Colorado Vacation Day 1-3

I was having Colorado cravings... so we decided to take a trip to the mountains before the snow really started to fly.  We were blessed with beautiful weather, great friends to share the trip, and a lot of beautiful mountain scenery.  The kids had a great time sledding, hiking, and soaking up the Colorado culture.  Although I didn't get to ski, it was still a great trip!



This sign was in the hall of our condo.  So true!!

 The ride there is about 11-12 hours, so Derrick and I decided to break it up and stay overnight in Nebraska on the way there.  We wanted the kids to sleep most of the way, so we left around 7pm on Friday evening.  The drive was very peaceful and relaxing, and around 2am, we decided to call it a night. 

Ethan, reading by flashlight.

We stayed at the Oak Tree Inn in North Platte after grabbing a coupon book at the gas station.  At first, I thought we would never get to sleep, as little E was rolling all over and not interested in sleeping at all (we were all piled in the queen bed)... but after about 45 minutes, he fell asleep and we did get a few hours of snooze time in.  The bonus for staying at the Oak Tree was the complimentary breakfast the next morning at Penny's Diner.  I really wish I would have grabbed my camera to document our experience, as the breakfast was AMAZING!  I love a good breakfast anyway, but this place reached a spot at the top my list right up there with the The Original Pancake House in Minneapolis!  Hmmm... pumpkin pancakes anyone?  Mmmm.

Day 1: Travel and Tree Lighting

After we filled our bellies we continued on our trip, making a few stops here and there to see the scenery and wildlife, and arrived in Frisco, Colorado around 3pm.  The weather was chilly, in the mid 20's, but the condo was just as we remembered it.

Entering the mountains near the Buffalo Overlook



Near Georgetown, we pulled over and grabbed a few photos of a Big Horn Sheep herd.

Our friends arrived shortly after us, and after getting settled, we decided to check out an event at the near by Copper Mountain, with Santa, a 'fire parade' and even the discussion of possible sky diving Elves. 

The temps started to drop quickly, and I found my self praying that Santa would "JUST HURRY UP AND LIGHT THE DARN TREE" so we could get out of there and warm up.  The event seemed a little disorganized anyway, so we left without seeing the parade and headed back to the condo to warm up.  It wasn't a total waste though, the kids did get to watch Santa come down the mountain on a Snow Cat, give him a hug, and watch as the town tree was lit.

Day 2: Sledding in Breckenridge

The next morning when we woke, the weather was much warmer and the sun was shining bright.  We decided to hunt for a sledding hill and take the kids sledding.  Unfortunately, Frisco didn't have a lot of snow, and although they did have a new tubing hill, complete with man made snow, we weren't interested in paying the $25/hr rate, so we decided to keep looking!  (Yes, you read it right... $25/hour!)

The man running the booth at the tubing  hill pointed us to Breckenridge and said that they had more snow and their sledding hill was free.  He said there were people sledding on it the previous day, so we could try it out. 

It was a blast!!  The boys had a great time and didn't want to leave, but after walking up and down the hill so many times in the thin mountain air, we all needed a break.

Getting ready for the first run of the day!

Ethan going solo.

Mama's got a full boat!  There is actually one more rider you cannot see! :)

The Fust Family ready for more!





Day 3: Hiking and SNOW much fun!

We had a relaxed morning, packed some food for our hike, and decided to check out the Lily Pond Trail in Silverthorne.  The weather was beautiful and the scenic views were amazing.  I can truly say that I feel closer to God when I am hiking in the great outdoors.  I can't help but be in awe of His great creation!

Lake Dillon

"Look... a Charlie Brown tree!"

The Fust Family

Derrick and Ethan crossing a bridge

Ethan and the forest

Emma was starting to get tired of hiking

We hiked for a while and found a clearing with a few logs that looked to be a nice picnic spot.  We took off our coats, and bags, hung them on the trees, and enjoyed a few PB&J sandwiches, chips and fruit.  We had a visitor that wanted to share in our food, so Derrick decided to be a nice and give him a few chips.



Everett and Laila enjoying PB&J

Lisa and the kids

Our lunch guest

Who doesn't like a sun chip?

 After our short lunch was finished, we came across a moose track (or what we believe to be a moose track) in the snow.  We also saw a really cool looking fallen tree that has aged in the elements.

We packed things up, and headed back out on the trail.  After a while of hiking, the kids were getting restless riding, and the others were getting tired of walking, so we decided to turn back.  It was a great day and a great hike.  The weather couldn't have been more perfect!

Everett didn't walk too long, but had fun playing in the snow.

Wildlife tracks in the snow

We were following the Lily Pad Trail

Everett wasn't so happy, so Derrick carried him for a bit.

Ethan and Emma