Our First Trip to Colorado...and many other firsts

Brace yourselves...there are going to be lots of pics in this post. ;)  I'm going to use this blog post as a little travel diary to document our trip.

Millie is all set to go!

Last Friday, we flew to Denver to visit my mom and my brother, sister-in-law, nephew, and niece.  This was Millie's first airplane ride!  We chased her all over the airport for an hour before the flight; she loved walking around and looking at all the people, but now I'm thinking of investing in one of those kid leash things. :)  She did great and slept the entire short flight to Denver.

My mom picked us up and we stayed with her for the duration of the visit.  She is the most hospitable person I know and always makes visitors feel most welcome.  It was good for Millie to have so much Nana time.  We miss her.

Friday afternoon, Leann, Ethyn, and Kendyl came over to hang out before dinner...so we headed down to stick our toes in the pool.  Millie has always loved her bath, but this was her first time seeing such a big body of water.  I sat on the edge with her, and she absolutely loved kicking her feet in the water.  She loved it so much that the next morning I went to Target to get us all swim suits and a floaty device so we could actually get in the pool. 

This served as her high chair during our stay.  Kendyl fed her dinner that night...wish I had thought to snap a pic.

Millie went to bed before Brandon could get there Friday night.  After she went down, the rest of us enjoyed dinner and drinks on the balcony.

Saturday morning started out with a busted lip...our girl is such a great walker, but she hasn't figured out that she needs to maneuver around things instead of trying to go through them.

 sssssssss

Millie's first swim in a pool! 

Surfer girl.  These are her sunglasses with the band around the back so she'll keep them on. Not my favorite style, but unfortunately the only ones I brought for the trip. They look a little too "Men in Black" or possibly "3rd base softball coach" style. Whatever...they stay put most of the time. ;)

Mills was so quiet and serious...checking everything out but having a great time, I think.

 Kendyl and Ethyn

After the little bear took a very long afternoon nap, we all went over to B & L's for a cookout.  They made kabobs, and it was all so tasty.  My brother is a fantastic cook on the grill; John actually used the word "phenomenal" to describe the steak.  And finally I got to see where they live...in a super cute house in a very picturesque (sort of Truman show with the white picket fence) neighborhood. 

 Leann and Spank the Tank

 This is the first time B has seen Millie since she was a month old.  Awww

 she liked how he would swing her between his legs

for some reason, Mills was fine with Spanky but scared to death of Ty (the yorkie)

Abby Haney: Spanky didn't even growl at her once. :)

Nana got Millie her first real baby doll and we all spent a lot of time showing Millie how to feed the baby and love the baby. She's getting the hang of it but likes to put the bottle in her own mouth just as often.

Sunday afternoon, I went hiking with Brandon and Ethyn while Millie went to the park with JKK and Nana. 

see the snow-capped mountain range?  gorgeous view and such a cool, crisp day...perfect for hiking

However, Mills was reportedly not in the mood to stroll through the park...ugh...whiny face.

only YOU can prevent forest fires

Sunday night was Mexican night at mom's house!  My mom's margaritas and guacamole are probably what I would request for my last meal. 

 She thought Ethyn blowing her hair was absolutely hilarious

 Thanks Mills...way to ruin the family pic ;)

Monday: Millie's first zoo trip!

 komodo dragon...eeeek

just had her first bite of cotton candy

puts my camera to shame...

thanks for the lift, Nana...Millie needed to see those penguins (she was impressed...see her face?!)

jackrabbit 6ft!

 polar bear 8ft!

first carousel ride...the three pandas

love the baby

such a good day but exhausting for all of us...

Tuesday: back to work for B, but the rest of us were free to play...so we met up for lunch and then went to the playground.  Car ride entertainment: Millie adores this Baby Animals touch-n-feel book.

 millisaurus

Tuesday night, Nana got to babysit while JKK and I went to Red Rocks for The Shins concert.  I sort of have a running list of bands that I want to see in certain venues; The Shins at Red Rocks was near the top and it didn't disappoint.  Although, after seeing a concert there, I don't think it would matter which band was playing.  It is such an amazing amphitheater in the most gorgeous, peaceful setting.  This was our first date night out after baby and it'll be hard to top.

 creation rock

 great seats

 Wednesday: a little patty-cake while momma was packing

bye-bye, Nana :(

 at the airport, Mills had her first taste of frozen yogurt

 all set...bring 'er home!  no sleeping on the plane this time; thank goodness we had plenty of puffs.

 Millie was super excited to see Buddy when we got home that night; she loves to pat him.

I would definitely call the trip a success!  Millie didn't sleep that great in the pack-n-play, but I guess that is to be expected.  We are still trying to get back into some sort of routine now that we are home, but it was worth it.  Thank you Nana, Leann, Brandon, Ethyn & Kendyl for a fabulous time!