Summer: Silva Style

Summer started one week ago today. We always make the most of our limited summer days but this year it seems that we have taken off with a bang. So far in the last week we have gone to a block party (of which I have no pictures, probably a good thing), gone to Estes for an overnight camping trip, toured downtown Estes, visited the candy store, had a picnic and taken a trip to the zoo.

Today we are going to the $1.00 movie and tomorrow Colin *might* have a friend over for his first sleepover. Friday we have a MOMS Club Reunion and this weekend we have 4 (yes, F.O.U.R.) birthday parties to attend. The Silva's know how to start off the summer with gusto. The kids have made their list of things that they want to do this summer. I can not promise that we will get to all of them, but we will sure try. Some of them are more expensive than others we will have to pick and choose our big activities. For several of them, we can get discounted tickets, some of them are already planned (trip to KS) and others cost no money at all.

Last night, after very little research (thanks Angie) my friend and I (whom we spent the entire day at the zoo with) decided that since out husbands ditched us for dinner, we would meet at Chili's since it was Kid's Eat Free night. Colin and Cam acted like they had struck gold. It seems that they can't get enough of the Osborne family these days. So, we all piled into on large booth, scared the wait staff, and served 6 kids (I'm including the youngest in this because she is a mini-adult in her eating habits) and 3 adults (I was kind enough to get a "to go" meal for Steve) for $48. Yes folks, Chili's was probably glad to see us leave since we bilked the system. But hey, if you offer Kids Eat Free, be prepared for kids. Speaking of kids, they were all great! Super well behaved. Six kids and well behaved usually do not go in the same sentence. But these kids were golden. I wish I would have taken a picture of the table aftermath. I felt a little sorry for the wait staff with that pile 'o dishes but giggled a little knowing that I did not have to clean a single dish last night.

And so, I leave you with some pictures of our beginning of summer adventures. There will be many more to come throughout the summer, if I can just remember to bring my camera.

Yes, that is our pop up camper. Yes, that is bull elk. We probably could have walked up to him but I love my children (and their fingers and toes).


Cam tore up the dance floor with his line dancing moves. Notice he is the only boy out there with all of the pretty girls. If I could figure out how to post a video on this silly blog, you would all get a good laugh at his "white boy" talent.

A little shy, but not really.

This is how we were greeted by the giraffe at the zoo. He was so pretty and graceful.

Trouble with a capital T, but such good friends. I love those girls to pieces. (And those boys too.)

Not sure who the random boy is standing next to Brody, but he can join our group if he wants.

Looking forward to lots of fun time with this group of kids.

Can you believe that no on got hurt? Well, that's not 100% true. Upon entering the zoo, Camden ran head first into a pole. Yes, really. He was not paying attention and clocked himself pretty good. It's going to be a long summer with that boy. For anyone that spends time with us this summer, I carry ice packs, butterfly closures and steri-glue in my car.

They all made it on the hippo for exactly 2.3 seconds.

And so, this brings us to the Silva Summer Time list. We brainstormed this list over the weekend and will add to it as we think of other activities.

Bead Hunting Park (This is Creekside park in Longmont - there is a little creek that we visit to hunt for beads.)

Elitch's - will require Steve's help

Water World - again, with Steve's help

Go to the Mall

Lego Store

Go see a movie - going to see a $1.00 movie today

Camping - already done but we'll have several more weekends of this

Candy Store - again, already done but I am sure we'll end up there again

Hiking

Rockies Game - scheduled for Sept. 5 - you can't beat a family 4 pack for $49 (includes 4 drinks, 4 hot dogs, parking and a program)

Trip to KS - already scheduled for the end of June

Go to a Park - we have a MOMS Reunion scheduled for Fri. but there will be many more dates

Camp Silva - scheduled for next week

Visit Hammond's Candy Factory - not sure that we will get to this since we went in the spring

Zoo - done, but we have a membership so we will go again

Swimming - anyone want to invite us to their outdoor pool neighborhood pool or rec center?

Pirate Exhibit - I need to get this scheduled, the exhibit leaves in Aug.

Smore's Party

Bike Riding

Waneka Lake

Fishing - we will probably do this in KS but can schedule a few other dates as well

Circus - this won't happen until Oct. We go every other year and we did not go last year

Tour a Museum - Cam suggested this, not sure what he has in mind

Wow Museum - I have 4 free passes so we can go twice!

Butterfly Pavilion

Picnic - done but many more to come

Eat Lunch with Dad - sounds easy but his schedule is pretty busy

Have Lunch in the Basement - for a "Food is Banned From This Area" location, this is a special treat

Have a Sleepover - these plans are in progress with several different friends.