2011 July | Life Elevated Mom

So many updates, so little time

July 14, 2011 By Amber

Our past week in numbers:

*2 Countries (Canada and U.S.)
*2 Provinces (British Columbia, Alberta)
*4 States (Colorado, Wyoming, Utah and Idaho)
*31 hours in the car
*1,729 miles

So much could have gone wrong but didn’t. The kids and I not only survived the longest road-trip of our lives but I’m proud to say my intrepid travelers thrived.

I have many stories to share of tearing down the steepest zipline in the world at Utah Olympic Park, visiting dear friends in Boise, Sandpoint, ID’s glorious lakeside retreat and, of course, Calgary’s many charms including the world-famous Calgary Stampede tomorrow.

For now, I am happily tucked away in my childhood home in Calgary. The temperatures are what I live for in: mid-70s and mild. Denver’s 90+-degree summers are my personal hell because I cannot sleep in our bedroom’s inferno and my mop of hair serves as an electric blanket.

On high.

My parent’s place is an entirely different story. Their backyard is an oasis of shade trees and beautiful flowers. The kids and I are sacking out in their cool and dark basement. In fact, the kids were downright cold last night and I closed their door to keep the room completely black. I was woken up at 8 a.m. by a little voice next door:

“Mommy. Is it morning yet?”
“Yes, it’s time to get up!”
“It’s so dark in here we can’t find the door to get out of our bedroom!”

I may never leave.

Filed Under: Canada, Family travel, Humor

Date Night Mayhem

July 13, 2011 By Amber

A couple of weeks ago, Jamie and I went on a date. He was recently complaining we’ve lost that lovin’ feeling and I told him toiling in the pumpkin patch and working 24-7 is not a woman’s idea of romance so we’ve recommitted to doing date night more than once a millennium.

Jamie’s sister Lisa generously offered to watch the kids (OK, we begged and pleaded) and we headed to the hills. Everyone has their ideal date night and ours does not consist of falling asleep to an opera but rather climbing up a mountain, marinating ourselves in sweat.

To each their own.

I’ve hiked pretty much every trail on the Front Range but when we were returning from Frisco last month, we did a detour off I-70 to Clear Creek Canyon where I spotted a trailhead 20 miles west of Golden: Mayhem Gulch. Not only was the name right but I was ecstatic to find a new-to-me trail.

Jamie is always game for an adventure and started our date night out right by giving me a lovely arrangement of flowers and a sweet, smoochy love note. We later went to El Dorado Mexican Restaurant in Golden where we had the best shrimp fajitas and chicken burrito ever (not exaggerating; the hint of cinnamon in the latter was moderately addictive).

But the hike up Mayhem Gulch was equally as wonderful. We opted for a moderately difficult 4.5-mile loop that showcased the very best of Centennial Cone’s foothills that were resplendent with bluebells and golden snapdragons. We talked about work, life, the kids and future opportunities. I was having a great time reconnecting with Jamie and thought he was, too until he took this portrait of the two of us.

Evidently he has something against short people.

Filed Under: Colorado, hiking, Humor, Jamie

Wishful thinking from the birthday boy

July 12, 2011 By Amber

Bode is lucking out. He officially turns five on July 18 but since Jamie won’t be in Canada with us, we had a “pretend birthday party” for him before we embarked on our trip to Canada. The true motivation? I saw a Cars cake on clearance and most of his birthday presents are movies he will watch during the long drive.

Of course, he doesn’t know or care and was delighted to celebrate on two different days. We started at swim lessons and then had a Mario marathon on the Wii that afternoon.

That’s just a nice way of saying Mommy had a downtown meeting and Daddy was busy working downstairs.

Again, Bode didn’t care and was in his element. After a dinner of burgers and chips, we opened his presents (six movies, a Pillow Pet, a professional bubble machine from Grandma B. and a few misc. items).

We topped it off with his Cars cake. “Make a wish before!” Jamie instructed. Bode thoughtfully paused before attempting to blow out his five candles. He only succeeded in extinguishing one.

“That means you have FOUR girlfriends!” Haddie teased her notoriously girl-shy brother.

Bode looked her in distaste, wrinkled his nose and proclaimed “NOOOO. I didn’t wish for DAT!”

Give it a few years, son.

Filed Under: Bode, Humor

10 Activities to Keep Your Kids Entertained on Long Road-trips (and share your ideas)

July 11, 2011 By Amber

This week, I am embarking on a multi-state road-trip by myself with two kids.

If you have never been impressed with me, now is your opportunity.

