What happens in Stapleton

Try Naked, Post Review, Win a Pizza Party!

2012-01-31T14:43:00.000-08:00

Win a Naked Pizza Party!

Simply post a review about our delicious pizza on our Denver Naked Pizza facebook page and/or Yelp between Jan 30-Feb 6th!
Be sure to add “STAPLETON MOM” on your review of the entry.
1 WINNER...
will get a Pizza Party* courtesy of Naked Pizza Denver!
>> Party includes 5 free large pizzas, 2 salads & an order of our cheesy breadstixx
>> 2 Adult T-shirts
>> 2 Kids T-shirts
>> + Fun Naked Swag!
*PICK-UP ONLY (Stapleton area deliveries for $100+ orders)

(303) 355-2443 2207 East Colfax Avenue Denver, CO 80206

Check out the menu here!

Things I've learned while resuming pre-kid activities

2012-01-29T18:21:00.000-08:00

In my quest to return to some of the activities I enjoyed in my pre- kids life, I've learned a few things.

1. Fashions have changed in the past 6 years. Ok, truth be told, my ski jacket is about a decade old by now, as you can see. My Jamba Juice bike shirt looks like it could fit a 12 year old, and the bike shorts? Well, let's just hope the material wasn't worn so thin back in the day.

2. Technology has leaped and bounded so much that our equipment should be hung on lodge walls or made into fences. We might as well strap 2x4's to our feet than head for the slopes with our skis. And my road bike looks like it belongs in the era of a Schwinn 10-speed. When I brought it into Cycleton for a tune-up, the mechanic looked at me doubtfully. "We'll try blowing out the gear shifter, then call you to see if the rest is worth it." (Or something like that.)

3. We might as well start fresh. I'm signing up for a ski lesson, a "refresher," if you will, at Keystone. I don't even know how to ski on the new skis. Weight forward or back? Hips squared? Yeah, I need a refresher.

Neighborhood consignment shop: thumbs up! Take the survey!

2012-01-29T08:53:00.000-08:00

We love to see new businesses blossoming (if they can afford the Forest City rents!) and here's a great idea: an upscale consignment shop!

Think about that Juicy Couture jacket in your closet with the tags still on it. Or the pristine, perfect condition Baby Gap wardrobe your 2 year old has outgrown. Your once loved fashions can be a treasure for someone else and make you some extra money!

Think it's a good idea? Something you'd use or not? They want to know - so go take this short survey - I just did and it took 60 seconds! Link: http://bit.ly/ya2kRH

(We heard a rumor that Forest City is ditching the grocery store in the Eastbridge Town Center in favor of smaller shops... we hope you'll open here!)

Deal Alert: Go and have fun in the big snow

2012-01-27T14:23:00.000-08:00

It's finally snowing in the high country! Vail is reporting nearly 5 feet this week!

We're always looking for lodging deals, so take advantage of this one:

Stay anytime at The Inn & Suites at Riverwalk in Edwards - just minutes from Beaver Creek & Vail - with this special 20% discount just for Stapleton Moms! Any stay, any time!

The Inn & Suites at Riverwalk is located just 1 mile from Arrowhead, 2.5 miles from the base of Beaver Creek and 12 miles from Vail!

The Inn & Suites at Riverwalk, situated on the banks of the Eagle River, offers charming high-mountain ambiance with comfortable guest rooms and lavish 1 and 2 Bedroom suites with River or Mountain views. Located in Edwards’ premier pedestrian village of Riverwalk, they're within steps of some of the Valley’s best restaurants, bars, and a wide variety of specialty shops. The community includes luxurious salons & spas, a four-screen first-run movie theatre, an artisan village market, banks, and a yoga studio - all just outside the front door.

Family friendly:

Year-round heated pool
Kids under 16 stay FREE!

Guests can book two ways:

ONLINE:

Go to: www.innandsuitesatriverwalk.com

Click on Group Reservations
Enter the Group ID: STAPLE
Enter the Password: MOMS

All available room types will populate the booking field, with the discounted rates displayed, and guests can choose their preferred room type.

By Phone:

Call our friendly reservations staff at 888-926-0606
Reference the Group Name STAPLE

The agents will quote the discounted rates and can book the reservations.

Design Ideas: 3 Ways To Use Metallics

2012-01-27T08:00:00.000-08:00

Want to add a bit of glitz to your home while still keeping it classy? Metallics are excellent way to add both shimmer and elegance.

