Walnut Valley Bluegrass Festival

Mid-September Sofia, Emerson and I made a trip back to Kansas to join our family at the Walnut Valley Bluegrass Festival in Winfield. My mom's cousin Forrest and his wife Cindy were coming from Kingman, AZ for the festival, which meant a gathering of family I wouldn't normally get to see! My mom's cousin Jim and his wife Jennifer had a camper and a large spot at the festival, Jennifer's daughter Marissa was there, Jim's sister Robin and her two kids Mikhail and Reanna came from Evergreen, CO, and Jim and Robin's dad Forrest (my great uncle, who baptized Sofia). My uncle and aunt Larry and Barbara were also there, and had a smaller camper, where Sofia, Emerson, my mom and I all camped out for a night! It was a fun-filled trip! We enjoyed the bluegrass music, the company, the potluck dinner, and Sofia seemed in her element, dancing away!

Robin's son, Mikhail, blew bubbles, which was great entertainment for Sofia and Emerson!

After the kids were asleep, my aunt Barbara was super-nice to stay at camp with them while the rest of us visited the Pecan Grove - the unofficial campground of the festival, along with it's own stages and impromptu music of it's own! We had a lot of fun wandering this wacky part of the festival, where many claim the "real" music happens!

We all had such a great time at the festival, I am hoping to get Kent to go with us next year!

Junior Symphony Guild

On Monday, February 9th, we went with a few friends to see the Junior Symphony Guild's Tiny Tots concert at Boettcher Concert Hall. It is a concert series they put on every year for children 6 and younger. The musicians all set up in a circle around the stage, and the children sit in the middle. The conductor introduces each piece with a story or description that the children can relate to and enjoy. Sofia had such a great time! We went a few years ago, when she was about 20 months. I think she got more out of it this time! She went wearing the princess crown you see in the pictures, and brought along her magic wand, which was perfect for following the conductor! She moved her wand and her free hand along with his movements. It was really cool! Now I want to take her to a concert when Maryn Alsap (The Denver Sympony's former FEMALE conductor, who is pretty amazing!) is conducting!

hammond's candy factory

as a special holiday outing, we toured Hammond's Candy Factory with some friends.

zoo lights

We went to the zoo to see it all lit up with Lyle, Jade and Rylie. It was cold, but fun! I think we were all crazy, as we planned a night out at the zoo and then dinner... that was just a little bit too much for one evening for these little ones! Oh well... we can try! Next time we'll just plan one evening per activity. :)

By the way, Fia didn't want her picture taken...