Colorado Children's Chorale...BEAUTIFUL!

If you love music, you should go.

If you love Christmas, you should go.


If you want to have your socks knocked off by CHILDREN, you. should. go.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7j-TEinzyIQ&feature=player_embedded

My family had the wonderful opportunity to witness beauty this weekend...something that I try to never turn down.  I have been to many a choir concert, so I wasn't quite sure what to expect.  Yeah, this was NOT your average concert.  These kids are PROFESSIONALS with a capital P.  We were mesmerized by the sound that filled the concert hall (sidenote: Boettcher Concert Hall is an AMAZING venue!)...even my three year old was glued to his seat.

If you ever have the chance to check these kids out, you should.  The magic that happens within those walls is something you will want to say you experienced during your lifetime.

Check out their performance schedule here:

http://www.childrenschorale.org/site/PageServer?pagename=ExperienceTheMusic_TheMusicOfTheChorale_ListenToTheMusic

Magic, Music and Christmas...a Winning Combo!

Christmas with the Children’s Chorale
Saturday, December 14 — 2 p.m.
Sunday, December 15 — 7 p.m.
Boettcher Concert Hall, Denver Performing Arts Complex

Let the Magic of the Season begin!  

My family is looking forward to kicking off the holiday season at the Colorado Christmas Concert, featuring the Children's Chorale.  We LOVE a good music experience, and this one promises to be nothing less than magical.  

"Come hear the angels sing (and see Santa dance!) at this uplifting holiday tradition featuring Samuel Lancaster’s iconic Christmas in Colorado and Children Go Where I Send Thee! Experience sacred music of the season, sing along to holiday favorites and see what Santa has planned for us this Christmas!

For more than three decades, the Colorado Children’s Chorale has brought its artistry and charm to audiences throughout the world. With a diverse repertoire ranging from fully staged opera and musical theater to standard choral compositions in classical, folk and popular traditions, the Chorale performs with an innovative stage presentation and a unique theatrical spirit. In recognition of its artistic excellence, the Chorale was awarded the Governor’s Award for Excellence in the Arts, the Mayor’s Award for Excellence in the Arts and the prestigious El Pomar Award for Excellence in Arts and Humanities."

Check out the Chorale and get your tickets here:

http://www.childrenschorale.org/site/PageServer?pagename=ExperienceTheMusic_TheMusicOfTheChorale_ListenToTheMusic

No Tricks at the Children's Museum...but LOTS of TREATS!!!

We are all about Halloween at our house...my kids, especially #3, will wear his costume daily and then some.  So we were pretty excited to hit the Children's Museum for their annual Trick or Treat Street!  This is a GREAT one for the younger crowd, as they tend to keep it safe and non-scary, while providing lots of Halloween fun.

 

If you haven't been to the Children's Museum recently, you will love the newer exhibits!  (My guy loved shooting the paper rockets and LITERALLY could have done it all day.)  Be sure to check out the rest of the museum after you hit the Halloween stops!

A few highlights:

• Neat carnival style games for the kids
• Trick or treat "stands" placed throughout the museum
• Trolley rides for $2 (outside by the park)
• Train rides
• Scheduled events like Curious George storytimes and Dirty Desserts
• Photo ops abound!

 

We went on the day that Ann Lincoln, a local magician & juggler, was performing...she had the kids completely engaged and was super entertaining!  I heard that she does birthday parties, so I will be contacting her about that for sure (http://annlincoln.com/)!

You still have one more day to see what the museum has to offer...check out the schedule:

Sunday, October 27:
10 - 11 a.m. - Spooky Ghost Socks
10:30 a.m. - StoryTime with Curious George
12 - 1 p.m. - Dirty Desserts
1 p.m. - StoryTime with Curious George
2 p.m. - Jammyman (Kids Music)
2 - 3 p.m. - Noodle-Boned Skeletons
3 p.m. - Jammyman (Kids Music)
4 p.m. - Jammyman (Kids Music)
4 - 5 p.m. - Dirty Desserts
5:30 p.m. - StoryTime with Curious George
6 - 7 p.m. - Spooky Ghost Socks

http://mychildsmuseum.org/events/trick-or-treat-street.aspx

The Butterfly Pavilion - We got Bug-A-Boo'd!!!

