Four Mile Historic Park, Denver CO

Digging for "gold" in the winterized gold panning station.

The most favorite activity of the day.... Drawing water from the well.

I know it has been nearly a year since I submitted to this space.  It isn't for a lack of adventure.  But I guess time off was what was needed.  The photos are limited on a scout outing with needing to get permissions from every scout parent.  So we'll just make do with my scouts.  We went with Scout S.'s Tiger Den for a Go See it to the Four Mile Historic Park this last Saturday.

We weren't on a specific tour but free ranged around and letting the boys guide the way.  We had a terrific time washing laundry the old fashioned way and I would say drawing water from the well was the highlight of the boy's activities.  If there is anything with water and Tiger Cubs will naturally gravitate there. 

We have been to this place several times before and as such we were able to share some of the things we had learned previous with some of the other boys and those who had been before too had much to share as well.

I will say that my boys (as the Girl Scout was off on her own adventure) are determined to add their own washing equipment to our own back yard but were disappointed when I said we couldn't dig our own well in the backyard.  And as always,  chickens elsewhere are just as fascinating even when you own your own chickens. I doubt we will ever tire of chickens sightings on any of our adventures. In addition to hand washing equipment, We may see some hoops for games and stilts.  And might I add that Tug of war is still a timeless game.

Aquarium Revisted

Just sharing a few pictures from our latest trip to the Denver Downtown Aquarium.  Another fun day just strolling and getting to know this place even more.  This particular time it inspired some entrepreneurial spirit in the kids My A. decided that he wanted to own and be the manager of an aquarium himself.  Mr. J is going to be the head chef at the aquarium's distinguished restaurant- oddly enough serving fine sea food and cakes. Miss C is decidely going to be the chief Marine Biologist while the youngest of the family is the head of security.  Even now, weeks later, there are drawings and sketches of exhibits and sample menus covering their display boards though Mr. S continues to walk around with legal authority over all the happenings.
It is fun to pretend.  To imagine creating a world and your own future just the way you want to.   Miss C. even included that her children would be awesomely (her words) home schooled at the aquarium much like the girl in the movie, A Dolphin Tale.  Yeah... that would be so cool.

Girl Scout Aquarium Overnighter

 

If you thought the Girl Scouts were having fun this last week camping, they had loads of fun earlier this month at a Sleepover at the Denver Downtown Aquarium.  For this post I will just tell you about the overnight aspect of it. I will do more on the next visit.  I guess I forgot to post about it when we went in Feb earlier this year.  The Cost was $50 per person.  It is times like this when I especially enjoy being a Girl Scout Leader.

 Included in the cost of the overnight was getting to feed the stingrays... Way Awesome!  The girls loved it.

 

 Museum admission... of course.

Before bedtime little class, snack and a craft.  We made Soap Jelly Fish, learned about Predators.  Got to touch a Tiger Pelt, Baleen from a whale, shark's teeth, and a Mermaid's Purse (look it up! It was so cool!)

 Of course there was the sleep over part of it.  Our Troop was given the Sunken Tomb area to sleep in.  We did a little glamping with quilts! (Love Snuggling up with my Grandma-made quilt.)

 The rest of the evening was spent looking at the fish in a similated moon-light, while encouraging the girls to get a good night's rest.

 Which is hard to do with so much action. (Sorry for the little star-fish sticker. I always try to get parental permission from my scouts before I plaster their face on the www.)

 And right above my head, resting on the glass the curved above us, a turtle slept.

And sharks and fish swam over head.  We fell asleep to the gentle sounds of water.  Occasionally during the night, I woke and marveled.  They were moments of mindfulness that we so peaceful as my full conscience focused on the simple movement of rippling water overhead.  Quite frankly I could have used more time in that state.  It was... magical... to be a little corny.  But there it is... a magical night.

We awoke way to early, given how late we stayed up trying to soak the experience all in.  To a little behind the scenes tour of the aquarium.  We fed the trout, watched the Tiger do a little feeding and exercise routine.  The breakfast... well it was like cafeteria food.  Which was odd cause we were eating in their fine dining room.  Cold eggs are never tasty.  All in all, I thought it was well worth the cost.  It also included a t-shirt and at the end, they gave each of the girls a free pass to come back.  So yes...very worth it!  The Girl Scout's brothers are saving to go now too!

Summer Bucket List #24 and Happy Birthday Colorado!

Happy 136th birthday, Colorado!

Given that this blog is mainly devoted to exploring and savoring the awesome state of Colorado, it is only fitting that we celebrate it!  So we headed off to the New Colorado History Museum.  Summer Bucket List Item # 24.... Check!!!  And it was a free day!

 Here's a shout out to the awesome balloon lady, making awesome balloon creations. 

Suzallonz

 They had a mining area.  Of course, with Colorado's history. My favorite was the miner's lunch box.  It was ingenious and better than the Tiffin Boxes that I am such a fan of.

 Always a favorite in our family to find vintage BSA stuff.

 The biggest hit was Lego-rado (Colorado built in legos).

 There was several groups invited to perform.  We only caught the Native American one. 

I am not sure how we managed to be so Coloradoan today.  On Monday, I was looking at our Bucket list... pondering on what would be easy to do.  I went to the website of the History Colorado Center 
and low and behold Aug 1st was not only Colorado's 136th Birthday but also a free day there. 

Honestly, I thought it would be bigger. But what they had there was pretty good.  Happy Birthday Colorado!