Heavenly Places

We're still dreaming and talking about our trip to Estes Park, CO. Here is the trip in review via pictures:

The sunrise from one of the 3 porches of the house we stayed in.

Morning nature walk

Thea with the cutest little bunny that lived nearby

Why don't we live here?

One of Matthew's favorite parts of the trip: picking wildflowers

Not many places better than this one to get a little coloring done

Painting at the YMCA

Spinning endlessly at the YMCA playground 

Dinner at a family favorite: The Dunraven Inn 

Bear Lake, a multigenerational family favorite:

Grandma had the kids doing a "skill" at every trail marker
and they LOVED it! Highlight of the trip for the kids!

Matthew was introduced to Monopoly and had such a good time planning with his Dad. Can you guess who won this round?

Dinner on the porch

Free mini golf at the YMCA. The course was very age appropriate and all had fun getting in a round.

Another highlight of the trip: bumper boats! All of the kids went
and were all smiles, except Bubba. He was all giggles. The whole time.

First go-kart race

Excited that passed all other drivers on the track

Extreme trampoline = extreme smile

New CO gear found in town

Visiting Mom's former work place: Jackson Stables

Nathaniel LOVED riding Buttons!

Matthew rode Alladin and did AMAZING pulling up the reins when his horse tried to eat grass.
So well, the horse stopped trying to get the grass! Thea and I rode Thunder. This was very fun
to share with them. Some of my best memories in life are horseback riding with my family.

The last day we had planned to go fishing (which we've never done) but since it was cool and looked like it might rain, we chose to drive up Trail Ridge Road. Glad we did because wow, mountains are majestic!

Our last dinner together in Estes at a Mexican restaurant. It was our first time there and it satisfied Mike's deep craving for some Mexican food (which was delicious!).

They sure do looooove their Papa!

This trip was just so good. Wonderful family time, beautiful place, filled with relaxation and fun. Couldn't ask for anything more. Except that we do it again.

Fourth of July

When we moved last year, we were told 4th of July was HUGE in our town. We live in a wonderful community that is very social. Being new and knowing almost no one made last year pretty lonely. Fast forward one year, and it makes for fun times. We started the day at a friend's house where the Eagle had landed. This family goes all in for the 4th and it was great!

Then we sat in 99 degree heat, sweating profusely watching the parade. Matthew and Nathaniel quit the parade halfway through and I was not sad about it. I am legitimately thankful to God I was not born until A/C was invented and in full swing. Also thankful I live in toilet paper times.

After Nathaniel took a nap and we cooled down we headed back out for some games at the park.

We had chicken salad for lunch because I had a leftover rotisserie chicken and chicken salad is delicious and then we had French toast and eggs for dinner. Makes sense that this hot dog loving family chose those options on the biggest hot dog day of the year.