Having a Blast in Tiny Town

The schnitz and I had such a fun day yesterday that I am breaking my normal mode and actually writing about it within 24 hours! Yes, this event should probably be noted on a calendar as a historic event:-)

My friend Amanda, her two kiddos, Rusty and I all met yesterday morning at a place called Tiny Town. It has a really neat history. According to their website,

"Tiny town was created at the site of the Denver-Leadville stagecoach stop in a scenic mountain canyon southwest of Denver in 1915. That's when moving-company owner George Turner began constructing one-sixth-sized buildings with a turn- of-the-century flavor to delight his young daughter. In 1920 the town was opened to the public. In just five years, it became one of Colorado's top attractions."

This place is so incredibly cool for kids! It's located in Morrison, down 285 just about 6 miles into the foothills. They have 100+ buildings that are, true to their name, tiny, a train that you can ride for $1, great picnic areas and a fantastic playground. We got there at 10:00 and didn't end up leaving until close to 1:00. With kids that are 3, 2, and 1, you can imagine how impressive that is! It didn't hurt that the weather was beautiful with blue skies and 70 degree temps! We had a great time and will definitely be making a return trip!

The outside and inside of Rusty's favorite building...he played in there forever! Note: it's extremely difficult to get kids out of kid-size places until they're ready to leave on their own. Although, to his credit, he did try to pull me in the very small door:-)



Is this too cute, or what?

I'm fairly certain the deer didn't pay for admission, but we'll let it slide just because they were so pretty (ie,"neat" that's just for you, Summer;-)

Just waitin' for the paper to finish printing;-)


Mama...I don't think the realtor is in, but I'll keep an eye out for him!

The train was a HUGE hit as you can imagine!

Then it was off to the playground which was "so fun" as the schnitz informed me after every ride down the slide!!:-)

And so ends a fantastic day in the mountains! Can't wait to go again!

A Big Month for the Schnitz: Part III (and FINAL!!)

Ok, I'm a total slacker, but have decided to try to (somewhat) mend my ways. I've been meaning to get this "final installment" done and for a variety of reasons, well, haven't. So here goes!

After leaving the reunion in Scottsbluff, Rusty and I traveled back to Kansas City (Olathe, KS to be exact) with Mom to check out their new home and relax for the week. Had a great time hanging out with Kristi, Phil and the kids the first day back and enjoying a trip to the zoo and then just checking out Kansas City with Mom and Dad the rest of the time.

Best way to get through a long drive!

Red panda...taking it easy in the heat:-)

So I really WAS hatched!
The lambs were VERY friendly, especially once you gave them food!

Ok, so they're poisonous, but still really cool!

Jakson and Rusty both thought the cave was pretty cool:-)

It's just hard to beat a frog/slide combo for a good time;-)

Crazy lemurs!

As you can see, we all had a great time at the zoo. If you ever get to Kansas City, I very much recommend checking it out! And in case enough fun had not yet been had, Rusty then got his first experience with the great Chuck E Cheese (heaven help us all!)

Then it was back to the house for a quick "family" birthday celebration!

The end result of a VERY full day:-)

Man, I really need to expand my vocabulary to include "child labor laws"!!Who knew there were such great rides at the mall?

If you can't beat 'em, join 'em. Right, Mimi??

So this is what a pool is! Fun:-)

Already an old pro.

A nice dinner out with Mimi and Papa to end a great trip!

You know, I'm tired after just posting the pictures. No wonder I've been such a slacker lately, I've been recovering from vacation! Hmmm....guilt just fading away:-) Hope you enjoyed the pics and I'll try to be more consistent about posting!