I did it!!!  I faced my fear of those mean butterflies!  And I survived...there may be a few pictures out there of me doing the silent scream, but I did survive!  And we had a ton of fun!

 

If you have the opportunity, you should make plans to check out the Bug-A-Boo next year.  There were all kinds of activities for the kids (including cockroach racing!), and they went trick-or-treating for Hammond's candies...yummmmm!  The event was very well planned out, there were plenty of supplies for all the kids, and we got to hang with the b'flies for a bit.  It was a really fun trip, and I look forward to attending for many years!

 www.butterflies.org

The Hubs did NOT hold Rosie...but I did!

The Rock...ROCKS!!!

Next up in our "Where to Take ALL of Your Kids to Have Fun" Series...

As you may recall, I have three kids (ages 12, 8 and 3), and finding places to take all of them, where they will ALL have fun, is difficult at best.  BUT...I am super excited about our next stop on our Tour de Fun - for EVERYONE!

A mom friend of mine told me about a pizza joint that she takes her family to.  She claimed that ALL of her kids were occupied, pleasant, quiet and eating the entire time they are there.  I did NOT believe her, so I called Sean (the Highlands Ranch location manager) and arranged a visit.  Fingers crossed!

First of all, there is so much to look at at The Rock.  My three year old was pointing out posters and lighting that he found fascinating, while my 12 year old talked classic rock with the Hubs (all of the pizzas are named after Classic Rock songs and you know it was playing in the background).  My daughter was mesmerized by twirling, airborne pizza crusts in the open kitchen.  And the real fun hadn't even begun...

Our server brought pizza dough for my kids to sculpt with.  PIZZA DOUGH!!!  (I was a little jealous that I didn't have my own piece to play with!)  No joke...my kids were mini pizza chefs throughout the entire meal, only taking quick breaks to shovel the amazing food into their mouths.  I have NEVER seen them so content at a restaurant in my 12 years of parenting.

 

I was pleasantly surprised at just how family friendly The Rock was...I mean, they even had PB&J Pizza on the kids' menu!  Kids are encouraged to check things out, and The Rock does tours for groups of kids on a regular basis!

I have to take a moment and talk about MY favorite part...the food.  I consider myself an onion ring conissuer, and was more than pleased to partake in the BEST rings I have ever had.  In. My. Life.  And that was just the beginning!  I was born and raised in New York, so it takes a lot to impress me with a pie (pizza, that is, for all of you West of the Mississippi).  Consider me impressed.  I can't wait to take my Dad the next time he visits!  The hubs had a crazy pizza (Bat Outta Hell) full of pecans, hot peppers and herbed cream cheese, and I had to wrestle him just for a taste.

               

Needless to say, we were absolutely stuffed...but in that good, "the food was so amazing  you can't stop eating it" way.  We had to squeeze in dessert, so we ordered the Skillet Cookie and Skillet Apple Pie.  Holy Hell in a Handbasket.  A-MAHZ-ING.

Amazing Food.  Well-behaved kids.

Adult conversation.  Classic Rock.

(Did I mention well-behaved kids????)

Go!  NOW!!!!

http://www.therockwfp.com/

PJs & Eggs...What Could Be Better???

 

Who loves to wear PJs???

Who loves breakfast???

Who loves to help kids???

