Estes Park--more hiking fun!

Sunday morning we decided to go hiking again to enjoy the beautiful weather. Kristi had a friend from Denver come up to visit--so we split into 2 groups--our family went one way and Kristi, friends, Janell, and Jake went on a longer, harder hike! Day 2 of hiking went great--our family did the harder hike first and finished with a nice flat lake with amazing scenery!

We hiked up to Nymph Lake on Sunday--Caden slowed down today and really enjoyed climbing on rocks--we got several compliments for having our kids out at such an early age walking and hiking--always nice to hear!

Nymph Lake was a mile hike--and here it is!

More Caden photography--lots of lily pads in this lake.

Why not lay on a tree!

After this hike--we ate a snack and went to Sprague Lake--beautiful lake and has an awesome flat, trail all around it--we got to see fishermen and some wild life!

Caden always had a stick in hand--here he is drawing in the dirt.

Ducks--look how clear the water is--amazing!

Caden and Brynn sitting on a log watching the fishermen.

Both kids were amazed that these fishermen were standing in the middle of the lake fishing--a new experience for them.

Brynn found sticks as well and was drawing in the dirt while Caden took more pictures.

Our family at Sprague Lake.

The lake and scenery--breath-taking!

Our chipmunk friend that came to say hello right at the end of the trail!

Jacob, Janell, Kristi, and friends started out at Glacier Gorge, hiked to Alberta Falls, and went on to Mills Lake. I am sure they have stories to tell--but I have the pictures!

Janell and Jacob at Alberta Falls.

Kristi at Alberta Falls.

More Alberta Falls and more Nell and Jake :)

Kristi and friend Travis

Janell working on balancing during the hike!

Checking out the views at Mills Lake!

We all enjoyed our hikes that day and came back to the condo ready to chow down on lunch and take a nap--can't beat that for a Sunday afternoon!
After naps--Jake, Layne, and Caden went fishing and Kristi, Janell, Brynn, and I headed downtown to check out all the fun stores that Estes Park has to offer---our fun was cut short as it started to rain--so we all met up and headed to Poppy's Pizza for some yummy food before heading back to relax at the condo. Besides the rain, the weather was awesome--around 85-90--it was so nice to be outside all day and not be in the 100s--thank you Colorado!

Ride-a-Kart Fun

We had a GREAT evening Saturday night in Estes Park. First of all, we were super happy when Aunt Janell and Uncle Jacob finally arrived--they have their own story to tell there, but they got to see a lot of scenery on the way to Estes, including some moose! Saturday night was both kids' favorite night and Layne said it was his too! We started out with a BBQ meal at Smokin' Dave's BBQ-we had to wait awhile for our meal, but it was SO worth it. Before the meal we headed over to the little amusement park in Estes and played a round of putt-putt golf, then we headed out to eat BBQ and came back later to do in the rest of the amusement park! Lots of smiles and fun this night!

Kristi, Nell, and Jake in the background showing their putt-putt style!

Brynn was a great cheerleader and was watching her Daddy close to learn all about golf!

This is how Brynn chose to golf--hacking the ball--we still have some golf learning to do here!

Caden made it in the hole!

After dinner--the "kids" did bumper boats--they had the whole pond to themselves and enjoyed every minute of it!

Caden's highlight of the evening was bumper cars--he was old enough to drive a car himself and he was in HEAVEN--big grin on his face the whole time to, no matter how many times he got bumped because he was doing a lot of bumping himself!
We also all rode go-carts and had fun racing--plus the bonus side was we had to wait at the most 5 minutes in line the whole night and several items we did had no line at all--a big plus when you have a 2 and a 4 year old!

Caden and Brynn ended the night on a little train ride!

Brynn (and daddy) convinced all of us we needed icecream so away we went to the malt shop which a good friend of mine from college had introduced me to--it has changed a bit since my college days but still very good!

The malt shop had fun wooden horses to ride on while you waited for your malts or icecream--say "cheese" Brynn, Caden, and Aunt Janell!
We ate our icecream and walked a few blocks around town and called it a day!

