NEW 52 | Casa Bonita

Last week on a road trip with my good friend Robin who grew up in Colorado, she told me about at a restaurant in Denver that we just needed to visit. Well, today was that day! My parents are in town for a few days and our original plans fell through. So we ended up at Casa Bonita. It took some encouragement from families exiting the restaurant to sway our decision. The restaurant was in a vacant strip mall that looked a bit sketchy. And the catch to entering the restaurant featuring a 30 foot water fall with daring cliff divers is that every person in your party has to purchase a meal. Even though we weren't super hungry, we decided to go for it.

My kids loved Casa Bonita! We had dinner on a balcony looking over the waterfall. Casa Bonita has shows every 15 minutes so it kept us entertained for a couple of hours. The restaurant was also decorated to the nines with Halloween decor making it a spooky experience. My little ones are already asking to go back again. The food was actually decent as I was forewarned it wouldn't be very good. You pay for the experience more than anything. Maybe in a year or so we will return.

NEW 52 | Monster Jam

Monster Jam | January 28, 2012

Landon was tiny next to the gigantic wheels on the monster trucks.

Hank and Ryland checking out the tires.

Quick photo opp before the preshow started.

We actually go to sit on one of the quads to be racing in the preshow quad wars.

Taylor and Landon had their turn too!

Landon's priceless expression as the main event starts.

The main event starting off with the monster trucks racing.

The whole experience was pretty incredible. I'm really not sure what we liked most...hanging out in the pits, the preshow quad wars or the main event. All five of us were in awe. Since we had never been before, we really didn't know how loud it would be. Honestly, the only drawback of this event was the noise level. We came prepared with earplugs that helped out tremendously, but our 2 year old would not wear them and I was the most concerned about him. I would recommend this event for anyone over the age of 3 and not younger. We are so excited about this event, and the kids are already asking when they can go back. This was such a fun family experience!

NEW 52 | Ferris Wheel

This weekend we took the kids to Glendale Glitters for their annual closing Glow Night. Grounded hot air balloons are littered throughout the area and twinkle. Although it is extremely crowded, we love it. This year the kids were big enough to go on the ferris wheel so we took them. $20 bucks later, our kids were happy little creatures and loved their first experience on the ferris wheel. You can check out the video that Hank took on his Facebook page.

NEW 52 | Children's Museum of Denver

On our first real day of vacation in beautiful Colorado, we visited the Children's Museum of Denver. It was similar to the one we have here, but different enough to make it a totally different experience. They had a room where the kids could stand on a platform with walls of bubbles all around them. They also had a veterinarian clinic that was so cool and hands on. I took way too many photos and will have a hard time choosing my favorites. At the end of our visit, all three kids played in the market and did their grocery shopping for almost an hour. I told Grandpa Don he needs to figure out how to build a market quick! Anything to keep them happy and busy is good.

New 52 | The Play Factory

Yesterday we tried out an indoor playground for kids. It's really a perfect set-up for kids toddler to seven years old. The Play Factory at Desert Ridge Mall has an indoor rock climbing wall, bouncy slide and obstacle course. And Fridays are only $5 admission per child. Score! My kids played for almost three hours straight and cried when we finally had to leave. What made this first time experience really special is that we were able to visit with my aunt Monica who just flew down from Canada.

NEW 52 | Just Dance 2 Wii

Holy cow! We went to a 40th birthday party last night and played tons of games. We were dancing to the Just Dance 2 Wii game for the first time and loved it! It was so funny and a great workout. Hank was up dancing a few times with his buddies, and we did one dance together where I legitimately kicked his butt! He was quite the character and made us all laugh. Can't wait to do this again!

NEW 52 | Taylor Gets Her Ears Pierced

Yesterday around 4:00 pm, Taylor told me that she wanted her ears pierced and she wanted them tonight. She said if we waited to do it in a few days, she might get too scared and not do it. So, I jumped on this chance while her courage was strong. After a quick phone call to Daddy for his approval, I swooped up the kids into the car and headed to Claire's at our local mall. I had called ahead to make sure that they could pierce both of Taylor's ears at the same time. I was afraid after one piercing, she would refuse to have the second ear pierced.

She picked out the earrings of her choice that ended up being the cutest Hello Kitty earrings. After 5 minutes of fussing over where the holes should be, both ladies counted to three while Taylor grasped on to the chair. I think I was more nervous than her. I was feeling really hot and could feel my heart beating with intensity. Taylor was quiet. I asked again if she really wanted to do this and she said yes.

Within a blink of an eye, her little ears were pierced and she instantly aged a few years. My little girl is growing up so quickly! Taylor said it didn't hurt, it just stung a little. Another little girl was watching Taylor get her ears pierced and decided she wanted to do it too. Since Taylor fared well, she thought she could do it too. So proud of my little girl for facing her fear head on.

We've been talking about this day for years. I simply just told Taylor that it does hurt a little bit like a shot and when she decides she is ready, we would do it. I told her she might be 3 or 30 or decide never to pierce her ears....it was all up to her. She was in control. And it worked out beautifully that way.

NEW 52 | Sanctuary on Camelback

For Hank's 35th birthday, my parents treated the both of us to a spa day at the Sanctuary on Camelback. Neither one of us had ever been to this beautiful resort nestled on Camelback Mountain. My parents offered to watch the kids so we could enjoy the day away. I must say...we had a fabulous time...from the potent massage that relaxed us to the point of a slight induced coma to the poolside snack and leisure reading. The best thing was that all of this...even the day off from work...was a complete surprise to Hank. We are so incredibly blessed!

NEW 52 | Ryland Goes to the Dentist

Ryland had his first dental appointment this week. The little stinker wouldn't budge one bit and open his mouth for the hygienist or even the dentist. Finally at my request, the dentist tried to pry open his mouth and at least take a quick peek at his chompers. So straddled in my lap, the deed was done. Everything look fine to the well-trained eye. I am hoping in six months that he will actually open his mouth for a much-needed cleaning and exam.

NEW 52 | Ballet Under the Stars

Taylor and Landon have a special friend at school named Margot. The relationship started off last year with Landon and Margot becoming good buddies in their toddler class. This year Landon, Margot and Taylor are all in the preschool class and love to "work" with each other. So if I ask, "Who is Margot's best friend?" Both Taylor and Landon reply "me". My kids equally love Margot, and it is a sweet friendship they all share. So when Margot's mommy asked us if we wanted to check out Ballet Under the Stars with them and the event was free, we immediately took them up on the offer.

We arrived 30 minutes early and the park had already filled itself with lots and lots of senior citizens. Some who thought dancing children in the aisles were delightful and some who thought they were detestable. It was a memorable event to say the least, and we all had a great time. Can't wait to do this again next year!