FALLing In Love With Aspen

Maroon Bells

This past weekend we decided to take a mini get-away to Aspen, CO. I can't even begin to explain how beautiful our trip was with the snow-covered peaks and changing Aspen trees. Our first hike was rather touristy but there was no other way to get one of the best views in Aspen. We took a shuttle bus to the Maroon Bells Lake and then hiked back to Crater Lake. Even with the tourist crowds, we were happy we went as the scenery is magnificent. All I wanted to do was take pictures but they don't do the brilliant colors justice.

After the Maroon Lakes hike, we went and checked in to our hotel in Snowmass. While the drive back there was beautiful than the scenery around Aspen, I would recommend staying in Aspen for the ammenities. Snowmass is a quaint ski-town so not much was open. The next day we woke up and had plans to hike Cathedral Lake. But with our 2 hour adventure just to find breakfast (and we even ended up at McDonald's) we got off to a late start for the 7 mile journey. Topping that with me not feeling too well, Reid decided to trail run with Snyder while I hung out at the car with little-man. We walked a little bit to take in the views and the beautiful weather. Honestly, we could have not picked a more perfect weekend to visit.

4 Month Check-Up

Four Months Old with my cool socks

Wanting to put everything in his mouth

It's time for another check-up! Carson is becoming more and more aware of his hands. His favorite past time is putting them in his mouth! Not only does he suck his thumb, but he will stick two fingers in almost gagging himself and sometimes tries for the whole fist. Who knows what that is all about! But the best is a new trick I caught on camera (no repeats, I caught the first time)!! While admiring his new outfit, he managed to reach out and grab his toes :) Before too long I'm sure he'll master the "happy baby" pose.

Newborn: 8lbs 6.3oz and 20.5 in

Two Weeks: 9lbs 1oz and 21in

Two Months: 12lbs 9.5oz and 25 in

Four Months: 13lbs 13oz and 25.5 in

 

Number-wise he hasn't grown much since our last check-up but he seems to have grown more than they say (11th percentile for height and 5th for weight). We are already transitioning in to six months clothes and we have to wear 12-24 month size socks to stay on our feet. While we were hanging out in the waiting room, I took Carson into the kids nook and we played with some toys. As I was flicking and twirling the toy below, he was smiling and giggling at me. So fun to watch him becomming more aware.

So I think we can safely guess who Carson is taking after looks-wise. Everyone says he looks just like me, and I have to agree. Reid noticed dimples on him the other day and I can tell by those big eyes he looks just like his momma. That's okay because I think he is taking Reid's personality. Such a goofy guy who always has a smile for you, just like daddy.

 

 

 

After our appointment we went to meet up with cuz Erinn who was visiting from Monterey. So glad we were able to stop by and say hi, even if she did take blackmail pics of Carson with Jayhawk attire :( But she also helped me discover another new trick for Carson...feeding himself.

Well I'm not sure how 4 months will be able to top 3 months but we will see! With trips to the mountains and beach already under his belt, we've got to come up with more new and exciting things for him. First up, a family adventure to Aspen!!

Fun In The Sun

First family beach vacation

Cute 'lil beach baby

Last weekend we got to take our first family vacation to the beach!! We met Reids mom, stepdad and his two sisters and their families at Topsail Island in Surf City, NC. We had so much fun, but were thankful we actually made it!

The day we planned to leave was also the day Denver decided to have tons of rain. We ran into to many closed roads and tons of traffic. We had to park at the airport garage (cha-ching) just to have a fighting chance to catch our flight. Of course no other airline had a line to their baggage check so we patiently waited our turn. After finally making it to the front (with 30min until depature) we were sent to a kiosk behind a family of 5 and the lady took forever to check them in. During this time I was asking if we could move to another kiosk to be helped quicker since our flight left very soon. It was then that I was informed we had already "missed" our flight because we arrived after the alloted 45min timeframe before a flight left....and I thought I was stressed out before trying to get to the airport. We continued to wait now to find a new flight to take us to NC. Well little did we know the lady checked us in to our original flight (25min to go) so after we checked the luggage we hoofed it to the security line only to get to the front and discover they didn't print Reid's boarding pass. I continued on while Reid went back. After making it through security (15min remaining), I'm running down the hallway, Carson strapped in a carrier, the carseat over my shoulder and pushing the stroller with an additional bag in it. I must have looked like a fool because two kind strangers came to my rescue and helped me rush to the gate. We finally arrived and as I'm getting my gate check tags, here comes Reid, sweat dripping down his face as he had just sprinted through the airport to catch up to us. And so we finally boarded the plane with 5 minutes to spare. Yikes!! Not a good start to the vacation.



First plane ride

But we finally made it to the beach house (at 2am) and were happy to get some rest! During our trip we mostly played at the beach and of course watched some football! I tried boogie-boarding for the first time and I think I mastered being taken out by waves more than riding them. Good sinus cleansing I guess, lol! We were sad when the vacation came to an end but it was so much fun spending time with family. I can't wait when the cousins are old enough to play with each other. I'm sure our vacations will be much more interesting then!!



Checking out the waves



What is this stuff?

Our trip home was much more calm than the one out there. But bad news we did all bring colds back with us. I think Reid has it the worst and it's so sad to see Carson miserable. He has also decided to start waking up every two hours at night. I don't know if it's him not feeling well or maybe another growth spurt (or both) but I'm ready for him to be back to his normal 9:30p-5:30a sleeping schedule.



Our sick lil boy

Stay tuned...Carson will be 4 months on Monday and also has a check-up





Mohawk Lakes

Our Labor Day weekend adventure was a hike at Mohawk Lakes outside Breckenridge. The hike was about 7 miles round trip and Carson did fantastic!! He mostly naps when we walk and if he is awake he takes in the scenery (he likes trees) or gnaws on his hands, lol. I got quite a good workout hauling Carson up the trail and I let Reid carrying him down because I'm notorious for tripping. This hike was the first time I had to change a diaper while out and let me say it is challenging to find a nice soft spot to lay him down!! So glad we are able to get out and go hiking again.




Reid at Mayflower Lake

Tara and Carson at Continental Falls

Tara and Carson at Lower Mohawk Lake

 



Reid and Carson on the hike out


We got quite a few remarks while out. Some people would see Snyder and go, oh cute dog and then look again and another, oh cute baby! One lady said it was great to see a baby on the trail and a few days said, I remember those days!! We had someone offer to take a family picture by the falls but apparently she didnt' press the button because we got no such picture :( Oh well, we'll get one on the next adventure.

After our hike we stopped in Frisco and ate at Moose Jaw. I guess I should have read the reviews more carefully when picking a place to eat because when we got there it was an extreme dive-bar atmosphere. Thankfully it was the middle of the afternoon and wasn't too "rowdy." A little afraid to get something to eat (I was thinking it would just be greasy bar food) I went ahead and ordered a hamburger and to my surprise it was delicious!!

Next week my mom is coming to town because Reid is going to climb in the Tetons (in Wyoming). And after that we are heading to North Carolina for a family beach vacation :)