This past Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, Ed and I spent our first weekend alone away from Blanden, and Blanden spent his first weekend alone with Grammy and Papa. Three whole days and two nights of fun! A fantastic time was had by all. Following is a recap from Grammy and Papa of the adventurings that took place in and around Wash Park. In order to transport our bikes to the Western Slope, we took the car with Blanden's car seat in it, so Grammy, Papa, and Blanden explored all aspects of our neighborhood and others nearby on foot. All photos courtesy of Grammy.
After
Blanden's nap on Friday morning, the three of them plus Belle walked to Whole Foods and picnicked on the patio with items from the deli. Grammy made
Blanden his own salad from the salad bar, full of some of his favorite things to eat: tomatoes, cucumbers, hard-boiled eggs, and assorted meats and cheese (no lettuce).
Blanden thought that was fun!
Afterward, they walked to Wash Park, where
Blanden spent a long, long time
playing in the sand and on various playground equipment. That was even more fun!
Next they walked to Bonnie Brae for more ice cream. Unfortunately (though not surprisingly)
Blanden fell asleep on the way. Papa was disappointed not to be able to buy
Blanden his own cup again, but don't worry, Papa has found plenty of opportunities to offer
Blanden various other sweets, including Duffy rolls (Denver cinnamon rolls) and his very own package of decorated Halloween cookies.
Before we left, Grammy and Papa spent a couple of evenings observing bath time with Daddy, learning how to do it in just the proper way. Some key elements: water filled almost to the top (more fun to splash around in -- and splash Daddy with!), the bath toy animal lineup, and then basketball with said bath toys and the nearby wastebasket (empty, of course).
And, at last,
story time with Papa before bed. What a full day!
One more picnic lunch before the weather turned, this time at Einstein Bros. Bagels on Sunday. Afterward they walked to Albertson's and KMart for assorted groceries and other sundries. 
It's a good thing they fit their walks and picnics in while they could. After eighties and sunshine all weekend, the weather plummeted to the fifties and rain on Monday and Tuesday -- even snow in the mountains, which Ed and I had just driven through!
Serenading Grammy and Papa. Perhaps getting back in tune for Monday night...
At the local dog park Sunday evening.
By the time Ed and I got home Sunday night, Blanden was snuggled safe and sound and cozy in his crib, looking just like this, except for having his PJs on instead. Thank you so much, Mom and Dad, for allowing us to take a little getaway to celebrate our anniversary, and especially for taking such extraordinary and careful care of our precious baby boy. What wonderful memories we will all treasure. I wonder, is it too early to start planning for next year? ... :) 