I am already nine hours into it and am currently in Utah where i attended Evo Conference last week. Over the next few days, I will drive to Sandpoint (one of Idaho’s hidden jewels) and we will ultimately spend the duration of our vacation in my hometown, Calgary (check-out our fun-filled itinerary).

While I have traveled extensively with my kids (ages 4 and 7), I have never tackled a vacation of this magnitude. For our extended road-trips, Jamie and I have tag-teamed but being the lone member of the entertainment committee is daunting, especially because I’ll be consumed with the task of not veering off the road and killing us.

If you’ve ever played referee to your kids in the backseat, you know what I’m talking about.

Here are a few activities I’ve CLICK TO READ ON AT MILEHIGHMAMAS.COM

Filed Under: Family travel

10 Activities to Keep Your Kids (Ages 3+) Entertained on Long Road-trips

July 11, 2011 By Amber

This week, I am embarking on a multi-state road-trip by myself with two kids.

If you have never been impressed with me, now is your opportunity.

If you’ve ever played referee to your kids in the backseat, you know what I’m talking about.

Here are a few activities I’ve rounded up to keep the kids entertained:<!–more–>
<a href=”http://www.milehighmamas.com/wp-content/blogs.dir/66/files/2011/07/audio.jpg”><img title=”audio” src=”http://www.milehighmamas.com/wp-content/blogs.dir/66/files/2011/07/audio-263×300.jpg” alt=”" width=”263″ height=”300″ /></a>
<li>Books on tape. We’ve never tried listening to audio CDs so my fingers are crossed this will be a new favorite. We rented several from the library including Flat Stanley, various Magic Tree House Collections and Classic Fairy Tales. For a fantastic age-by-age guide on the best audio books (starting age 2), check-out <a href=”http://www.travelsavvymom.com/blog/resources/the-best-audio-books-for-kids/”>Travel Savvy Mom</a>.</li>
<li>Summer journals. At the beginning of the summer, I gave each child a notebook we dedicated as their summer journal where they could write and draw their favorite activities. Our goal is to be on the lookout for fun roadside treasures to sketch in our travel journal, which is where we will also preserve many of our souvenirs. We also like to make funny signs and pictures to display when we pass cars.</li>
<li>Maps. My kids are not directionally-challenged like their mother and they adore maps. I always print out Google maps and we also follow our route in our Rand McNally book of maps. When I’m really organized, I do some research and share fun things the children who live in that area like to do. Many times, this is where we’ll stop for our regular breaks.</li>
<a href=”http://www.milehighmamas.com/wp-content/blogs.dir/66/files/2011/07/easel.jpg”><img title=”easel” src=”http://www.milehighmamas.com/wp-content/blogs.dir/66/files/2011/07/easel.jpg” alt=”" width=”300″ height=”300″ /></a>
<li>Coloring/craft projects. I have a travel easel for each child where they draw, make crafts and play games (I used a cookie sheet when they were younger because constantly picking up dropped items gets old, fast). This time around, I have a big ol’ laundry basket in between the kids’ car seats replete with coloring books, notebooks, crafts, tape, pipe cleaners, crayons and markers. Easy access means mama won’t be turning around every five minutes to help (in an ideal world).</li>
<li>Movies (and lots of them). We are not fortunate enough to have a DVD player in our car so will bring our portable one. Because the car is noisy, I always bring a head phone splitter so both of my kids can listen with their headphones.</li>
<li>Nintendo DS. We have a Wii at home and my kids are only allowed to play the DS on road-trips so it is a privilege they look forward to. At home, their recent addiction is the new Wii Play Motion (12 crazy-fun games and our favorite is bonking the garden vermin Linkon the noggin’ is a Whack-a-mole game on steroids). Since we don’t have the Wii Play Motion on the DS, the kiddos love Super Mario and also Mario vs. Donkey Kong.</li>
<li>Dollar Store. I am convinced the Dollar Store was made expressly for kids on road trips. The week prior to our vacation, I assigned my kids various chores around the house. With the money they earned, I set them loose at the Dollar Store to relish in the glory of cheap plastic toys that I do not care if they get broken.</li>
<a href=”http://www.milehighmamas.com/wp-content/blogs.dir/66/files/2011/07/hippo1.jpg”><img title=”hippo” src=”http://www.milehighmamas.com/wp-content/blogs.dir/66/files/2011/07/hippo1-297×300.jpg” alt=”" width=”297″ height=”300″ /></a>
<li>Travel Games. We have a great collection of travel-sized games that ranges from Hungry Hungry Hippos to magnetic playing cards. After losing numerous game pieces to our car’s Black Hole, we now keep them in an enclosed container. You can also find a lot of great printable car games online and don’t forget about the old classics like “I Spy” or the license plate game.</li>
<li>Books. My kids aren’t big readers yet so this won’t hold their attention for long but I’m hoping to spend at least a half-hour each day listening to them read.</li>
<li>Healthy snacks. In the past, our road-trip offerings have been solely junk food. While we will have treats, my goal is to take plenty of fresh fruit, nuts, trail mix, Pirate’s Booty and granola bars. I’m also giving each child their own snack bag so they don’t fight over the food (I speak from experience.)</li>
What are your must-have items for long road trips with your kids?