I know we all do...well, except my friend, Jen.  She hates breakfast.  But everyone else does....love to wear PJs, breakfast and help kids, I mean.  (And my friend Jen loves to help kids...in her PJs, of course. :) )

Do NOT miss your chance to combine all these things on the 2nd Annual PJs and Eggs this Friday...it's National Egg Day, after all.  Wear your PJs and help the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Denver while you enjoy delicious food at one of many participating restaurants in the Denver area.  Check out the options at the link below!

http://pjsandeggsco.eventbrite.com 

Be sure to check out the Facebook page here:

https://www.facebook.com/COEggProducers?ref=ts&fref=ts

 

We Loved Clowning Around at The Circus!

 

My family loves the circus.  It has become a tradition to "get our clown on" every October, and my kids start asking about it in the summertime.  The dig out their clown noses and start adding cotton candy to the grocery list.  And we all get excited when the weather starts to change, because we know that it is almost circus time.

This year, the Ringling Bros Barnum & Bailey show did not disappoint!  There were new acts (we LOVED the trampoline guys!) and old favorites.  My three year old literally danced in the aisles to the catchy tunes, and my trumpet player was fascinated with the band. 

            

We were all on the edge of our seats when the tightrope walkers rode bikes across the wire, and when the dudes jumproped on the twirling Steel Vortex (itt freaks me out EVERY time). 

And the clowns...THE CLOWNS!!!  New Ringmaster sidekicks, Alex and Irina Emelin, stole the show!

There is still time to get tickets and see the show at The Pepsi Center...it runs from Oct. 9th to the 13th.  Do not miss out on The Greatest Show on Earth!!!

Bugs, Butterflies & Boo! (aka...Getting Over My Fear of Butterflies)

Butterfly Pavilion - Bug-a-Boo

Saturday & Sunday, October 19th - October 20th

9AM - 5PM 

I am afraid of butterflies.

 

My kids (and the hubs) think this is HILARIOUS.

 

It all started with the Miller Moth Invasion of 1992.  We couldn't even leave the porch light on or 20 of those little buggers would come in the house with us.  They were in my truck, outside, and in my house...constantly banging into my face and head.

 

Despite the fact that my hubs will take more than one picture of me with my mouth agape, silently screaming, I am REALLY looking forward to bringing the fam to the Butterfly Pavilion for the Bug-A-Boo this year.  My three year old has actually been asking to go, since the Middle is headed there on a field trip next week.  The hubs WILL be holding Rosie (because he is afraid of her, and let's be honest...I GOTTA get a picture of THAT).  AND we get to go trick or treating and hang with a giant praying mantis.  I mean, seriously, what could be better than that?

 

"Experience Metro Denver's favorite Halloween event - Bug-A-Boo at Butterfly Pavilion! Celebrate the fall season dressed in your Halloween best while enjoying indoor trick-or-treating, creepy crawly activities, a parade led by Pete the Mantis, and lots more fun for the whole family to enjoy! Kick off the holiday a week early!"

 

http://www.butterflies.org/calendar/bug-boo

 

 

You can visit The Butterfly Pavilion year round, and you will want to bring this coupon!

$2 off admission for up to 4 people!

http://www.coloradokids.com/coupon.php?id=10010200&referralcode=true

Safety + Spookiness = FUN! at The Chrildren's Museum!

Children's Museum of Denver - Trick or Treat Street

Oct 25th - 27th

9am - 7:30 pm

 

Break out the costumes and get ready for some safe Halloween fun!  I am taking my family to the Children's Museum Trick or Treat Street, and we are ALREADY excited.  My 3 year old has been donning his dino costume for several days now...not sure it's going to make it to October!

 

From the museum:

 

"We're bringing in pumpkins, hay bales and heaps of spooktacular fun to make the Children's Museum a playful wonderland for children and adults alike! For three days, the Museum will host fairies, goblins, superheroes and all sorts of costumed characters. Families can parade from one Treat House to the next collecting goodies, create classic Halloween crafts like "Noodle-Boned Skeletons" and "Dirty Desserts," play carnival games on the plaza, stroll through Pumpkin Hill, take a spin on Vern's Mini Train* and much more. It's the ultimate Halloween adventure, bursting with fun for everyone. Visit mychildsmuseum.org for a complete schedule of events. Activities included with Museum admission. *Vern's Mini Train is $2 per ride."