While metallics are typically found in vases, containers, and other accessories, you might want to check out these three unusual ways to use metallics.

1. Tableware. Metallic tableware brings instant glamour to even the most casual family dinner. For a more eclectic effect, layer different sheens and patterns.

Photo: Elle Decor

2. Curtains. Choose fabrics with a very subtle metallic sheen to add shimmer without overwhelming your room. Solid, neutral colors in simple shapes usually work best for this.

Photo: westelm.com

3. Produce Displays. Spray paint pumpkins, apples, pears, or other produce in rich metallic colors. The result is a fresh, dramatic take on typical centerpiece arrangements.

Photo: aholidayhaven.com

Happy Designing

A doctor for the whole family

2012-01-23T20:25:00.000-08:00

Imagine this scenario: your toddler brings home a nasty bug, and of course passes it on to you. You take him to the pediatrician. It's strep throat. They write a prescription for antibiotics for your little one, but they can't culture you or write you a prescription. You'll have to make a second appointment at your doctor for yourself.

Wouldn't it be great if you had a doctor who could take care of all of you in one trip?

Hey, this is Stapleton: ask and you shall receive.

Say hello to Exempla Stapleton Family & Occupational Medicine - where Dr. Walsh, Dr. Artist and Dr. Buisker offer these services:

Same Day Appointments

Primary Care and Preventive Medicine

Occupational Medicine

Pediatrics and Newborn Care

Women's Health Care

Management of Acute and Chronic Illnesses

School and Sports Physicals

Musculoskeletal Problems

Minor Procedures

X-ray on-site

“Exempla is proud to be a member of the Stapleton community because it is so unique,” said Exempla Practice Manager Jane Gustafson. “We offer medical services and extended hours geared specifically for busy families."

Hours of operation:

Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday 7:00 am to 5:00 pm
Wednesday 8:00 am to 5:00 pm
Saturday 8:30 am to 12:30 pm

2803 Roslyn (Behind the King Soopers)Denver, Colorado 80238

Office: 303.403.6300

Winter care for Colorado plants

2012-01-22T19:04:00.000-08:00

Guest post by Sarah Christian, ASLA Landscape Architect, Urban Gardens, Inc.

WHY WATER?

Unlike some parts of the country, Colorado can experience periods of especially harsh fall and winter conditions characterized by dry air, low precipitation, little soil moisture, and fluctuating temperatures. When we experience extended dry periods, there is not enough soil moisture which puts the root system of trees, shrubs, perennials and lawns at risk if not given supplemental water. Plants that are affected may appear normal in the spring but die when temperatures rise in the late spring or summer because their resources have been depleted. Lack of winter water may also make plants susceptible to insect and disease problems.

WHEN TO WATER?

Monitor soil conditions closely from November through March and water during dry periods when there has been no snow cover for two weeks. You need to water when air and soil temperatures are above 40 degrees F, the soil is not frozen and there is no snow on the ground. You should also water mid-day so the water can soak into the ground before freezing nighttime temperatures occur. Don’t forget to disconnect the hose when you are finished watering.

WHAT TO WATER?

Newly planted trees or plants, transplanted plants, evergreens and broadleaf evergreens that loose moisture through their needles/leaves, and shallow rooted trees are especially vulnerable. Lawns, especially newly established ones, can also suffer winter damage and will need occasional supplemental watering to avoid susceptibility to winter grass mites and desiccation. Even established plants should be watered in times of winter drought but can go longer between watering than the categories mentioned above.

HOW MUCH TO WATER?

Most trees, especially when they are establishing their root systems during the first five years after planting, should get ten gallons per inch of trunk diameter. Smaller shrubs (under 3’ tall) should receive five gallons and larger shrubs (over 6’ tall) should receive 18 gallons of water.

WHERE TO WATER?

Water trees to a depth of 12” using a deep root watering device and apply water to all areas beneath the tree and its dripline. Shrubs should also be watered around the base and within the dripline. For newly planted perennials, check the soil conditions 2-3” deep and water around the root ball if the ground appears dry.

WHAT ELSE TO DO?

Winter mulching is another helpful practice to combine with watering. Plants in exposed areas, generally warmer south and west exposures, are subject to freeze-thaw conditions which open cracks in the soil that expose roots to cold and drying.

