All right, so I really need to catch up on all my blogs, looking at just a photo blog for this one - to get it done and maybe I'll go back and update, but here's the quick version of what we did.
We were planning on camping, but the weather didn't look so great. We opted to bail as camping in the rain with kids sounded less than awesome. We had plenty to keep us busy.
Our first day took us to Manitou Springs to do the Incline - why - well, because we are quite crazy and wanted to do something big - that was it! It was a mile up, about 2000 vertical feet and super uneven steps. I was extra worried not being able to see my feet, but we made it! It was going to be impossible to come down these steps, so the only way out was up, which lead us to a trail down. I think the whole hike took us about 5 hours - something we weren't prepared for. So, while it was a total butt kicking work out, it was a great lesson - always bring more water and snacks than you think you would need - and maybe some ear plugs for Liam - that kid loves to talk - so kuddos to Sean for carrying his extra weight and listening to him, at certain point, I was either far enough ahead taking a break or far enough behind not to hear. Anyways, we did it, we didn't do it well, it wasn't pretty at all, but we did it. That's the key, right? I think it'll be a great goal for us to do each year at least one, a great training for bigger hikes. We will have to see how it'll work as Liam gets bigger - how much we can carry him, how much he will want to walk. It'll be a new adventure for us to keep him busy, to keep him moving at a pace that's not like a snail. Ah, more adventures!
Friday morning we got up early and headed to downtown Evergreen for donuts and a nice walk around the lake. We then decided to go to a beach in Lakewood, not far from us. It was going to be crowded and I tend to stay away from places on busy days, but we did it anyways. Liam had so much, splashing, jumping, splashing - this kid loves was so much we proceeded to get out of the sun (total fair to NOT have sunscreen) and go swimming inside. Cora also enjoys swimming, which is great, more activities for everyone makes all sleep better!
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| Old firetruck that later hosed us down! |
Saturday was the 4th and we started our day at the pancake breakfast at the Fire station in our town. The kids were dressed in their matching outfits from Dot. So fun - they also did a car extracation which Liam was memorized by. We left there and ran to Wal-Mart before our roads closed to get a squirt guy, I guess our parade is actually just a water fight and that is an understatement. We were at our parade, there were some American Legion folks on a float who shot off their guns. There were also a few other floats and then it happened - the bus saying it was time for the fight to begin. There were cars, fire trucks, pick up trucks with huge water containers on the back, all aiming for everyone and anyone! Cora and I just barely escaped being hosed down by the fire truck, while other were loving it! Liam didn't like how loud it was, but loved everything else. Once that was done, we had a few friends over to grill up a few quick burgers and then we decided to load up and head to Fairplay, a small mountain town that was having a parade, music and fireworks. It was a great time, I'll just let the pictures do the talking!
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| Too loud, but so fun! |
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| Watch out, here I come! |
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| So much water! |
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| Second parade of the day, life is good! |
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| Passed out as soon as we got in the car. |
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| Busy 1st 4th of July weekend. |
Our first day took us to Manitou Springs to do the Incline - why - well, because we are quite crazy and wanted to do something big - that was it! It was a mile up, about 2000 vertical feet and super uneven steps. I was extra worried not being able to see my feet, but we made it! It was going to be impossible to come down these steps, so the only way out was up, which lead us to a trail down. I think the whole hike took us about 5 hours - something we weren't prepared for. So, while it was a total butt kicking work out, it was a great lesson - always bring more water and snacks than you think you would need - and maybe some ear plugs for Liam - that kid loves to talk - so kuddos to Sean for carrying his extra weight and listening to him, at certain point, I was either far enough ahead taking a break or far enough behind not to hear. Anyways, we did it, we didn't do it well, it wasn't pretty at all, but we did it. That's the key, right? I think it'll be a great goal for us to do each year at least one, a great training for bigger hikes. We will have to see how it'll work as Liam gets bigger - how much we can carry him, how much he will want to walk. It'll be a new adventure for us to keep him busy, to keep him moving at a pace that's not like a snail. Ah, more adventures! 
Saturday was the 4th and we started our day at the pancake breakfast at the Fire station in our town. The kids were dressed in their matching outfits from Dot. So fun - they also did a car extracation which Liam was memorized by. We left there and ran to Wal-Mart before our roads closed to get a squirt guy, I guess our parade is actually just a water fight and that is an understatement. We were at our parade, there were some American Legion folks on a float who shot off their guns. There were also a few other floats and then it happened - the bus saying it was time for the fight to begin. There were cars, fire trucks, pick up trucks with huge water containers on the back, all aiming for everyone and anyone! Cora and I just barely escaped being hosed down by the fire truck, while other were loving it! Liam didn't like how loud it was, but loved everything else. Once that was done, we had a few friends over to grill up a few quick burgers and then we decided to load up and head to Fairplay, a small mountain town that was having a parade, music and fireworks. It was a great time, I'll just let the pictures do the talking! 
I'm glad you made the best of it. I remember those years when extended family was not around for the holidays in Alabama..
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