Hiking Bear Lake and Alberta Falls

Saturday morning we woke up to find Elk outside by our condo--pretty cool--they had no concern at all--just eating some breakfast! Brynn kept calling them reindeer the whole trip--which was pretty cute!

We headed up to Rocky Mountain National Park to do some hiking first thing Saturday morning--we started with Bear Lake which is beautiful and a pretty flat, good hike to do with kiddos!

We have pictures of BEAR Lake from EVERY angle--so enjoy the scenery!
Kristi, Layne, and Kids checking out the lake, which was very clear--we could see down to the bottom!

Family photo time!

Kristi and Brynn climbing rocks--the sun was not in the best position for this picture!

Caden loved being the leader!

The girls--picture taken by Caden!

Next we headed to Alberta Falls--one of my favorite places to hike to growing up--not sure if I would do it again with a 2 and a 4 year old as you can go right to the edge of the rocky waterfall and I had some mommy moments about losing my kids over the edge, but all was well--Caden and I had a safety talk before we started and we all agreed to hang on tight to his hand not matter what! Brynn was a little easier to hang on to--but it was a beautiful view none the less!

Daddy and kids at Alberta Falls!

Kristi and Brynn at the Falls.

Picture Perfect!

At the top of Alberta Falls--we stuck our feet in--still cold!

Another picture by Caden!

Caden and Mommy at Alberta Falls.

Breath-taking!
We learned a few things after hiking that first day--do the harder hike first and save an easier hike for later--so we did things a little differently on day 2, but we all enjoyed being outside in the mountains taking in the beautiful sights and sounds of nature. Leaving Alberta Falls--we had a few kid meltdowns--as you are hiking UP most of the way out--so we had to take lots of Caden breaks, but slowly we made it and he was proud of himself in the end!

Vacation TIme--Estes Park

Ready, Set, Go--we are packed and off on vacation to Estes Park, CO!
Big Thank You to Aunt Kristi for being brave enough to travel with us and even more brave to sit in the back with the kids for most of the trip--we appreciated your patience and help Kristi! It was nice to have an extra driver and extra entertainment! The kids enjoyed movies, games, books, and the Ipad on the way to CO--and did Brynn sleep any of the trip out there or back--NO! For the most part the seven hours there was pretty good!

Layne taking some pictures on the IPad--this is near Lincoln, KS--one of the first times Caden asked us if we were almost there!
We made our first pit stop in Hays America and played in the park for a bit and each got a snowball treat--plus I ran into a high school friend who now teaches in Hays, so it was a wonderful stop!

Lunch time and Run time in Burlington, CO!

Our home away from home--our condo that we stayed at for 3 days!

Awesome mountain view that we saw from our condo--takes your breath away!

Hanging by the river and rocks as we wait to eat supper at Mama Rose's that night--reminds me of an Olive Garden--Caden told me it was his favorite place that we ate at--my kids love spaghetti!

Big smiles from Kristi and Brynn--and yes, the water was cold--we tested it!

Wichita Zoo

In June, my friend Emily and I took our kids to the Wichita Zoo--we have done this the last few years and we all end up sweaty and hot, but having a wonderful time. Both our moms came to party with us as well--so it was a great chance to see some awesome animals and catch-up with great friends! The weather even was nice to us--it was only around 90 degrees--we would be thrilled for a day like that now!

All our kiddos--Bryant, Caden, Brynn, and Owen--Bryant will be a 1st grader and Brynn is the youngest at 2--Caden and Owen are both 4!
The boys kept us hopping all day--as boys do--they could all find one stick after another--we would hate for our day to be boring and relaxing though!

We finally got all our kids to look at the camera and this other sweet little girl hopped into the picture--so our kids again--plus one!

Checking out the snakes and reptiles!

The Grizzly Bear was right up close to say hello to us.

Mr. Tiger went for a run and then took a swim--very fun to watch!

Up close and personal with the other tiger!

Our kids again--one final shot after we finished the zoo!

Big hugs for mom for a fun day.
Always great to see you and your family Emily--a great tradition carries on!