Denver Trip

   Last week, we went to Denver for a fun overnight trip.  Since we aren't going anywhere special until September, we decided we wanted to do a short little get away.  The kids and I went along with my mom, sister, and Ella and Jameson.  We had such a fun time!  We started our trip on Monday at a new to us place called Heritage Square.  It's near Golden, Colorado and a neat little place for kids.  We didn't stay too long, but the kids had fun riding a train, and getting to get in giant balls and walk on water.  They had a pretty cool maze to that the boys loves running through to find hidden clues. 
    After Heritage Square, we headed to the south side of Denver to our hotel.  The kids were just dying to go swimming.  We checked in, and headed to the pool.  They had such a good time swimming and the best part was that we were the only ones in the pool.  We literally had to drag the kids out to go eat dinner.  We decided to go to Sweet Tomatoes for dinner since its very casual and we know the kids like it.  They all worked up quite an appetite and I think they all ate their weight in macaroni and cheese and jello.  After dinner, we were right by Park Meadows, so we went to do a little shopping.  We stopped by the Lego store where the boys got a treat, and the American Girl store where the girls got a treat.  The kids wanted to go swimming again when we got back to the room, but they were just way too tired.
    The next morning, we were up bright and early.  The kids wanted to squeeze in one last swim before we left.  So, we put on her suits and had a great time again swimming.  I think they could have swam there all morning.  After a quick breakfast at the hotel, we loaded up and headed to the Denver Museum of Nature and Science.  We have been to this museum several times and I think I fall more in love each time.  They just added a 3.5 million dollar discovery area.  The kids loved it.  That museum is so big and interactive my only complaint is always that there isn't enough time to see and do everything.  There is always next time  Sadly, after the museum we headed back home.  We all had a wonderful time.  Even though Denver is close by, it is such a great getaway for us because there is so much to do up there and we always have a blast.  

Ella resting on a rock at Heritage Square.

Riding the train

The kids were dying to try this.  It looked like so much fun!  Ashlyn had a blast!

Dawson on the other hand, didn't seem to get the hang of it.  He just laid down the whole time and kind of used it like a raft of sorts. 

Poor Jameson wasn't big enough to do the water walkers. 

Ella loved it just like Ashlyn. 

These are the only shots I got of Gracie, but I assure you she was there

This is part of the new area at the museum.  They have all these water tables that the kids loved. 

Ashlyn immediately went to the dinosaur dig area since she wants to dig dinosaurs when she grows up. 

Dawson and some lights

This was  like a giant Ipad that they kids could draw on. 

They all really loved these blocks for some reason.

The kids as ancient Mayans

Checking out the stuffed animals

Dawson comparing his hand to a bear's paw

Hopefully the only time Ashlyn will ever be that close to a bear.

More bears

Trying out the machines in the health area. 

They had some health pirate show.  Ashlyn and Dawson both volunteered to be helpers. 

The space area

Ashlyn doing an experiment

Dinosaurs!  Ashlyn's favorite thing!!!