So we made it back to Denver last month. And what a different experience it was traveling with a nearly two year old versus a nine-month old. Being the thrifty folks that we are, we decided against getting Esmé her own seat on the flight. We just made it as children two and up are required to have their own seats. Fortunately the seat next to ours was never filled, so for the outgoing trip we had the luxury of three seats. We decided this would be the perfect moment to introduce Esmé to Elmo. The portable DVD player proved invaluable, and Esmé was taken with the red beast the first moment she laid eyes on him. All in all she was a good traveler, and we received compliments on her behavior from surrounding passengers, something I always consider a good sign.
The
Oxford Hotel has become quite the home away from home for Kristopher, and the place couldn't be warmer or more accommodating. They treated us like old friends and treated Esmé to all sorts of stuffed animals as well. They keep a birdcage in their lobby, and Esmé grew quite attached to the two birds who call it home. She still asks to go see them sometimes.
Since we arrived on the weekend, our first order of business was to take a day to go to the mountains. Something we missed out on
last time around. We headed out to Breckenridge, a beautiful ski resort town nestled in the Rockies. In addition to taking in the town, its playgrounds and farmer's market, we were also able to take a short hike to some spectacular views. We also enjoyed a super lunch at
Relish, a place recommended by one of the stand operators at the farmer's market, she even introduced me to the owner. And yes, if you click through, that was our view.
Even as the weekday began, we were still able to do some sight-seeing with Daddy. On Tuesday he had to head out to Boulder for business. We tagged along and took in the sites. We visited a playground that was in the most spectacular setting. With mountains rising up all around and a babbling creek nearby it was nothing like our playgrounds at home. Boulder also features a pedestrian-only shopping avenue, Pearl Street, that's full of all sorts of amusements including boulders (of course) for climbing and water features that kids are encouraged to explore. We had a terrific lunch at a place called
The Kitchen that features almost all locally sourced cuisine.
Back in Denver we had plenty with which to amuse ourselves. One day we visited
The Children's Museum of Denver which was super entertaining for us both. There was room after room of fun stuff to do. Here's Esmé dabbling in some gardening. There was a train room that kept her quite busy. Some arts and crafts. And finally, what was I believe her favorite part, a room just for dancing.
Another day we hit the zoo.
The Denver Zoo is quite impressive with a huge selection of animals all in a beautiful, easy to navigate setting. Esmé had a great time.
We also spent a lot of time exploring the city itself. Denver also has a pedestrian-only street that is closed to cars, though they do have a free shuttle bus running the length of it in either direction. Esmé loved this bus and every time she saw it, she insisted we climb aboard. Often feeling worn out from the heat, altitude and a lack of sleep in general, I often acquiesced because it was a perfect (and free) way to keep her amused and rest my weary feet.
The food was great. The local food movement is alive and well in the Mile High City and we ate at a wonderful restaurant called
Potager one night. Esmé wasn't as taken with the food as she was the Mr. Potato Head the waitress brought over for her amusement.
Esmé napped really well which meant I spent a lot of time in a dark hotel room. Though I was glad she was getting the sleep she needed, this was not the easiest part of the experience for me. Especially since I wasn't sleeping well at night. I became quite acquainted with those four walls, that's for sure.
Before we knew it, it was time to return home. Esmé was suffering from a low-grade fever which definitely mellowed her out for the flight. Again she was a champ and very well behaved, and after a few days back in her own element she was feeling just fine.
