Springtime Fun

Life is never boring in the Gronseth household! The last month has been super busy with traveling, running, and finishing semesters. But before we get to the pictures, let me say a big "Happy Mother's Day" to all you moms out there, especially to my lovely wife, her mother, and to my mom as well. Because of these three wonderful ladies, Cade has a nurturing, loving, and positive environment to grow up in. Even though Nana and VeeVee don't live in the same town as us, they make sure to let Cade know that he is loved and he looks forward to seeing them as much as possible. And Susie is the most unselfish, loving, caring mother I could ever have picked for Cade. I'm actually pretty humbled that I get to be a part of her family and that I get to be a part of bringing Cade up with her.

A couple weeks ago we got a couple baseball tattoos in the mail. I was surprised to see Cade sit so still while I helped him apply a tattoo to each arm, especially since he really didn't know what was going on at first. But after we peeled the paper back and he saw baseballs on his arms he was the proudest kid in Owensboro! A day later when we dropped him off at his babysitter in Bloomington he wanted to walk in without his shirt on to show off his tattoos. He was so funny to watch as he stood there while all the other boys flocked around him and ooohed and aaahed over the his baseball tattoos.

Two weekends ago we were able to spend some time in Colorado. Susie had a conference in Denver, so Cade and I tagged along. Susie and I were able to stay in Lodo and spend some time together over the weekend while Cade stayed with Nana and Grandpa. I forgot how much I love spending time in the downtown Denver area. After this trip we would definitely recommend 1515 (as a date place) and Appaloosa Grill (for a more relaxed tasty dinner) if you're headed to Denver anytime soon.

Even before we left for Colorado Cade was talking about seeing Maggie (my parents' dog) and Bella (my sister's dog). Maggie is getting up there in years, so I think she's the most tolerant of Cade climbing all over her out of her, Bella, and Chili. She's a cuddly dog, so I think she enjoyed Cade nestling in all the time.

Here's a picture of Cade with Maggie and my mom. Maggie's lips were caught on her teeth so it looks like she's giving a big cheesy grin, a la Chili here.

My mom took Cade out to the construction site of her sister's house, and Cade was super excited to see the big tractor! He loves pointing out tractors when we see any kind of construction equipment on the roadways, so it was super cool for him to get to see one up close.

My parents came up to Denver when Susie's conference was over. While we waited for her final session to end we walked down the 16th St Mall and Cade wanted to ride the "blue cow."

After the blue cow ride we went to the Denver Museum where we met up with my mom's two brothers and their families. Susie and I went to see the Body Worlds exhibit, which happened to be located there when we went. It was absolutely amazing. I highly recommend the experience if the exhibit travels to a town near you. Here is a picture of Cade with my three cousins. From the left are Nolan, Bodhi, and Mairin. He had a blast running around with them and looking at the dinosaurs and other animals.

We returned to my parents' house in Monument to find two inches of snow! My dad had set up a basketball hoop for Cade and all Cade wanted to do was "shoot!" So they went out in the snow and shot baskets.

I don't know if Cade had ever eaten snow before this trip, but he certainly ate his share this time. I guess as long as it's not yellow.....

Here's another first: Cade's first time shoveling. He was a big help for Grandpa.

We also went to a Colorado Springs Sky Sox game (Triple AAA affiliate of the Colorado Rockies). I grew up going to see the Sky Sox, so it was fun for me to go back to that ball park. Cade was in love right as we walked up because of the huge baseballs out front.

He grew futher enamored when he saw the team's mascot, Sox the Fox (pronounced "Soxy Fox" by Cade). Uncle Paul took him over to get his picture taken with Sox. Sometimes it was hard to tell if he was watching the game or Sox more intently.

He loved the carmel apple, but he wasn't interested in the slices of apple with carmel on them. He preferred to eat the core, from the bottom up.

For all the fun we'd had, the crowning moment of the night came when a foul ball landed near Grandpa. He scooped it up and handed it to Cade. He was pretty excited to have a real game ball. We'll be back in Colorado in June, and we're definitely going to head down to see another Sky Sox game (when the temperature is above 50).

Last weekend I was able to run in the 500 Festival Half Marathon in Indianapolis. I was a little nervous about it since I've been having some IT band problems with me left knee that kept me out of quite a bit of training. Despite the wind, it was a blast running that race with ~35,000 others. Check out the link above and there should be a picture of the start. It was a pretty amazing logistical feat. The highlights of the run were running a lap at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and setting a new PR. We stayed in a hotel three blocks from the start line and so the night before Cade wanted to try on all the swag I got in my race packet. It was all too big for him, but he still looked pretty good.

It was a real treat to have Susie and Cade there to greet me at the finish line. Cade was especially excited to try the chocolate milk they were handing out to finishers. He also liked wearing the finisher's medal. That medal got a lot more comments when he was wearing it than when I was. :) Next up, the Georgetown to Idaho Springs race in August with my high school buddy Matty. Anyone want to join us?

Then on Mother's Day we were able to participate in the baby dedication at church. We are so fortunate and thankful to be a part of such a great community at Bridgepointe Church here. And I know it was something extra special for Susie to do on Mother's Day as well.

Thanks for stopping by. I'll try to post more frequently in the next month or so since I'm between semesters.