Wild Animal Sanctuary

Kassie once again found a cool thing to do in Denver; the Wild Animal Sanctuary. Kassie found out about the Sanctuary awhile ago, but we haven't really had a chance to get out there, and by "out there" I mean out there! This place is beyond Brighton, the area that most "Colorado Natives" probably don't know exists, but that's a whole 'nother conversation.

Anyway, we fired up Moses and jammed out beyond civilization, beyond paved roads, to the Sanctuary, a place where tigers, lions, bears, and other animals go once they are saved from people like Mike Tyson. It's not designed for the public, it's designed to keep the animals safe. They've built a large viewing balcony, high above the areas that the cats stay, so you can see all of them, but they're not really bothered by the crowds.

It was a little tough for Addie to see the bears and the camel we spotted, since they were far away, but we did get to see some awesome tigers and lions. they were incredible, just the size of the animals is so shocking.






they had all of these dogs roaming around, apparently when the cats are young, they get to interact with the dogs, until they grow too big. it was cool to see some english bulldogs and boxers, addie liked them!

as you can see the area is split up. Out in the far area were the bears, so we could see them but i doubt Addie really knew what they were.








and Addie only made it about 5 minutes into the drive home:

What a little winker!

Addie learned to wink! Well...kinda. At this point she hadn't quite perfected her technique yet :)

MN trip

We took a quick trip out to see family & friends in MN. We went to Kassie's 10 yr HS reunion and Brian enjoyed a few days at Sonshine Music Festival. This was Addie's first plane ride with her own seat and she was amazing! Seriously, we couldn't have had better travel with her! She was excited about every aspect of the trip; from the shuttle bus from the parking lot, the train ride to the terminal and especially the plane ride. She took it all in and helped us enjoy it when we were cranky due to delays and fatigue :)



Once there, we got to stay with the Baertschi's (thanks again!) and play a bit with Livie & her sweet rides!



Then Alan & Brian headed up to Sonshine, while Kassie & Addie when to see family in St. Cloud. While Daddy spent 2 days filled with loud music & sweaty crowds, Addie got to visit lots of fun parks and play with her cousins, Stella, Henri & Tristan. (along with Papa, Grandma, Brandon, Virginia & Great-Grandma) More pics avail here.

We had a great trip & miss you guys!

New ride

Following the lead of our friends, we caved and got a bike trailer...nothing heavy duty as it mainly goes to the park that is less than half a mile from our house. Addie just loves it. Now we need to get mommy a bike so she's not left at home when these two go for a ride.

4th of July

Addie's first experience with sparklers. She was a little freaked out & would hold it as far away from her as possible, but as soon as it finished, she asked to do it again!

Water Fountains

the outdoor mall near our house has water fountains that randomly shoot water in the air. the kids all love it, and to the dismay of their parents, they run around and get soaked in their nice clothes. except Addie, she doesn't want much to do with the fountains, or sprinklers for that matter. my only hope of getting her wet was to convince to go step on the little grates hoping that the timing would be right and get her wet. it only worked once and we got it on video below.

also, i tried to get Addie to follow me through the fountains, running through during a break in the action hoping to not get wet myself. i would run through and look back to see if Addie followed me, but no, she would run all the way around and avoid the fountains altogether.

Swim Class

Addie started her first swim class last Saturday. It was a beautiful, sunny day for a swim & since daddy is a such a water-lover, it's time for Addie to get comfortable in it too. She was unsure at first, but seemed to really enjoy it & has been asking to go back. Best of all, she took a great nap afterwards :)

Waiting for class to start


Blowing bubbles with the teacher