ESTES PARK: PART TWO

This morning we loaded up the crew and headed to hike in Rocky Mountain National Park.  As John and I perused our options, we were a little saddened to realize that we are in a phase of life that requires shorter, easier hikes.  We are sort of hike snobs - if it is something that anyone and everyone can do, then we would usually pass.  But, times change, and when everyone in your party needs to be carrying a child, you opt for easy hikes.  We chose Alberta Falls, because the payoff is gorgeous.  I strapped the twins to the grandparents, which was an experience for everyone.  Also - if you think anyone escaped having Lenny introduce Violet to them, then you would be mistaken.  He is one proud grandpa.

John and I each wore a girly.  I had the older, lighter, but still heavy to cary around daughter.



It was one mile each way, and we made it to the top where we all took it easy and lunched - even the babies.  We hiked in their bottles.

Bella slept for a good long while in the pack - Bless her exhausted and exhausting heart.

The views were stunning, every way we looked.  It never gets old to be surrounded by river and mountain vistas and continue to marvel at God's creation.

Another go at a family picture - so glad we have everyone here!  Most of the time.



When we finished the hike, we congratulated ourselves on making good hiking choices.  It was just the right distance for the circus that we are.  And make no mistake - we are a circus, one that gets noticed.  If I had a Smartie for each time we were asked if we have two sets of twins or told that we have our hands full, then I would officially be able to make myself sick on Smarties.  (Something I have been known to do anyway.)

The Rockies continued to be a magical land.  We ran into some bull elk on our way into the park, and on our hike out, a butterfly fluttered down next to us and landed on an aspen tree.




After packing in so much yesterday, we were ready for a rest this afternoon.



We headed into downtown Estes for dinner and ice cream and playing.  I love quaint mountain towns.

(I know my eyes are closed.  It was the only one I took of everybody today, so I am keeping it.)

The flowers were particularly beautiful this year.

Saying goodbye tomorrow will be a bit of heartbreak, but don't worry, Estes - we will be back!

ESTES PARK: PART ONE

Oh, Estes Park, you get us every time.  We just keep coming back for more.  Normally, we like to have flings with travel destinations, but with you - oh, with you - we can't stay away.  We want to be in a committed relationship with you forever.

The last time we came to Colorado was three years and three children ago - you can see pictures here.  We had a great time, but for a variety of reasons, we haven't made it back.  And after stopping into Pueblo for three nights, we headed to Estes Park, entrance to Rocky Mountain National Park to enjoy the mountains.

We are staying in a cabin near town, which makes life more convenient than a hotel for sure.  The girls enjoyed having the run of the place as we checked it out.  Lily showed off her rock and pine cone arranging skills, while Bella enjoyed being able to climb on a chair and peek in the kitchen window.

Last night when we arrived and after we got everyone in bed and/or settled, John and I got to run into town to grab groceries and dessert.  Always a treat sans kiddos.  The sunset behind the mountains was such a sweet treat from the Lord.

This morning as we headed into town, we enjoyed seeing the elk roam free in the city.  Cause they do that here in the magical land of Estes.  This one crossed the street behind us.



First stop this morning - The Donut Haus.  Oh such tasty treats dwell here.  I think we are headed there tomorrow morning as well.

Next stop - Fun City.  Several years ago, on our Canada trip, we learned the difference between a Vacation and a Family Trip.  Vacations usually don't involve children.  Family Trips begin to revolve around children.  Fun City proves that stance, because it is not somewhere we would ever choose to go without children involved.  But - the girls enjoyed the massive slide.

And, we played a round of about 9 holes of mini-golf, which was mostly really fun.  Until Bella's ball was taken forever at the end, which was obviously cause for major freaking out.

As I am typing this all out, I am realizing that we *may* have squeezed too much into today.  It was fun, but we are pretty wiped out.  Also, I forgot sunscreen, which officially makes the the bad mom whose kids have pink cheeks and arms.  We lunched at Lily Lake, and then walked around it.

This chipmunk had a gnarly beard.

This next picture cracks me up, because literally a minute before, Bella had been screaming, scratching, and fighting getting put into this baby backpack.  Until she was in.  Then, she was fine.  That's enough to make parents feel crazy.

We came home for naps, which was a nice respite.

Then, we headed back out to drive Trail Ridge Road - one of the single most beautiful places I've ever been.  It feels other-worldly, and I love it.

I got the girls a camera to play with, as a way to encourage them to enjoy being in more of the pictures I take.  Selfish reasoning, I know, but they are loving it.

We saw several marmots, which may just be one of the cuddliest looking creatures ever.

This was our go at a family picture at Trail Ridge Road.  The sun was too bright, but there we all are.  All six of us with some of God's most beautiful creation surrounding us.  John and I have talked several times about what a thrill it is to share this all with our children.  Lily and Bella have been transfixed by the "Big Snow Mountains."  

All in all, it is going pretty well.  There are hairy moments right and left with four kiddos, and we often feel like we are playing whack-a-mole.  But - it is worth it, and we are thankful for this time with family, enjoying the beauty God put on the Earth for us that constantly declares his glory.

DAYS IN PUEBLO, CO

After Kansas, our next stop was Pueblo, Colorado - where John's parents live.  We had a delightful time at a slow pace enjoying being with grandparents and the fun that Pueblo offers.  The mornings at the house brought playing in the sand and garden.  For some that was a full-contact activity - I'm talking to you, Lenny.




And, of course, there was baby feeding and holding.

Dish washing became a favorite activity - something that I need to harness for the future.



John and I got some time away, which we always value.  We went to a favorite local Mexican place for lunch.

The other place that is a must eat at whenever you head to Pueblo (which I know is a top destination for most of my readers) is the Do Drop Inn.  It has delicious pizza when a sweet sort of crust that is crave-worthy.  My favorite is the Roma Pizza - YUM.





For our evening activities (due to the fact that it turned crazy hot when we arrived here - but it is a "dry heat", which is significantly better than the face-melting "wet heat" we get in Arkansas - we did most stuff at night), we went to the Pueblo Riverwalk and City Park.  The Riverwalk is always a fan favorite with lots of room to stroll alongside the river with many bronze statues of animals all along the way.

Because of the tragic fires happening in Colorado Springs, there was a lot of smoke in the air.  It did make for a striking sunset.



The other night we headed to City Park which has carnival rides on the super cheap and super fun.  Lily especially enjoyed the rides.  Bella would only ride on the carousel and the train - nothing else was an option.  Blue Icees always make life more fun.




It took some warming up for Bella to even enjoy this.

Here is what I often look like on family outings.

Lily was unsure about the roller coaster even through the end, but she hopped right on to another ride after it, so we think Lenny's enthusiasm must have been catching.



This girl drank all of her treat and much of Lily's.  No surprise on this mama's face.

The bounce house is always a favorite, and I caught this precious sister moment.



Our time in Pueblo was really good, and I am so thankful for the memories that we are making with family!