 

 

http://www.mychildsmuseum.org/events/trick-or-treat-street.aspx

 

 

The Children's Museum is not just for Halloween, and now you can get a GREAT BOGO deal on Wednesdays!

Coupon offer: 2 for 1 Wednesday Nights

http://www.coloradokids.com/coupon.php?id=10010204&referralcode=true

 

Facebook link: https://www.facebook.com/events/354925147971828/

Get Your Clown on at Ringling Bros!

The Circus is coming to Denver, and I will be taking my "circus" to see it!  We have gone to see Ringling Bros. Barnum & Bailey Circus every year since my oldest was one...he is now twelve and he STILL looks forward to it.  So, break out your own clown nose, and get your tickets now!

(You can get discount tickets if you buy your tickets before October 2nd...see the link and code below!)

"Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey^® Presents Built To Amaze!^â„ , the 143^rd edition of the Greatest Show On Earth coming to Denver Coliseum on October 3-6 and Pepsi Center on October 9-13. Surprise and wonder delights audiences with over the top feats of strength, agility and courage. As the momentum builds so does the anticipation, anything can happen when Ringling Bros. Presents Built To Amaze! Circus performers from across the globe create the perfect blend of athleticism and bravery, where power meets fearlessness and amazement has no bounds. Magnificent elephants, ferocious tigers, astonishing acrobats and awe-inspiring aerialists are engineered into one spectacular performance. Celebrate the tradition TODAY and experience its modern flare of twists and turns where excitement and suspense are so intense you'll be tempted to cover your eyes."

Coming to Two Denver Locations: 

Denver Coliseum, Oct. 3-6

Pepsi Center, Oct. 9-13

20% OFF TICKETS PURCHASED BY OCT 2ND

CLICK ON THE LINK BELOW

CHOOSE YOUR VENUE LOCATION

USE CODE RBBBCO:  

http://www.coloradokids.com/coupon.php?id=23050908

Pleygo...the "Net-flix" for Legos!

I can't tell you how excited I am about this program...and any mom or dad who's house is overrun by Legos will be as excited as I am!

I am going to try out Pleygo...a Net-flix like service for Lego lovers!  I will let you all know how it goes, but in the meantime, you can get a month *FREE*!

Check this out:

"Pleygo is a Net-Flix like service for Legos!  Subscribe, rent, play, and exchange sets of LEGOs unlimited times per month.  Shipping is always free both ways and sets are sanitized when returned.  We offer a convenient, quick, and inexpensive solution that relieves clutter and saves space at home while saving money.  Co-Founded by influential parenting blogger and creator of A-List mom Elina Furman, Plegyo is the perfect way to supply your child with endless developmental tools and allow for that much needed quiet time at home!

              

Three levels of subscription starting at just $15 allow you to find the plan that best suits you.  We offer credit towards you account for sets and mixed bricks that you donate to us, and we provide the shipping label too!  Pleygo is a perfect gift for a family friend, loved one, or birthday party.  Purchase a gift subscription and send it with a special message from you!  We are constantly expanding our inventory with more sets!"

Receive your First Month FREE at

http://www.usfamilycoupons.com/coupon.php?bid=11329&dealid=1389®ionid=75 

or directly at www.Pleygo.com to register!

Casa Bonita...the Magic of Mexico Right Here in Denver!

Second in our "Where to Take ALL of Your Kids to Have Fun" Series...