SOURCES:

Colorado State Extension Fact Sheet 7.211 – Fall & Winter Watering http://www.ext.colostate.edu/pubs/Garden/07211.html

Planttalk Colorado™ – Script 1706 – Winter Watering http://www.ext.colostate.edu/ptlk/1706.html

Originally published on Urban Gardens, Inc. by Sarah Christian, ASLA Landscape Architect

It's something in the water

2012-01-22T13:04:00.000-08:00

There's a baby boom going on! I have several friends who've just had babies, or are about to soon! There is nothing funner than shopping for those teeny tiny newborn baby things... onesies, gowns, hats and tiny socks.

If you go into Naturally Loved, not only will you find a fresh selection of adorable things, but you'll see Aly has been drinking the water, too. In fact, she's holding a contest: guess what day she's going to have her baby, along with the sex, and you could win $25 in Naturally Loved bucks!

Check out all the classes they've got going on, too: from guitar to infant massage, from prenatal yoga to sign language.

Why you should get LASIK

2012-01-21T06:01:00.000-08:00

Why did I wait so long to get LASIK? If I had known how amazing it would be, and how easy the procedure is, I would have done it years ago!

Bye-bye contacts, bye-bye dizzy glasses!

I am a true believer in the marvels of modern medicine! (Yeah, I know.... it's been around a long time but when you can see... amazing!)

What was your vision?

Awful. 20/400. I could see about 3 feet in front of me. Glasses just made me dizzy because I had no peripheral vision.

So why did you wait?

The first time I was told I was a good candidate, I was pregnant. Pregnancy can temporarily change the shape of your eye, or even alter your vision slightly, so I was advised to wait two years after I was done nursing.

What was the procedure like?

A little bit like being abducted by aliens. "Watch the green flashing light..." It was quick, totally painless, a little bit of pressure. Even the things to hold your eyes open weren't as bad as I thought. Did I mention quick? Ten minutes, and the whole thing was done. And I stood up and I COULD SEE!!!

How much did it cost?

A lot. Like, in the neighborhood of $1,500- $2,000 per eye, depending on where you go. But you can finance it for 24 months, and use pre-tax dollars through your FLEX spending plan, if you have one. And I opted for the lifetime guarantee, in case 10 years from now I need an adjustment. And I chose the place with the newest laser. This is, without a doubt, the best investment I could have made!

Where did you go?

I got a couple of opinions, and went to 20/20 LASIK Institute. They have the newest and greatest laser. It was an awesome experience, from beginning to end. The evaluation to see whether you're a candidate is free. They take a lot of time answering all your questions and concerns. The day of surgery, they go over everything again, you meet with the surgeon, they make you comfortable, give you good drugs and then get 'er done.

How's your recovery?

On the way home, I asked for a strawberry shake, then fell asleep. I slept for 4 hours, got up and had my shake, relaxed all day with a few catnaps, had to force myself to say off the computer, slept till 5 am and woke up feeling great! My eyes are occasionally slightly itchy. I'm just putting the eye drops in. I'll be able to drive myself to the followup appointment today!

Thanks Megan, Dr. Danzo, Dr. Chang, Dr. Bircham, and the entire staff!

Trader Joe's coming to Colorado!

2012-01-19T20:14:00.000-08:00

OK, to Boulder, but Denver won't be far behind! This could be bigger than IKEA! What - you hadn't heard? Get over to Facebook and like us for all that breaking news!

Little Me's InsideWalk Sale

2012-01-17T20:19:00.000-08:00

The coolest little store for your little ones is having a sale!

Visit Little Me's in Cherry Creek North!

Why being a stay at home mom makes you a little bit crazy

2012-01-17T19:43:00.000-08:00

1. You could spend every minute of every day picking up, cleaning, vacuuming and swiffering and the house would still look like a bomb went off.

2. While you're picking up the bucket 'o soldiers your 2 year old threw all over the house, he's emptied all the books off the shelf in the next room and stuffed the entire toilet roll down the toilet.

3. You can't even get a minute alone in the bathroom. If you lock the door, they just pound on it until you relent.

4. You're full of joy when your 2 year old starts talking... But then he never stops. Ever. And you feel horrible for wanting him to just be quiet for one minute.

5. Your husband comes home from work to find you still not showered, with dinner not made, breakfast dishes still in the sink, the laundry waiting to be folded, the kids fighting over the play guns they got at the Stock Show and promptly broke, and has the gall to ask, "What did you do all day?"

