Good Friends = Good Times

Even though we spent almost as much time driving in the car as we did hanging out with our good friends the G's from Colorado, it was totally worth it to hang out with great people who just get us and visa verse.

It is a very rare thing indeed to find a couple where both the husband and wife get along with both of us and it's an even better bonus when your kids all get along and in fact look forward to the time we can all spend together. In fact our kids get along so well, we have to wait to tell them we are getting together or there is not a moments peace from the questions of when we are going to get together.

It was our 3rd annual trip to Santa's Village in Colorado Springs, where there are more than enough nausea inducing spinning rides to last you for a life time. The kids went on everything from Santa's train, the aerial sky cabs, rocket ships, motorcycles and automobiles, a reindeer carousel to a giant peppermint slide.

They could not get enough and BB1 could not get to the next ride fast enough. In fact she was so fast she got onto the Tilt-A-Whirl all by herself before we knew she had even gotten off the previous ride.

Sometimes, she is just too independent for her own good. Darn assertive and independent "I can do it myself" gene passed on by both her parents!

After spending the day watching the simple joy on both my kids faces, I have decided that for as long as BB1 and now BB2 get enjoyment from their time at Santa's Village, then we will keep going. I know that the time will come when they will think the village is cheesy, so for now I will embrace their childlike enthusiasm for carnival type rides, I will let them think that hot chocolate, nachos and funnel cakes are a satisfactory lunch and I will provide an outlet for them to indulge in their whirly cup and Ferris wheel passions for as long as I can.

As the day wound to a close, the girls both got to pick out a special treat from the little candy factory in the Boys Toy Shop (and as to why it's not in the Girls Toy Shop, I will never know) and of course they both loved their little sugary treats. Papa Bear and I got to indulge in some pretty delicious fudge and I just have to say it's a good thing I don't know how to make the stuff because it's dangerous. Not that I couldn't make it, it's just that me (and my backside) would just prefer not to have that little bit of knowledge in my culinary repertoire.

This is also the 2nd time we have had a surprise run in with friends from our old neighborhood and it was great to catch up and just see how they are all doing. M&D - Congrats on Baby #3 and please keep me posted once she makes her grand debut!!

There was just no time this trip for a visit to the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, which was a hard blow for BB1 to take when we told her we wouldn't be going, but we were able to take in the Sunday Brunch at the Broadmoor. I highly recommend going if you are ever in the area.

Also, I have to note that the kids were awesome in terms of their behavior. I guess all those little talks of being on their best behavior, because we were in a really nice place, must have sunk in. Of course there comes a time when it has to end as I have yet to find a way to make it last forever, but at least they were on their best manners when it really counted and for that I am grateful.

But back to the buffet - I have never seen so much food in all my life and in proper brunch fashion started with the dessert table, even though it was 9:00 am. Creme brulee, Black Forest Truffle, and a chocolate fountain - need I say more. I stayed away from all the things I would normally eat (like omelets and other simple breakfast foods) and indulged in fabulous cheeses, pastries and other breakfast delicacies. The cheese blintzes with strawberry sauce, fillet of beef tenderloin, honey baked ham were delicious. Also, for the first time ever I tried Eggs Benedict and it turns out they are a pretty tasty item. One of Papa Bears favorite items was the Bananas Foster (I tried a bite and it was delicious). I truly believe he tried everything there just to make sure he got his money's worth. Even BB1 got into the spirit of things and had everything from waffles to an ice cream sundae.

So after eating for about 2 1/2 hours (and realizing with our aching tummys why we do not eat at buffets very often) we walked around and got a few family photos to capture the moment. Of course they are all on N&B's camera, so until I get them, you'll have to wait on pins and needles for the latest family photo. I know I am horrible about taking family picture with any kind of consistency, so I can only anticipate the excitement you must all be feeling of finally getting an updated picture. Just hang in there for a few more days.