We were in Denver this last week, so sorry it's been a while since the last post. We all rode just about every form of transportation while we were on our way there.
This is Madelyn waiting in the airport in Dallas. There was a group of elderly women going to Denver for a "girls week" and they loved talking to her and making faces at her.
We opted to let her "lap ride" and really hoped that there would be empty seats. Sadly, this picture is of the only time she had her own seat: Dallas to OKC. We rode Southwest and they were really great, but apparently also doing very well as an airline. 3 of our 4 legs were 100% capacity! She was too excited most of the time to even think about sleeping on the plane. I think the most she ever slept was around 20 minutes.
We landed in Denver, took the terminal train to get our luggage, then a bus to get our rental car. So, outside of riding a bike, she saw every form of transportation that day.We headed straight to the Denver Zoo. Denver was experiencing some record-setting heat while we were there, so we didn't stay long.
Here's Jonathan and Madelyn checking out the monkey island.
Her favorite - the giraffes! Lots of giraffes, even a baby giraffe. However, as you may be able to see, she's sweating and her sunscreen was running into her eyes. We managed to prevent her first sunburn though! The hat's a little big, but I figured she could grow into it. It was that, or a dorky one with a chin strap. Ever the fashionista, Madelyn opted for the big one.
Next it was on to the Hard Rock Denver on 16th Street. The temperature had dropped a little, so we ate outside. Madelyn tried her first chicken fingers, which were pretty spicy. They even had apple juice. I guess I'm still surprised sometimes at how family-friendly restaurants can be if you know what to ask for and how to make it work for your child.
I was at an Understanding Copyright Conference most of the time, so we didn't have much free time together or to venture out into the wilderness. We agreed that we'd hav eto go back when Madelyn can walk more and hike around and see the great outdoors! It was still beautiful to see the mountains around us.
We did go to the Denver Aquarium, which was neat because nearly all of the tanks went all the way to the floor, so Madelyn could see VERY well. It was pretty ok as far as Aquariums go, but overpriced for the size of the place. This is Madelyn checking out the Barracudas!
They did have a pretty amazing shark exhibit and had a fairly large pool of dozens of sting rays - all shapes and sizes. You could just walk right up and touch the sting rays! Madelyn got to touch one briefly, but I think she mostly liked watching me touch them.
About the most difficult thing was adjusting to the altitude and time change. Madelyn's now an expert plane passenger and was very good (no medicine required!)
Yes - we climbed up and down that crazy "staircase" on the left side of this picture. 225 steps each way. Oh dear....
This was at the top of the stairs. Don't remember the name of this particular waterfall. They all had silly names.
Sunlight dancing in the leaves.
A pretty chilled out couple if you ask me. {Not a great photo, but you take what you get when someone else uses your fancy camera.}
R & M. They're the same age {R is actually 2 weeks older.} We've decided they'll be lifelong pals. Just wish we lived closer to one another.
Going down one of the slides. I personally can't wait til she can do this herself - slides aren't made for mommies and daddies. {Should have tried to get a picture of Daddy & Madelyn on the twisty slide - funny stuff!} 
Madelyn & Big Bird cruising in the HHR. Still not sure what HHR stands for or how Chevy came up with it... It was an interesting car.
She already knows how to pose for the camera. Kathy Ireland look out! {And thanks Auntie C!}