6. You let your 5 year old play Wii Star Wars and he figures out how to use YouTube on your iPad to get to level 5, and you realize (a) you'll never get your iPad back, and (b) your 5 year old is more technologically apt than you are.

7. Your day is broken into 22 minute increments, because that's how long one episode of Dora the Explorer lasts.

8. All the activities you pack into your day to wear them out? Yeah, you're just endurance training them.

9. All you want to do at the end of the day is watch the Kardashians Take New York. Cause in their trashy way, they make you feel a little less guilty for nagging at your husband. Even the Kardashians nag.

10. You find out that your friends with little girls are baffled by the things your boys do... Little girls can play nicely, and quietly, and they don't draw on the couch with Sharpies, or pull the curtain rod out of the wall, or cut Raggedy Ann's foot off with a pair of scissors, or pour water over their books, or dip your iPhone into the toilet.

11. To prove my point, as I'm writing this, I'm watching my boys pummel the floor, walls and doors with hockey sticks.

Deal of the Week: Paint 3 rooms, get 1 free from Chris' Home Finishing Services

2012-01-15T21:09:00.000-08:00

It's a new year, and it's a good time to refresh those tired wall colors and get the walls you've been wanting!

Just in time, Chris' Home Finishing Services has a great offer for Stapleton Moms: Paint any 3 rooms and get a room free. Paint 5 rooms and get 2 free!*

Chris' Home Finishing Services specializes in hand crafted painting for interior and exterior. He does color consulting, amazing faux work and murals, too. Just check out his work - this is no ordinary painting.

Nothing speaks louder than a glowing recommendation, and their Facebook page is full of them - and plenty of Stapleton customers recommend them. What are you waiting for? Call Chris at 720.297.9617 to get your estimate scheduled by January 31, 2012 to get this deal!

*The fine print: free rooms determined by lesser amount of wall square footage, materials not included, must call 720.297.9617 to schedule estimate by January 31, 2012. And Stapleton Moms ALWAYS get a 15% discount!

That pizza was gooood

2012-01-13T21:37:00.000-08:00

What's in that Naked Pizza, anyway?

Good stuff. The yummy crust is made from 10 grains and seeds with probiotics and prebiotics. No preservatives or chemicals. Finally, pizza that is really good for you! We got the neighbors together to try it and we loved the flavor combinations on the Sonoran and the Superbiotic. But it was the Ragin' Cajun that really rocked! And some secret ingredient infused the kids with a super energy burst - and then they were all in bed by 9:00.

Naked Pizza is new, they're at Colfax & Josephine, and they have a great deal for tonight's game: 15% off with the code WWTD. Call them at 303.355.2443.

Design Trend 2012: Reclaim It!

2012-01-13T08:00:00.000-08:00

Being a big supporter of protecting the environment and Interior Designer I love the new trend of using reclaimed items. This trend has been more and more prevalent and it is making a big statement in interiors in 2012.

This interior uses reclaimed pallets to create a cozy space to just relax and soak in the day

I love this reclaimed wine barrel chandelier from Restoration Hardware. We used it in a Stapleton Great Room we redesigned. Cheers to that!

This reclaimed coffee table from Pottery Barn, made of old wood doors, makes a great addition to any family room.

Finartco.com in Denver is creating amazing items out of salvaged products, like this desk made from old airplane wings.

There is not limit to what you can reclaim and use to create the room of your dreams.

Happy Designing

Time to apply for kindergarten

2012-01-09T09:02:00.000-08:00

The time is coming to get your applications for kindergarten in! January 31 for DPS.

You can't imagine how stress inducing the school choice process is until you go through it. Where should I send my child? What's his/her learning style? Will they fit in? Will they make friends? What if I make the wrong choice?

After 2 years of being last on the wait list everywhere, when it came to kindergarten, my one resolution was this: I will not set my heart on any one school. I will be happy no matter where he gets in. He will be just fine.

So when he got into our first choice school, why wasn't I happy? Was it because all his friends were going to different schools? Was it because I would never be able to walk him to school because it's so far away?

I don't know. But the feeling nagged at me all the way until the first day of school, and even after. It's so much easier when you have just one choice - the school just down the street!

Now, of course, we love our school. Just like I thought: He will be just fine.

Check out: Tips from a mom who knows - choosing the right school.

And let us know how your choice process is going. Have you done your homework?