Photos:<a href=”http://www.americanprofile.com/articles/road-trip-tips-kids/”> American Profile</a>, <a href=”http://www.journeyetc.com/travel-tips/top-travel-tips-for-road-trips-with-kids/”>Journey Etc.</a>

Filed Under: Family, Family travel, Humor

And back to our regularly scheduled life

July 7, 2011 By Amber

While fun, I’m glad our few weeks of notoriety from appearing on the premiere of NBC’s The Marriage Ref has wound down. There won’t be any NBC television commercials with our face on them, nor any more behind-the-scenes glimpses at a foreign world.

Normalcy is a welcome reprieve.

We’ve been having plenty of other reprieves. From Art and Sports Camps…

To two weeks of swim lessons where this little fish shined…

this little lion finally found courage in the water….

and we played every day after swim lessons with some of our dearest, bestest friends.

As of today, I am in Utah to attend Evo Conference, followed by an extended trip to Canada with the kids. Utah brings conflicted emotions of longing for my former home, memories, travel, exploration, freedom. I spent many fun, single years there dating, playing, laughing and learning and I feel torn by two worlds:

The whimsical, carefree days when I could jump in my Jeep and explore whatever mountain or desert that struck my fancy.

And my married life–Replete with responsibility, challenges, being needed, wanted and loved beyond measure.

Despite airing our giant pumpkin grievances to millions of people, I love married life. The laughing, the crying, the changing, the working, the growing, the bonding, the learning, the praying, the fighting and the fixing. This pumpkin widow will be missing her Pumpkin Man these next few weeks as we hit the road on our Great Canadian Road Trip but rest assured I’ll somehow have the time of my life doing it….

….with inevitable Murphy’s Law appearances along the way.

Filed Under: Jamie, Marriage

My Summer Travels: The Great Canadian Road Trip

July 6, 2011 By Amber

On Monday, I am embarking on our cross-country road-trip to Canada with the kids. The Lord of the Gourds may-or-may not be joining us near the end. He has to work and it is, of course, the peak of pumpkin season.

I’m so thrilled about this trip because we will be spending a couple of weeks in my hometown Calgary and camping in my favorite place on earth.

As previously mentioned, Grandma invited Hadley to fly out early and spend the 4th of July in Utah. Bode and I braved the long drive (we’re not bitter) where we will spend some time with Jamie’s family before I head over for the social media Evo Conference July 7-9 in Park City!

Then, it will be onto Rexburg, ID to visit my dear friend Jason and his family who were like surrogate parents when I went to Ricks College (now BYU Idaho).

Let’s hope Hadley has a better day than our visit with him a few years ago.

Then, we’re driving eight hours north to one of Idaho’s hidden gems: Sandpoint, ID where we will be meet my parents to celebrate my mom’s (ahem) 29th birthday. I’m looking forward to some downtime at Dover Bay Bungalows on the banks of magnificent Lake Pend Oreille, Idaho’s largest lake.

Photo: R.J. White, Sandpoint Magazine

Well, if downtime consist of checking out the darling shops in Sandpoint, kayaking, hiking the 9 miles of trails in the area, swimming and biking lift-serviced Schweitzer Mountain Resort.

From there, it will be homeward bound to Calgary with oodles of cousin time, the zoo, biking along the Bow River and of course, The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth, The Calgary Stampede July 8-17, 2011.

Photo: CBC.ca

Calgary will also likely consist of my brother Pat dragging us out on the lake where it will be confirmed that I suck and will always suck at water-skiing.

From there, we’ll begin our drive back to Denver via my favorite place on earth. I’ve traveled the world and for me, there is no greater destination than Waterton Lakes National Park, located just north of the U.S. border. I’ll have many details to come about my favorite childhood haunt in this hauntingly beautiful enclave.

Photo: Kevin P. Rauch

And of course, the other side of Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park is glorious Glacier National Park where we will camp, play and marvel at one of the most beautiful drives along the lower 48: Going-to-the-Sun Road.

