Exploring P-town and the Fall Colors

I ask every new person I meet what some of their favorite things are to do in Pueblo. Exploring our hometown is rather fun and leads to some decent adventures. I must admit (sadly) that having lived in Denver since I was six, I stopped exploring it. Everything was so routine, really too routine.

One of Ashlyn's school friend's mom (if you can follow that!) told me about the Nature and Raptor Center down near the Arkansas River. I signed up for the weekly e-newsletter a month or so ago and this past week, it mentioned that fall colors were still pretty good so off we went! We skipped the Raptor Museum this trip, but enjoyed playing on the playground, hiking the trails, and throwing rocks, sticks and whatever else we could find in the Arkansas. A bit of history, the Arkansas River was formerly the border between Mexico and the United States. Next Saturday, the Raptor Center has a Halloween Family Fun Festival from 1- 4 p.m. if you are looking for something to do with your kiddos. 

What should our next day excursion be in Southern Colorado?

The Park, Candyland, Boo-boos, Ice Cream, Oh My! Superdad is in Da' House

I want to let you in a secret... I love my husband. Not only for the amazing man he is, but also for how he can transform (at any given time) into "superdad." Shawn stayed at home with Ashlyn until she was 18 months old. He understands that it is a full time job. And we both respect and admire the mothers and fathers who have this incredible job.

One of the greatest gifts is watching Shawn spend every Monday with our two girls - alone! He not only watches them, but he plays with them, teaches them and interacts with them. Tonight at dinner, Ashlyn told me all about their adventures to the park where Keegan took a short snooze. Followed, by a quick trip to one of my favorite shoe stores, DSW, where in her words "daddy, didn't find any shoes." Next, she told me about her lunch. Shawn fired up the grill and cooked hot dogs!

What more could a 2 year old girl ask for? Remember the game Candyland? She convinced her daddy (and really, all she had to do was say the magic word please and he was in!) to play the game not only once, but 13 times. Did you read that, 13 times! During the 13 game, we had a run in with the brick fireplace - oops! 20 minutes of an applied ice pack, hugs from mom and dad, and a scoop of ice cream, our little girl was ready for bed.

I thank God everyday for putting Shawn in my life - he is an incredible husband and even greater "superdad."