I need an app to manage my daily deal vouchers

2012-01-09T08:37:00.000-08:00

This weekend, I got a message from Living Social that my massage voucher from Natural Balance Integrative Health in Stapleton was about to expire.

Whoa - when did I buy that?

It turns out, I bought it a year ago, then forgot about it. What a nice surprise!

Then I went through all my daily deal subscriptions to see what else was lurking out there, unredeemed.

I'm embarrassed to say there is a lot out there. An iPad cover from SkinIt. Mile High Organics (score!) Tickets to the Children's Museum. $100 at Travelocity to use on a hotel. Cupcakes at Lovely Confections. A mani/pedi at Blossom Nail Salon. A visit to The Wax House. Lunch at Blue Fin Sushi.

So I bought the SkinIt iPad cover - and have a 15% off coupon to share, got my mani/pedi (aaahhhh), and spent an hour on Travelocity's website before calling it a day.

There's gotta be an app for that! Managing your daily deal subscriptions and vouchers, making sure they don't expire...

How do you manage your daily deals?

Raggedy Ann prepping for surgery

2012-01-08T21:04:00.001-08:00

My 2 year old cut Raggedy Ann's foot off
Originally uploaded by StapletonLiz

Am I the only one with a 2 year old who loves to smash, crash and destroy?

Deal Alert! Stroller Strides Classes

2012-01-05T09:39:00.000-08:00

Have you seen the moms in Stroller Strides classes?

They are like a well-trained army, kicking out sprints, pushups, millions of lunges and the dreaded burpees. This is no stroll around the park - it's an intense, bootcamp style workout. They're socializing, babies along for the ride. And they're having fun!

And they have the bodies to show for it!

So what are you waiting for? Grab this deal: $35 for a 5-Class Punchcard at the Stapleton location or 7 others.

DIY Network now casting Stapleton homeowners!

2012-01-04T13:12:00.001-08:00

DIY Network’s "Rescue Renovation" is now casting Stapleton homeowners
who have gotten in over their heads in a home renovation project and
need help to finish it!

If interested, e-mail casting producer Megan
Golliday at mgolliday@highnoontv.com for an application or apply
on-line at http://www.highnoontv.com/casting_apply_new.php?application_id=2

New Middle School Choice for Stapleton

2012-01-03T19:12:00.000-08:00

One of Denver’s top independent schools is offering Denver-area families a new choice for middle school.

After 35 years of offering full-immersion, bilingual education at the elementary level, Denver Montclair International School (DMIS) has opened a new middle school -- now enrolling grades 6 and 7 for the 2012-13 academic year. DMIS’ middle school is an International Baccalaureate® (IB) Candidate School implementing the Middle Years Programme. This rigorous and internationally-recognized curriculum emphasizes global awareness, math, science, technology, community service and foreign language studies. Students who go on to graduate from high school with an IB Diploma can potentially test out of their first year of college.

Students do not need previous foreign-language experience to enroll in the DMIS middle school. However, if middle-school students want to learn a foreign language, there is no better place to study than the Rocky Mountain region’s oldest international school. For more than three decades, DMIS has taught children to speak multiple languages with native proficiency. DMIS guarantees that its lead instructors are native speakers of the languages they teach.

There are two language tracks offered in French, Mandarin Chinese or Spanish: the Intermediate/Advanced Track (for students already at an intermediate/advanced level in the foreign language) and the Novice Track (for students with limited to no prior foreign language experience). DMIS spends 20% of the academic week on foreign language studies. The foreign language subject area is the only time that students are separated by foreign language ability. All other subject areas (English, Humanities, Math, Science, Physical Education, Arts and Technology) will be taught to the entire class in English.

The DMIS middle school offers small class sizes with low student-teacher ratios, which is ideal for adolescents in this crucial developmental phase of life. DMIS’ middle school also incorporates technology into the classroom with personal iPads for each student and interactive white boards.
DMIS is offering a few ways for families to learn more about its new middle school:

 The school’s website, www.dmischool.com.
 Attend the Middle School Showcase Event, “Why IB? Exploring the Impact of International Education,” on
Thurs., Jan. 12 from 7 – 8:30 p.m. in the DMIS library.
 Attend the Open House on Sun., Jan. 29 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
 “Shadow Days” that allow prospective 6th and 7th graders to observe life at DMIS. Contact Admissions Coordinator Mieke Bushhouse at admissions@dmischool.com to set up a visit.
 A campus tour. Families are invited to meet DMIS faculty and staff anytime. Email
admissions@dmischool.com

Deal Alert: Cheer Program at the Central Park Rec Center

2012-01-03T06:37:00.000-08:00

Did you see the little cuties at the Holiday Cheer Camp at the Central Park Rec Center?

