Summertime Fun: Forney Museum of Transportation

One of the largest locomotives ever built.

This week's summertime adventures took us to another place that I used to go with my summer camps when I was a little girl (in addition to Tiny Town). The Forney Museum of Transportation used to be located in the current REI building. They moved their showroom to Commerce City and the years between have proven to present a different experience. 

Today we were joined by my friends Adrienne and Damien and their son Sebastian. 

The kids got to climb aboard some of the train cars and this Model T Ford.

There were a lot of classic cars in the showroom. 

The girls look a little overwhelmed by the incredibly huge locomotives on each side of them!

And they were HUGE! The 4005 Engine is the one of the largest ever built! The photo doesn't do it's size any justice.

This car was being painted but we were still able to explore the inside.

There were also some wax figures at the museum. Here Buffalo Bill, along with a Native American friend, seems to be selling 5 cent tickets for something exciting!

A classic 1926 Indian motorcycle. 

There was all sorts of vintage signage throughout the building.

An old tramway car that was once pulled up and down 15th street in Denver.

A Rio Grande dining car, fully equipped with formal stemware and wax figurines!

Driving the Model T.

Rolls-Royce? Yes, please!

Cadillac El Dorado.

Joy ride to Las Vegas in a classic CJ.

That's Daddy's girl cruising in a Jeep with the top down!

The sign said to ring the bell lightly, but the kids couldn't resist ringing it as loud as possible. Can they really expect kids to follow a rule like that?

This is our new friend Sebastian. We look forward to lots of summertime fun with him.

 Experiences are never quite the same in adulthood as they were in childhood. The museum used to allow visitors to walk through all of the train cars and engines. Most of the trains were chained off and we could only experience them from the outside. Even still, the kids enjoyed the museum and I enjoyed the experience through their eyes.

Happy Father's Day!

As usual, I had to work on Father's Day this year. (Hopefully it'll be the last year!) So, Nate spent the day with the girls until I came home from work. Bruce is in Uganda this year, so he and his sons will celebrate Fathers Day with some father-and-son-golfing sometime in July. 

My Mom hosted a BBQ for my Dad and Grandpa so we stopped by for a visit. 

I think that Elizabeth was a monkey in a past life!

If Nate had to look back to his life ten years ago, I doubt that he ever thought he would be helping his daughter put clothes on a Barbie doll! This is just one of a million things that this amazing Daddy does for his adoring daughters! 

 My Dad (a.k.a. Pops) and my brother took a minute to pose for a few family photos!

Elizabeth and Lucy wanted to get in on this one!

I so admire the fathers in my life. Without getting too sentimental, each of them has contributed a great deal to my own style of parenting and I treasure the years of advise and exemplary parenting. 

Happy Father's Day!!!

Opa!

I try to make a point to go the Greek Festival every year. My Great-Grandfather came to the United States from the island of Lefkatas, Greece and although I am not overly familiar with my Greek heritage, I so appreciate the culture. Some years we miss it because of the heat or the age of our children! It just so happened that the weather was beautiful and ages six and three are a great age for some Greek festivities. We packed the wagon and set out to meet Julie and Caleb and Lindsay and Jude. 

After too much time in the sun, Ferris wheel fun, and an exhausting jumpy house maze adventure, Lindsay took Jude home. 

Elizabeth and Abby.

Caleb and Jude.

 Greek music and festive dancing. 

Opa!

Julie is a champ! She is pregnant with her two year-old son on her shoulders, dancing to some live Greek music. Julie is also VERY Greek and her son is a mini-Julie when it comes to a love for Greek food and fun!

There was a Home Depot tent this year and the kids got to paint their own tiles. 

Then we enjoyed some ice cream cones. The kids all won a prize playing carnival games. Elizabeth even won a prize by popping a balloon with a dart!

Assumption of the Theotokos Greek Orthodox Metropolis Cathedral of Denver

After Caleb and Jude went home, the girls and I went and sat in on a short Greek Orthodox sermon and enjoyed the beauty of the church's dome. I have seen the inside of the church many times and am always so very impressed by it's grandeur and beauty. 

We will look forward to the food, drink, and dancing at next year's Greek Festival. 

Uncle Todd Visits Denver, FINALLY

It has been a ridiculous amount of time since Todd has visited his Denver friends (nearly three years)! Todd will blame Natalie because he was boycotting the move to Denver, but we all blame Todd!

Needless to say, we were all pleased that he came into town and enjoyed his company very much so...as always!

On Friday night, everybody met for dinner at the Bull and Bush. Following dinner, a few of us went to Doug and Natalie's for some more quality Todd time. We had A LOT of fun. 

The next evening, Doug and Natalie hosted an evening gathering. 

Miles had received a special birthday gift that day and he brought it to share with his friends, including the grown men. 

Figuring out how to fly the helicopter was half the battle. 

Such a big seven year old boy!

Abigail and Cora going about their usual play.

Tyler joined in on the fun as well! 

Fly helicopter, fly!

Todd mastered the remote control. 

 Doug and Natalie's house backs up to Bible Park, so we went to fly the helicopter there. Afterwards, we headed back to the house and said farewell to our dear Uncle Todd. 

We will look forward to his next visit in July!

Birthday Party Fun!

For Mile's 7th Birthday, Mark and Jenn threw him an outdoor movie party jam packed with fun! All of the kids were able to celebrate Jude's Birthday earlier in the day as well. (I had to work so I don't have any photos to share.) The kids had such a fun-filled day! 

After eating grilled hot dogs, Dottie's Asian salad, Marcia's famous baked beans, and deviled eggs, the kids got a few chances to wack on the pinata! 

Elizabeth!

The "little" kids didn't have to wear the blindfold. Although little, they still pack a punch! 

Caleb

The Birthday boy!

Candy, candy, candy!

Then, they pulled out the PVC pipe and mini marshmallows for a marshmallow war! It was far too fun to stop and take photos.

Jude was sucking the marshmallows in, rather than blowing them out.

Then, after a candy, marshmallow, and cake overload, it was time for the kids to mellow out for the outdoor showing of The Raiders of the Lost Arch! 

Popcorn Mamma.

Movie treats. 

We didn't get to finish the movie but we had a fun time regardless. Happy Birthday Miles, and thanks for inviting us to your very special, and very fun Birthday party!

I just had to share this picture...

...Dan pointed out how fascinating it is that these two girls are so incredibly unique and born within a week of one another. They are the best of friends and I think that they will be for life! Friendships are so special and we are thankful for the Amann family!