Photo: St. Mary Lake, Jon Tester

Our summer will consist of lots of family time, driving and camping. I’ve been asked if Jamie will be dismayed we’ll be gone so long and he alleges he will be. But to be honest, I’m usually a single mother in July because he’s slammed with his pumpkins, work and church responsibilities. Plus, unlimited time in the pumpkin patch without the wife nagging about family responsibilities?

It’s his version of a bachelor party.

Updated: Jamie and I were featured on the premiere of NBC’s The Marriage Ref regarding his pumpkin addiction. For a behind-the-scenes glimpse, go here.

Filed Under: Canada, Family travel, Humor, pumpkins, travel Tagged With: Idaho

When little birds take flight

July 5, 2011 By Amber

On Friday, Hadley did her first solo flight to Utah.

With an airline, of course. She’s headstrong but is no Amelia Earhart.

Jamie’s mom invited her to fly out a few days before we were scheduled to drive on Tuesday and she was THRILLED. Despite having to wake up at 5:15 a.m. she popped right out of bed, chirping away about her flight to see grandma.

My wake-up was not quite so jubilant.

Though Hadley has flown several times before, being an “Unaccompanied Minor” is an entirely different ballgame. When I booked her ticket with United (with a $99 surcharge each way), I disclosed she would be by herself. I waited for additional information with my confirmation as to what would be involved. Could I check-in online? If so, would I also be issued a pass to get through security? Where did we need to go once at the airport?

United did not send anything. Fortunately, we muddled our way through, eventually figuring out we should not standing in the general check-in line, but rather, special services. I was issued a security boarding pass and filled out some requisite paperwork detailing my contact information as well as Linda’s (the retrieving party).

And then it was business as usual. Only it wasn’t usual. I watched my girl take one step closer to growing up.

When she landed, she called to inform me she had a great flight and that she talked to the nice man beside her the entire flight.

My apologies to nice men everywhere.

She is also feeling a false sense of confidence and proclaimed, “I think next time I’ll go on a Disney Cruise ALL BY MYSELF!”

And so it begins.

It has just been Bode, Jamie and me in Colorado the last five days. Jamie predicted it would be quiet without her. He was wrong. On Friday night, he and Bode went for a father-son bike ride down to the skate park. When they arrived home, Jamie divulged:

“He wouldn’t shut up the entire time.”
“Quiet Bode?” I queried.
“He’s quiet no more. It’s like he has been silenced all these years by his chatterbox sister and he’s making up for lost time.”

It’s gonna be a long 9-hour drive to Utah today.

Filed Under: Hadley, Humor

KEEN Vail Kids Adventure Race: The Coolest Kids Race on the Planet?

July 2, 2011 By Amber

When I heard about the inaugural KEEN Vail Kids Adventure Race last year, I knew my 6-year-old daughter Hadley simply had to try it.

This is her year.

On Saturday, August 13, 2011, kids ages six through 12 will get a fun introduction to adventure racing. Teams of two work together to navigate a variety of sports and and problem-solving challenges, including mountain biking, hiking, tubing, archery, a low ropes course, a zip line, a climbing wall, a Tarzan swing, a giant slip-n-slide and more. Competitors will be divided into three waves based on age and will start at set intervals. An after party and awards ceremony will take place immediately following the race.

I don’t know about you but I wish they had this race for adults!

Despite the fun factor, I had fears my 6-year-old was ready to tackle it last year but my worries were in vain. While there are some kids who are serious competitors, most are out there to have a fun adventure. Parents are permitted to accompany their child throughout the race to watch the different challenges but are asked to refrain from helping them. A large fleet of volunteers is on-hand to provide assistance.
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pUpGwZcViB4]

My daughter Hadley will be competing with our neighbor Sydney. While most kids are slacking off this summer, I’m thrilled they’ll be setting worthwhile training goals and having a great time achieving them. We’ve even recruited a few other friends to compete in the older divisions.

The cost is $150 per team of two. Registration includes a 2011 KEEN Vail Kids Adventure Race backpack and other goodies. Registration is limited to 100 teams of two kids. To register, download the registration form and fax to (970) 479-2281 or email it to bpappas@vailrec.com.

Go to http://www.vailrec.com/kidsadventurerace.cfm for additional information.

Filed Under: Colorado, Hadley

So many updates, so little time

Date Night Mayhem

Wishful thinking from the birthday boy

10 Activities to Keep Your Kids Entertained on Long Road-trips (and share your ideas)

10 Activities to Keep Your Kids (Ages 3+) Entertained on Long Road-trips

And back to our regularly scheduled life

My Summer Travels: The Great Canadian Road Trip

When little birds take flight

KEEN Vail Kids Adventure Race: The Coolest Kids Race on the Planet?

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