Making Memories - Part 1

Our Family Vacation for 2010 was to Colorado. Now, I am a beach-kinda-girl, so going to Colorado is fine, however, definately NOT my idea! However, that being said....my honey is a mountain-loving'-man! We spent 6 weeks in FL before moving to KS, so I decided that I could throw him a bone and spend 1 week in the mountains!

We found a house that we thought would work well for our family - so the plans started coming together! We had GREAT time on our vacation spending it together as a family and just letting go some of the hard-core rules we have at our house! Yes, the kids ate candy, stayed up late, watched movies, and they even got souvineirs!

"Are we crazy or what?"
"Can we pull it off?"
"It's all about the memories Daddy!!!"
Things we kept telling ourselves throughout the trip!


First stop....


I think this is the ONLY time the kids stopped the whole day! When "hiking" with our crew - there is NOT much rest time involved. Get your shoes laced up and off you go!

The kids were attempting to get their Jr. Ranger badges - so they had a list of 3 things they had to do to earn their badge/patch. I think Daddy was secretly excited that his kiddos were being all 'Boy Scout-ish'!

Let the hiking begin! This was more of a walk - it was 1 mile loop that led us around to the large stumps.

The kids earned their badges. Here they all are swearing a pledge to keep CO parks nice and clean, etc, etc. It was a cute little booklet that kept them somewhat busy on the drive home! They loooooved their badges!!!




We decided to head back to the house for lunch since we had a time-change to adjust to and some of the kid-crew needed some serious napping time! The back "yard" - made completely of stones and a large hill - made for some great play time for the older ones not needing naps. I believe Ryan and I were able to read that afternoon without interruption! It was GREAT!!!

"Trailblazer Ridge"

Our second hike was 2.2 miles. This was my favorite hike of all the hiking we did. It was peaceful and although long - not to difficult for the kids. No large inclines to fall off of, no strenuous uphill climbs that I had to carry 2 children for. It was a peaceful hike!

Ridge became known as Trailblazer. He was ALWAYS up in front of the pack and leading the way on our hikes. He never complained once that he was tired or had sore feet. It was impressive. Usually our Ridge is somewhat of a complainer, he really surprised us on our hikes.

Ellie found an "Ellie-size" tree.

Stopping for a snack break! No, we didn't leave Caylor - she is with Daddy taking the picture! Ryan usually carried Yummy in the kid backpack and I usually carried Bunny in the Bjorn. It worked out well, however, I think we were all tired at the end of this day!

Beautiful, beautiful scenery God gave us to marvel at!

All in a hard day's work....

More to come later....