Friday, July 4, 2008

Rocky Mountain High

We recently spent a week at my favorite spot in the world-Estes Park, Colorado. I grew up going there every summer and I'm so glad that I got to introduce my little family to a place that my heart loves. Mom and Dad gave us the trip as a Christmas gift and they flew with us to Denver where we met Jeff, Ami, Kiran, and Ellery. There was lots of playing, laughing, talking, eating, exploring, and enjoying the majestic Rocky Mountains. Between 3 cameras I think we took over 700 pictures and I'm a little overwhelmed with choosing some pictures to share. These are all pictures from my camera-I'll probably share more later as I get copies from Mom and Jeff.

Here's our home away from home-Ponderosa cabin at Glacier Lodge. We've stayed there once before but most years we stayed at the YMCA of the Rockies. Glacier Lodge is perfect for us now though-they have a pool, lots of space to play, a playground, and a stable on the property. We could have just stayed there all week with no side trips and been happy!







Kiran and Addie played so well together!








Doak loved playing outside.

Addie got the first injury of the week about an hour
after we arrived and had a lovely black eye all week!

the Tennessee Browns

Elk came right up to our cabin, we saw chipmunks,
mountain goats, and a bear went through the trash at Jeff and Ami's cabin!

Mom and Dad sent us out on a date to Dunraven Inn. We enjoyed the food and each other's company and knew that the kids were in good hands with Cookie and Papa Phil!




















Doak loves to swing just like his sister.


The kids rode ponies 2 times. Here is Kiran, Jeff, and Little Joe.
Kiran came prepared and wore his cowboy boots all week!













Addie rode Duke and loved it!





Doak loves to be nakey. He and Cookie must have been sharing some secret joke!


Ellery turned one on our trip and we celebrated with a yummy dinner and cake and ice cream.














Check out the cake that Ami made-she is amazing!






One last pony ride before we head home. Addie rode Pinecone and Kiran rode Duke.














We rode a mini train and then Addie and Daddy drove
a bumper boat. Ami and Kiran drove one too and they all had a great time.

Snack time in the beautiful outdoors.

Big girl Ellery on her birthday.

We were comparing Ellery and Doak's size-Ellery is 12 months and Doak is 7 months-
aren't they sweet?


We loved hanging out on the porch.

the cousins


The whole family (pretend my head isn't covering up Doak!)



9 comments:

annalee said...

what an absolutely wonderful trip and thoughtful gift! i could have looked at many, many more pics of it all. i'm glad y'all are safely home after all your trip. but i'm also glad you have such great memories!

ashley said...

SO FUN!! It brings back some great memories and gets me excited about our trip to TN in August for my mountain fix!! I'm so glad you enjoyed some quality family time - and what a beautiful family you are!

kristin fulghum said...

nat, looks like a super fun trip. such cutie cousins and i loved the family pic.

Chrys and Mike said...

you have such a precious family. i'm so glad you got to do that this summer! i have lots of fond EP memories, too. i can't wait to take our kiddos there someday.

chrys

Sara S. said...

We love Estes Park too! Amazing pictures! Your little family is just too precious. The piggy-tails on Addie are adorable. Her hair is getting so long. I also LOVE the new blog family picture!

Bicky said...

WOW! What an amazing trip - sounds like it was absolutely perfect! Those are times to treasure.

Helen said...

I loved looking at those. Looks like such a peacfeul, fun trip!

Sunni at The Flying Mum said...

What fun pictures of the whole family! I'm so jealous of the jackets...weather must have been heavenly!

gretchen said...

Looks like a ton of fun! I went to FCA camp at YMCA Estes Park a couple summers in high school. I love it up there.