 

It's hard to find anyone in the Denver area who hasn't heard of Casa Bonita...but we managed to find one!  Our neighbor got the run down from my kids after we visited to celebrate the end of summer.  I think their words do a better job of confirming that ALL of your kids will have fun at this

magical place, than mine ever could.  Check out what they said:

• They have a mariachi band and the trumpets are amazing! (12yo)
• We saw a puppet show and the rock talked!  (2yo)
• The gorilla chased the guy, but he won't get US.  (2yo)
• I got the unlimited chicken plate, and I could get refills of whatever I wanted.  I just had to raise a little flag!  (OK...so that was me.  I didn't have to cook and someone brought food whenever I asked.  SCORE!)
• People dove into the water from like a hundred feet...I totally got soaked.  (8yo)

• I won a fake mustache and glasses in the arcade so I wore them with my sombrero.  (12yo)
• We got to eat sopapillas with honey, and my mom and dad got them with whipped cream for their birthdays.  (8yo)
• I got to hit the pinata!  (8yo)
• I want to be in that show! (12yo)
• I brought my money so I could buy something at the gift shop.  (8yo)
• We all threw pennies in the wishing well, and then the well talked! (2yo)
• My favorite part was Black Bart's Cave...I was scared, but it was okay!  (2yo)
• I rode on a donkey!  (2yo)
• I won 19 bouncy balls!  (12yo)
• I drove Batman's car!  (2yo)
• It looked like Mexico in there...I felt like I was there.  Can I say that I went to Mexico this summer?  (12yo)

I think it's pretty obvious that all of my kids had a fantastic time, and so did we.  If you are in the Denver area, you MUST go to Casa Bonita at least once...and your kids will convince you to go again and again.  I mean, the place is so famous that it was featured on an episode of South Park!

MOMMY HINTS:

• Plan to arrive around 5pm for dinner...this will get you there early enough to avoid the massive lines, get a great table, and give you plenty of time to enjoy the activities after dinner.
• Take advantage of the ingoing token deal!
• All guests over 2 years old must purchase a dinner to enter the building.  
• Find great deals and coupons here: http://www.casabonitadenver.com/deals
• Bring your camera!

http://www.casabonitadenver.com/

Two Times the Fun at Elitch Gardens!

First up in our "Where to Take ALL of Your Kids to Have Fun" Series...

Denver, CO

I have to admit, we had not been to Elitch Gardens for years...

and our main reason was because we have multiple aged kids.

Too hard, we said.

The little one will have nothing to do, we said.

Too long of a day, we said.

Two parks...yikes, we said.

Sooooo, yeah, we were wrong.

We ALL had a blast at Elitch Gardens!  There was literally something for everyone!  I was surprised to find that my youngest could go on a lot of rides in the regular park, not to mention all the awesome, geared-toward-the-younger-crowd Kiddie Land.  I took him on the Spider, and we spun around like maniacs...and he LOVED it.  My 12 year old had all of the thrill rides at his beck and call, and he even managed to drag me on a few...I had forgotten how fun the Sidewinder is!  My 8 year enjoyed everything, once we managed to convince her to go on the rides!  She was so excited to have bragging rights when she started school this year ("Mom, I have the best stories for when they make us write about our summer!").

And this was just the morning.

After we ate lunch, we hit the water park.  We were all grateful for the break from the heat!  We rode the family rides together and then made our way to the Commotion Ocean and Hook's Lagoon.  (I think my kiddos could have stayed there all day.)  The bigger kids were excited to ride the slides while my youngest rode the slides in Hook's lagoon...over and over and over again!

I thought we might stay for a few hours.

We ended up shutting the park down!

Needless to say, Elitch Gardens passed my test.  My kids were exhausted by the time we got home, but they could not stop talking about their day and went to sleep with smiles on their faces.

If you have one kid, or 2, or 6, take them...you will not regret it!

My Mommy Hints:

Thanks to Jessie's advice, we went on a Monday.  I ranted over the lack of crowds

and lines.  I would DEFINITELY try to go that day.

Invest in water shoes for everyone in your family.

The ground gets hot and sensitive soles will thank you for it!

Lockers are available, and worth it!

Take advantage of season passes...it is almost impossible to fit everything in,

and your kids WILL want to go back.

Get there as soon as it opens....you will want to make the most of your time!

http://www.elitchgardens.com/