Fall Festivities

We visited Cottonwood Farms to find our perfect pumpkins this year. It was a beautiful day and we found some really great ones. We watched the farm animals, Riley checked out the toddler sized corn maze, and we took a wagon ride around the grounds. We'll definitely be coming back to this place next year.

On Halloween the good witch, Riley, and her little black cat, Cailen, trick-or-treated the neighborhood with some close friends. Riley decided in early August that she wanted to dress up as a good witch. They had a blast!

Trip to Beaver Creek

We took another long weekend trip to Beaver Creek with Justin’s family over Labor Day just before I started back to work after 12 weeks of maternity leave. Justin got to golf with Gerry and Trevor (Megan’s beau). Megan and I took a bike ride to Starbucks (I know that seems counterproductive, right?)

The girls will be staying with Karen, the same wonderful stay-at-home-mom of 2 (Annabelle-6, Max-4) that has watched Riley since she was 15 months old. Karen also watches baby Ryan-7 months (that will be fun for Cailen) and Cannon-15 months. She lives in a house about 5 minutes from ours that backs to the playground at Tarver Elementary, where Riley attends on Tuesday and Friday mornings. Max is in Riley’s class at Bal Swan Children’s Center, where they attend on Monday and Wednesday morning. Bal Swan is a fantastic private preschool that also offers therapy services. Riley will receive physical therapy and warm water occupational therapy in their fabulous pool on-site. I have managed to arrange my schedule to volunteer in her class on Monday mornings and be at the warm water appointment. Then, I’ll work my 32-hour schedule Tuesday-Friday.

Trip to Summit County

Since we have not been camping this summer we decided to take advantage of the opportunity to go with Tami’s family to Summit County for a long weekend. It was nice to get away from the HOT weather in Denver and cool off a bit in the brisk mountain air. Cailen did well away from home. We also took Dad’s (Roger) boat out on Dillon Reservoir. Both of the girls liked the boat. Riley loves to go fast and feel the air blowing in her hair. Cailen just fell asleep and woke up whenever we stopped. Justin and I welcomed the chance to get up to Breckenridge for a nice Italian dinner and ice cream.

Summer Fun

July

Our Family Grows by Two Feet

Cailen Mae Tuttle arrived 6/10/08 at 11:47am. She was 7 lbs, 0.5 oz, 19 3/4 in. There is a striking resemblance to big sister Riley. We're so excited to welcome this beautiful baby girl into the world!

Riley Learns to Ski

We had the opportunity to stay in Winter Park for a weekend and thought it would be the perfect chance to get Riley on skis for the first time. The week before we took her to get fit for rental equipment. The smallest equipment available was even a bit too big for her. We practiced walking in the boots, stepping into the skis and sliding on the carpet at home before we left.

It was only appropriate for her first lesson to be on Shoo Fly under the Galloping Goose chairlift at Mary Jane, mom's favorite ski area. We got 2 runs in before lunch and 2 more after. She was all smiles the whole day. By the end of the day she was getting the hang of bearing weight (and we all had sore backs, especially a 7 months pregnant mom!). We can't wait to go again next year.

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Riley Starts Preschool

Riley started her first day of pre-school at Tarver Elementary on February 25th. She's growing up so fast. She picked out a backpack with an elephant named Elmer. She was so excited to tell me all about her day when I picked her up. Now when I drop her off I barely get a goodbye before the door closes behind her. She talks about her teachers and friends all the time.