We flew into Denver a day before we needed to be in Vail so we could enjoy the evening with a good friend of mine. The evening before flying out my friend let me know that her twin boys had hand, foot and mouth disease. Because this is highly contagious and we were on the front end of our trip we decided that it would be best if we stayed in a hotel. The boys didn't mind this as they were able to swim in the pool, at least until it started to thunder outside...typical summer afternoon in Colorado!
I had many things on our agenda that I wanted Nate & Josiah to see so we took this opportunity to cross something off my "to do" list the first night. Colorado is definitely not known for Mexican food, or at least good Mexican food BUT Denver is home to one of the most unique Mexican restaurants, Casa Bonita. Casa Bonita's food is what you would compare to poor cafeteria food, maybe worse, but the experience is like non other. I don't know of any other restaurants (maybe a theme park somewhere?) where you can watch cliff divers as you dine. The only way to describe this place to someone that hasn't been there is through pictures.
Not your average restaurant!
The view from our table.
Josiah was mesmerized!
The Mariachi Band
The Puppet Show -- in a Mexican restaurant?
The entrance to the cave.
Does this resemble anything Mexican?
Amazing Fountain!
The next morning we packed up to head into The Rockies to Vail. The drive reminded me why I love Colorado so much, it is beautiful! I felt the "kindredness" in my heart, it felt like home to me. I was already refreshed and we hadn't even gotten to our destination yet.
We had an amazing time in Vail partly because we were with many other families from Country. The three of us were especially excited to connect with a family from Southern Oregon. The Guthrie's have a daughter the same age as Josiah so we went everywhere together. I don't think we would have had as much fun without them!
I don't even know where to begin with our time there, I have hundreds of pics! Here are just a "few".
Eagle Bahn Gondola up to the top of Vail Mountain
Views from on the way up...
Looking up from the bottom.
Looking down at Vail
Keeley & Josiah checking out the view from inside the gondola.
These are the ski runs without the snow.
Views/Activities at the Top
There must be some sort of static electricity at that altitude by the looks of my hair.
Exploring...
We found horses!
Josiah feeding the pony with Mr. J.R.. No fear to our surprise.
Keeley taking a turn.
I wish I knew what this horse was thinking.
He was a feisty ol' horse!
Pony ride up at the top of the mountain!
Josiah & Keeley waiting for their turn.
On the way back down...
I love the clouds in Colorado...they are soooo close!
Heading back down...
Lionshead Village in Vail
The BEST breakfast in Vail!!!
(We went 2 morning in a row because it was THAT good!)
There were no tables in this place.
Everyone sat around on stools watching their breakfast being made.
The chef's working their magic.
Josiah's breakfast...
Nate's breakfast...
and saving the best for last...
MY breakfast!
Bicycle Ride through the Rockies
We decided we would take advantage of the beautiful surroundings and rent a few bicycles so we could go on a ride on the amazing trails. We have our own bikes at home and love taking rides as a family. Nate had the hard job of pulling Josiah. Having an extra 28lbs of kids and the weight of the trailer may not normally be a big deal, however at 10,000 feet and high temperatures....it was taxing!
Getting ready to head out for our ride.
Josiah loved the Burley...normally he is in a seat.
Pit stop.
Breathtaking.
Josiah taking it in...
with a dinosaur in each hand.
Nate trying to convince Josiah to join him.
"Only if you hold me, daddy."
A snack for the ride back.
Just some proof that I was there too.
On our way back we stopped in Vail to look around. Josiah cooled off by playing in the fountain.
Just hanging with Einstein.
Josiah & Keeley
As I had mentioned previously, we spent most of our time with a wonderful family who had a 3 year old girl, Keeley. Josiah and Keeley got along fabulously and I came home with many pictures of the two of them together. They deserved their own section because they were just too cute!
They LOVED having one another to play with!
They performed at every opportunity in the hotel lobby.
They provided entertainment for everyone mulitple times a day
as this was our meeting spot.
Josiah breaking out the "Oompa Loompa" dance!
Time for an evening walk.
Hand in hand.
Enjoying a treat.
Hopefully this was the first of many trips that these two will be on together. No pressure Nate & J.R. Well, okay...maybe just a little. =-)
The Last Day
There was definitely no shortage of things to do. Our last day in Vail there was a ""Children's Festival" downtown that had a variety of activities for the kiddos. Since this was the final evening there was a dinner hosted by Country Financial for all the agents and their families. What a great way to end our week!
Children's Festival
Yes, a firetruck! Josiah was sooo excited.
(And for you Bachelorette fans, no, we did not see Ryan Sutter!)
Talking to the nice fireman.
This was Josiah's only focus, he wanted to "drive" the firetruck!
Moving on to the bounce house.
The craft center with dad.
Making a mask.
Putting on the finishing touches.
"ROAR!"
A month later and Josiah still loves wearing this mask.
Josiah trying to toss pizza dough.
(It was rubber...)
Airborne!
Plop!
Nate joining in on the fun. Nice job!!
Taking a break from the festivities to skip a few rocks..
He is such a boy!
Country Financial Dinner & Entertainment
Watching the clown with the other "Country Kids".
Sword Sallowing Clown
Josiah was amused!
The "big" people watching the show.
"Simon Says..."
"Lift both hands."
EVERY kid "won" a prize!!!
The adult competition was fierce!
Hula Hoop Time!
Family pic!
We had a wonderful time in Vail. Thank you, Country, for another amazing vacation!!
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