A river on it just like this.
A short hike down to the river this morning. It was so beautiful and the water was COLD. There are times I daydream about buying land with a river on it just like this.
Continental Divide at Loveland Pass
Total accident! I try and take the kids out during Jason’s daily morning meetings so he can have some peace and quiet. Today we decided to drive up the mountain just a little to see if we could find some snow for the kids to play in. Our camp host said we’d need to go about 10 miles. So, off we went! We keep going up and up (I have altitude sickness and it was getting worse and worse). But the views were stunning so we kept going! Finally we see a bunch of cars on the top and decide to stop there too. Turns out it was the continental divide! We had no idea! Or that we were up to almost 12,000 feet! The kids climbed the stairs to reach the full 12k while Zachary and I stayed at 11,990 to enjoy the extra oxygen 😂 A little more adventure than we planned but it was a fun surprise!
Funny story: I almost lost our truck today. We found snow at the top of the pass and found a little area that was safe to park away from the twisty and mildly scary road. We unloaded and the kids started playing. All of a sudden I hear a weird noise, like scraping ice. Sure enough, I turn around to see our dually slowly sliding down the incline on ice backwards towards the road. I forgot to set the emergency brake (horrible habit)! I ran so fast in the snow and ice, threw the door open and pushed the brake as hard as I could. Thankfully it was moving slow enough it didn’t run over me and the brake stopped it. Several of the kids declared it’d be a bad idea to tell their dad. But I came clean and his face was like this for awhile after we got home: 😳
I love little guys who marvel at frozen lakes in June.
The first of many snowballs! Turns out we are expecting a snowstorm at our campground tonight. The forecast is calling for 4-8 inches between now and 8 am. I predict my kids will be up bright and early to go play! They have been so excited all day. Snow is a big deal to Texas kids! Last week we were battling 95 degree temps with one AC – this week it’s freezing and we are digging out winter clothes and space heaters. Snow day in June, so much fun!
Lowry Campground in Dillon, Colorado
The drive on Sunday from Ridgway State Park to Breckinridge was incredible! Going through Gunnison Canyon left us all breathless from the beauty. And very excited that we get to go back and spend next week there. This photo was taken at the entrance to our campground in Dillon and we instantly fell in love with this area! We are in a very rustic campground – Lowry Campground in Dillon, Colorado – for a few days (electric 30 amp only, no water or sewer) and these views are totally worth it!!
Why I love this lifestyle so much – Ridgway State Park
After dinner tonight we loaded up the kayak and drove out to the lake at Ridgway State Park. We took Maggie who loved every second of it. Pepper hates cold water so she stayed home. The kids all took turns on the kayak, swam and we watched the sunset. Tonight really reminded me of why I love this lifestyle so much. Weekday kayaking after work isn’t something we would have done when we lived in a house. But now, it’s so easy to reach out and grab adventure.
Taryn offered to take Zachary for a ride on the kayak in the shallow area. It was his first time going for a real ride on it and he loved it! She’s so sweet to him. When he got off he was cold so she sat and snuggled him in a towel until he warmed up. 🥰 I think they look so much alike here.
Gunnison National Park
Our first new national park this year! And it did not disappoint! See, views for days! Did you know that if you put the Empire State Building on the Canyon floor it would reach about the 1/2 way point in the Canyon? It’s pretty impressive!
Fish wish
Going fishing with 4 kids in tow is a lot of work. One line would get tangled and as soon as he untangled it, a line would get stuck in the rocks, or a tree or someone hooked their own butt while casting. He didn’t rest a single second the entire time. But the kids loved it and can’t wait to go again. Thankfully this stocked pond is just steps from our door.
Jude and I snuck out today and picked up a new Cars fishing pole for Z (head up to my stories to see Zachary’s “woooow” reaction lol). He loves being like the big kids and wanted to do everything himself. He was convinced every cast he had a fish. When we were leaving, he sat down, hung his head low and said “I guess I’m not big, I didn’t catch a fish.” 😭 I gently reminded him that it’s not because he’s little, it just wasn’t his day to catch one. And that we could try again. He perked right up. Also, he mispronounces “fish” as “wish”. So every single “I GOT A WISH!” was the cutest.