Antics of the Beast

Nederland

Because I lived near Colorado Springs (at the Air Force Academy, to be exact) I have many memories of beautiful hikes in that area. I wanted to take my family to see all of them, but then realized that from here, it's about a 2 hour drive. So those excursions would take a little bit more planning. For our first outdoor adventure, we went north, to a canyon outside of Boulder. Our first stop was Boulder Falls, but it only took a few minutes to explore, so we headed further up the canyon, to find a lake Stephen had seen on the map. When we got there, we discovered a funny little mountain town on the shores, called Nederland! I could live there...

 Boulder Falls

 Joe pouted with Bracken because the water was cold and his shoes got wet... *rolling eyes*

 I just HAD to stop at this funny little store... They sold bottles! And other random things. One of those bottles was $100. Really?!

We asked where the best place to eat was... we were told it was a mile out of town, further up the mountain. How's THAT for a dining view!

 They had a mural that pictured all the peaks you could see out the window!

 Best French Toast of my life.

You wouldn't understand half of what The Geologist  kept rambling on about these rocks... at least, I didn't...

The Beast's favorite form of exercise 

 Gouda and Rosemary crackers. Cuz we're awesome like that. 

Joe's favorite are the crackers, Stephen's is the cheese. :) 

 Joe's favorite activity of all time: throwing rocks. Off of things, at things, into things...

So of course, we ended with a giant-rock-throwing competition. 

Our New Home!!!

A few pictures of Our New Home, so you can visualize us...

 Our patio, Bracken's new favorite place. Thank goodness for the tree, or we'd just be looking at the parking lot!

 My glorious kitchen...

 Hey look! An actual dining area!

 I'm a little jealous that the boys have a window seat... and the best view...

 A front closet!! Such luxury!!

 The boys love my new counter space almost as much as I do!

Our very bare living room...

And last but not least, our British and Bollywood Bathrooms! (don't ask me why it's British, I have no idea. Maybe because it looks like old china??)

Butterflies!

Our first Denver adventure was a blast from my past, the Butterfly Pavilion! I came here at least half a dozen times with my best friend (whose dad studied bugs) when I lived in Colorado Springs a zillion years ago. I was so excited to bring the boys here, I knew they'd love it! They have a few fun little exhibits, but the main attraction is a giant rainforest room with hundreds of butterflies fluttering around in it. 

I remember it being bigger...

 We got to pet starfish...

Said Hi to Nemo...

Stephen held a tarantula!! She was nice. :)

 Hello, Rosie!

 These Owl Butterflies were HUGE, and Everywhere!

This unassuming little brown thing is the Blue Morpho. The inside of their wings is bright, fabulous, jeweled blue. The problem is, they're horrible teases, and nearly impossible to catch on camera!! 

Look at all the butterflies on those flowers!!

 These are Stephen's best Blue Morpho shots...

 Hooray! Turtles!!

 These white ones, and the Owl butterflies were my favorite. And so photogenic! Unlike those blue stinkers...

 There he is, teasing me again...

 Of course, he must make a weird face. Reminds me of a certain uncle of his...

 Joe was my butterfly guide, he found me so many dazzling ones! He'd come running from the other side of the forest, calling, "Mom! I found you the PRETTIEST one!! You HAVE to take a PICTURE!!"

 That's the closest I got!

 Stephen made a friend.

 There was a Blue Morpho "hatching", but even HE wouldn't let me see his wings!!

This is what they REALLY look like. Hence all the fuss.