Now the real fun begins: a cheer program taught by award winning instructor Jennifer Ritchlin of Dancetech!

All kids will be assigned to a team (7 years and under or 8 years and up) and train Sunday afternoons. This deal is good for all of January, but classes run through August. Teams will have the opportunity to strut what they've learned for the community at events and performances like parades and recreational competitions. Kids will tumble, learn stunts, practice chanting, and more!

Sunday afternoons at the Central Park Rec Center.

Get the first month half off at Plum District - that's just $35!

And yes, you can buy the deal even if you bought the holiday cheer camp deal!

Disciplining other people's children

2011-12-30T22:01:00.000-08:00

Christmas break has stretched on a bit too long. My house looks like a bomb went off. My boys are fighting and bickering. My patience has gone out the window. We needed to burn off some major energy. So we went to Monkey Business. where we found holiday stress, magnified x100.

Sweaty kids, yelling and running and yes, fighting. You know how nervous energy can infect everybody around? Yeah, it was frenetic. Then this scene unfolds in the cafe area:

Two sobbing children, ages 3 and 5, run to their alarmed mother, escorted by two staff people.

A young mother, holding an infant, yells across the room: "Your children are horrible! They are hitting everyone while you just sit here and drink your coffee! They're disrespectful to adults! I told your son to go into time out and he refused!"

"I hope so," his mother responded (quite calmly, under the circumstances), "You're not his mother."

Another enraged mother joined in to scold the children, succeeding in sending them into hysterics. The young staff stood helplessly by until things calmed down. Every parent rushed to get their own child under control, lest the mommy police turn their disciplinarian eye on them. The whole thing was rather disturbing.

No one was kicked out or fined or anything. Curiously, all parties stayed to resume play. Me, I think I would have called it a day.

Have you ever called out another parent for their child's behavior? Have you ever disciplined a stranger's child? Would you ever presume to do it? Has it ever happened to you? How did you respond?

Add a Little Pop to Your New Year's Celebration!

2011-12-29T08:18:00.000-08:00

Why not add a little POP to your New Year's Celebration with these great ideas!

Love these New Year's Eve Poppers featured on HGTV

Toast from Around the World with these Great Champagne Flutes from Zodax

In Spain it is Good Luck to eat a Dozen Grapes at Midnight, Why not add Some to Your Champagne with this Great Idea from MarthaStewart.com

My Mother being from the South we always had Black Eyed Peas for Good Luck on New Years. Try this recipe for "Hoppin' John" From Emeril

Happy New Year and Sante' to a Fabulous 2012!

Learning to ski: WinterFest at Beaver Creek

2011-12-26T09:05:00.000-08:00

When Beaver Creek says they love kids, you better believe it.

We went up for the opening of Winterfest, a family friendly lineup of events and skiing through December 31. It has been SIX YEARS since my husband and I have been on skis. Having kids will do that.

And we put our 5 year old in his very first ski lesson!

Day 1: The journey is the destination

I admit: the two hour drive was not without a little angst. Not only was the dramamine alternative not as effective as the original, but I had that nagging feeling that my boys were not ready for a ski vacation. Just the thought of dressing them struck me with fear: I can barely keep gloves on them at home, and the 2 year old flat out refuses to wear coats.

I solved the "what to wear" problem with a handy service called Mountain Threads. Started by a Genessee mom who knew kids can outgrow their expensive ski clothes in a season, Mountain Threads lets you rent them at reasonable prices. They met us at Exit 256 on I-70, transferred our bag of warm clothes to our car, and we were off.

Upon arrival, we checked in to our condo with kitchen at The Seasons at Avon. It's not slope side, but this family friendly mix of owner-occupied and time share condos was perfect for us, with room for the boys to run around, a TV in the bedroom and the living room, a kitchen and laundry, and the new Avon Rec Center with a pool right next door. TIP: Book By January 1st and Save Up To 30% on Lodging! You won't find a better deal on lodging later this season, so book now for up to 30% off on lodging all season long! Rates starting from just $120/person per night.

