A day in Denver

Today Shay and I went on the third grade field trip to Downtown Denver. We couldn't have asked for a better day. It was beautiful and sunny and just about perfect. I have been looking forward to this for a few weeks now because I was feeling a little neglectful towards Shay as I haven't been on a field trip with him since Kindergarten! I guess that's what happens when you have two babies one after another. The oldest gets left to fend for themselves and forgotten in the dust storm (of diapers).
We, meaning 130 3rd graders, a lot of parents and a few teachers made our way to the light rail station for the 20 minute trip to downtown. Once there our small groups went our separate ways to go explore our great city.
I had this feeling that in the 4 hours that we had to wander, we would run out of things for the kids to see! Boy was I wrong. We needed 12 hours to see just a portion of the city. Being a Colorado native, I never realized just how much there is to see, do and learn about! The only time I get downtown is when we go to the bars, to drink, in the dark.


First we went to Union Station (I had never been there before!). It's old and has a very historical feel to it. It was empty and kind of sad because it hits you that no one takes a train anymore. Not unless it's a special trip. I think I saw one person in there buying a train ticket.

Second we made our way through the heart of downtown to the Qwest building. One of the parents knew someone who worked there and arranged for a quick tour. We got to go up to the 44th floor and see the whole city. It had amazing views. You could see for miles!!! It's also amazing how much smog you can see at that vantage point. You couldn't see any of it from the ground.

We took a quick break for lunch and made our way to the state capitol building. Another one that I have not seen. It was so cool. The kids had a blast doing rubbings of plaques and statues throughout the property.

This step has a small plaque on it and it's exactly 5280 feet above sea level. The mile high city of course! Before we knew it we were rushing the kids through all of the different rooms, it was time to go!

The parents and their tired feet slumped down in the light rail seats. Mean while these kids (some anyway) still had enough steam in them to continue jumping around and telling each other what they got to see and do. They all really enjoyed their day and so did I, but let me tell you....were gonna sleep like a babies tonight!!!