, stroller to push them in and her new dishes. Surprisingly, she seems to like the bowls and pretends to eat out of them with her spoon. I think she is wishing there was ice cream in those pretend dishes. Thank you to all for the Christmas Joy!