We unpacked, bundled up and headed to the Beaver Creek Village for some dinner and ice skating. The 5 year old was so excited he could hardly stand it - music was playing, the rink was full of laughing kids, and the energy was palpable. While Dad and the 2 year old wandered through shops, watched us skate next to one of the fire pits, chatted with families from all over the world and drank hot cocoa, Mom and the 5 year old wobbled and slid and giggled around the ice for almost two hours. We could not get him off the ice!

By that time, the wait for family-favorite Blue Moose Pizza was over an hour, so we ordered our pizza to go and kept skating.

Day 2: Hitting the Slopes

The first thing we agreed on was this: there was no hurry.

We had to (1) get the 5 year old registered for ski school and settled in, (2) get the 2 year old to Small World Daycare in the village, and (3) get our own skis rented. I figured it would be after 10 by the time we caught our first lift.

We quickly learned the Beaver Creek Ski School is a finely tuned machine run by experts in child psychology. From the moment you walk in the door, you are greeted by helpful folks to direct you to the right forms, the right lines and the rental area. What I really loved was this: There is a firm line between ski school and parent drop-off. Once the kids go behind the curtain to be fitted for boots and skis, parents must say their goodbyes. Thank goodness: no lingering, no clinging, no whining.

It took a surprisingly short time to check in at ski school!

TIP: Beaver Creek Ski School is among the very best in the world. Their instructors are there because they want to teach kids, and many of them have been there for years. In fact, many have taught generations of families how to ski! It's not cheap: $171 per day (includes lesson, lift and lunch) but when you see your little one coming down the hill and stopping, you'll agree - it's worth it. Make sure to pre-register online to streamline the process!

Next stop: Small World Daycare. Same drill: employees take charge, give quick goodbyes, and the kids are whisked into the playroom. As a parent, I love that.

Then it was off to Christy Sports for our rentals, where we discovered skis are much shorter and fatter than we were used to. The better to turn with! The employees all had fun accents (Italian) and yes, they strapped me into my boots and took extra care with us. We felt pampered just renting skis. Tip: Book 24 hours in advance and save up to 20% off walk in rates.

To the lifts!

No kids. Blue skies. A full day, just me and my husband. A long, leisurely lunch. Can you say heavenly?

TIP: Beaver Creek has plenty of easy, groomed, cruiser greens at the top of the mountain, while the blues and blacks tend to be on the lower half. It's like the mountain is turned upside down to give beginners and those of us getting our ski legs back the chance to enjoy the whole mountain. The runs were long, fun, and yes - challenging! My quads were burning!

By 3:00, we were happily exhausted and having Irish coffees on the deck of the Park Hyatt, watching our 5 year old coming down the magic carpet hill. We got a full download from his instructor: he picked it up quickly, great at stopping, ready to work on turns. We noticed a lot of instructors on the mountain giving one-on-one lessons to young and old. Beaver Creek is all about the personal touch!

Down in the village, a holiday parade was going on, along with some real live Colorado wild animals (Possums, my boy informed us) and the highlight among many in the day: a chat with Santa.

We had dinner reservations at Toscanini, a nice Italian restaurant in the Village. We were at the door with two misbehaving, squabbling boys. We just looked at each other with a look of "should we put ourselves through hell trying to keep them at a dull roar through dinner, or hit the Burger King in town?"

We opted for Burger King.

TIP: Winter or summer, the Beaver Creek Park Hyatt is premium slope side lodging. S'mores at the fire pits every afternoon, live apres ski music, all the amenities.

Day 3: Exploring

Here's how accommodating Beaver Creek Ski School is: our boy was all registered and ready to go when he had a little trouble getting out of all his layers in time to make it to the bathroom.

No problem, they said. We see it all the time. Just a fresh pair of long johns and he's good to go.

But he was mortified and no amount of cajoling could convince him to go back to ski school.

Instead, we took the gondola up the mountain and back down (it's free if you don't have ski gear), had a snowball fight, did some more ice skating, explored the shops and drank hot cocoa.

It was a good day.

Winterfest has activities all week long through New Year's Eve.
In addition to Winterfest, Beaver Creek Loves Kids will take place during other holidays throughout the season including President’s Week Feb. 18-25, 2012, Spring Break March 10-31, 2012 and Easter week April 1-7, 2012.
Wondering what happens in ski school? Check it out:

Disclosure: Beaver Creek Resorts hosted our family, but my opinions are all my own.