Denver birthday trip: day 1-2

Luke's first full day as a 5 year old was a memorable one. Luke only previous experience on an airplane was a trip to Montana before his first birthday, so this airplane ride was the first he could remember. We talked about it for 5 months, so the anticipation of this adventure had reached a climax by the time we got to the airport. We flew Southwest Airlines out of Humphery Terminal. It made walking through the terminal very easy. After clearing security, we grabbed a bite to eat and then found a play area that served as the perfect distraction for Luke. By the time we got on the plane it was about 7:30. We waited patiently for our turn... we were on deck to leave when they closed the runway due to an incoming thunderstorm. It was really cool to watch it roll in. It also gave Luke an opportunity to use the bathroom on the plane! The flight attendants swore that I'd someday pay for taking this picture, but I couldn't help myself and Luke was more than happy to pose for me. :) Soon after, we were cleared for takeoff. Without saying a word, Luke grabbed my hand and held it as we climbed into the sky. He loved it, even the roller coaster through the clouds. We had been talking for a couple months about how even when rain clouds make it dark on the ground, it's sunny on the other side of the clouds. Luke was very cognizant of that and kept telling me how lucky we were that it was cloudy when we took off. Guess that made the bumps worth it. :)

We arrived in Denver late and despite not sleeping a wink on the plane, Luke was alert and in good spirits. Apparently the adrenaline had not yet worn off. We headed straight to Auntie Kim's and after taking a tour of her house (and a longing gaze at the air hockey table), Luke settled in for a good night's sleep. Good thing too, because the first full day of our trip was packed with activity.

Day 2: Target, Office, Cherry Creek Art Festival, Chammps, Skydancing, Reunion 4th of July Celebration

We were up early. We made a quick stop at Target to pick up a car seat for Luke (yep, Mom forgot to bring it along) and left with it along with some toy airplanes. Luke and Kim went to her office (while I got a quick eyelash tint). While there, Luke dictated an original story. Then we headed off to the Cherry Creek Art Festival to browse. We worked up an appetite and met Mr. & Mrs. Beigs for lunch at Chammps. This was Luke's first meeting with his Colorado grandma and grandpa. They made it extra memorable by bringing a yellow dragon cake for dessert and birthday celebration #4 of the year. It was so yummy! Once home, we bribed Luke to take a rest with the promise of presents. He woke up happy and headed straight for the gifts. He especially loved the giant bubble wand and Hot Wheels from Uncle Dave.

While at the art festival, Luke spied a hanging wire sculpture shaped like a dancer. When he asked what it was, I said it was a "skydancer". Not one to forget anything, Luke asked if he could be a sky dancer and started jumping off of Kim's patio and contorting his body into all sorts of poses. It proved excellent entertainment for Kim and Mom as we enjoyed our wine, burrata, the beautiful weather and Luke's creativity.

As it got a little later, we headed over to the park for kid activities and fireworks. It was a fantastic evening and so much fun for Luke. (As well as a late bedtime!)