Our "big" vacation this year was a trip out to Colorado. We flew into Denver and then rented a car to drive down to Colorado Springs for the week. Lots of memories. The weather was great and the time together as a family was a lot of fun.
After arriving in Colorado Springs, we hiked around Garden of the Gods. What amazing rock formations. (Later in the week Mike took a Segway tour through the park.)
For our first full-day we went to Seven Falls. We arrived early and had most of the place to ourselves. There was an elevator that took us up through the granite to the top.
That morning when the kids got dressed we had a little surprise for them. Baby #4 is due in February! All were excited. Brooke claimed to want another brother and Clayton a sister - we'll see.
Who knew that chipmunks liked fish food so much? The kids discovered they were eating the remnants, so they decided to hold still and see if they could feed them. I think this was their highlight of the day!
Panning for gold.
Waiting for the Cog Train to take us to the top of Pike's Peak. As the photo shows, Clayton wasted no time in antagonizing his brother .
Gorgeous views on the way up!
At the TOP.
On the way back to the hotel, we stopped through Garden of the Gods again. Lincoln was much happier to be held than to be set on large rocks for photo opps.
Brooke's having a moment.
This was my climber. He did learn to make sure he could find a good way down after he did a belly slide down these rocks. Oops!
Brooke's having a moment. Pretty sure Clayton caused her reaction - just a guess given his sly look!
This was my climber. He did learn to make sure he could find a good way down after he did a belly slide down these rocks. Oops!
Brooke was into "dramatic poses" most of the week...oh boy.
We arrived a bit early for the Cave of the Winds tour. Who knew that a few parking stoppers and a bit of rain water could provide such entertainment. (I'm glad it did.)
We arrived a bit early for the Cave of the Winds tour. Who knew that a few parking stoppers and a bit of rain water could provide such entertainment. (I'm glad it did.)
Sifting sand for gems at the caves.
Flying W Ranch
Lincoln likes donkeys from a slight distance.
NOT up close!
Royal Gorge
Flying W RanchThere was a lot to do and see before our chuckwagon dinner and good 'ole cowboy entertainment.
Both kids enjoyed learning to rope cattle.
(The video footage we got will be great future entertainment.)
Lincoln likes donkeys from a slight distance.
NOT up close!Royal GorgeWe're waiting at the bottom of the train to take our ride back up to the top.
Brooke talked Daddy into being hoisted up between these two poles only to pull a rip cord and go flying via a few cables out over the gorge. Did I mention Mike hates heights?? Somebody loves his little girl very much!
I think that silly sippy cup is in every family photo of the week...ugh.
Brooke talked Daddy into being hoisted up between these two poles only to pull a rip cord and go flying via a few cables out over the gorge. Did I mention Mike hates heights?? Somebody loves his little girl very much!
I think that silly sippy cup is in every family photo of the week...ugh.
And what is vacation without chocolate?! We had to stop at the Original Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory. The kids chose chocolate dipped twinkies.
I guess giraffes are less scary than donkeys.
And what's vacation without a little hotel fun!
On our way back to the airport we stopped at Focus on the Family.
Cheyenne Mountain Zoo.
I guess giraffes are less scary than donkeys.
And what's vacation without a little hotel fun!On our way back to the airport we stopped at Focus on the Family. What a great play area they have for the kids!
