Family Vacation

Okay, so I wrote this in the car...yesterday...but, the MiFi was waaaaaay too slow to put any photos in. So, here I am, in between mounds of laundry, in the sweltering Kansas heat, watching Big Brother {so much to catch up on}, and finally uploading photos into this post.  We had a great vacation!

We're in the car.  On our way home from our annual trek out west to Colorado.  The boys are in the backseat watching Mickey's Storybook Adventures for the second time today.  Bella is snoozed out in the way back.  Brandon is driving and checking our fuel economy {to see how we're doing pulling the camper across Kansas}, and I am chowin' down on some Junior Mints and watching the outside thermostat rise higher and higher the closer we get to Kansas.

Only 92 miles to go to our next destination: Goodland, KS.  The KOA there has to be the best I've ever seen {okay, it's the only KOA campground I've ever been to} - swimming and miniature golf have quickly become the boy's two favorite things to do and they can't wait to get to Goodland to do just that.  Well, that and eat some Mexican food.

We've had a wonderful vacation.  A vacation filled with mountain climbing, time with family, hikes, fishing, rock throwing, playing on playgrounds, bowling, visiting a fish hatchery, an archaeology dig, and we had time just being together as a family.  We've had some delicious food, seen the most beautiful scenery, and we've spent countless hours having fun and making memories.

{Turquoise Lake}

Every year we head out to the Wild West {or Colorado}.  This year our final destination was Leadville, CO - a small mining town about an hour and a half west of Colorado Springs.

{Wading at Turquoise Lake}

{Andrew loved wearing his boots and wading out in the water.  He was soaked afterward and went back to the campground in only his diaper.}

{Beautiful day for taking photos.}

{Brandon's parents and the dogs.}

{Me and my Parkey Poo walking down to the lake.}

We stayed at a small campground for our first long adventure in the camper and I have to admit that I loved it.  We love the outdoors.

When we first arrived at the campground, it was cold and rainy.  We immediately put on our pants and sweatshirts and enjoyed the cold weather!  It was such a change from this crazy Kansas heat.

{Our campground was right by Sugar Loaf Peak.  We called it Parker and Andrew's mountain because every day we would hike up and look for new treasures.}

I love having my own things and not a stinky hotel room.  I love the way our camper has the look and feel of home.  We have our own food.  Our own pillows, sheets, stuffed animals, blankies, closets with our clothes neatly hung, drawers full of our socks, undies, and pj's...no suitcases.  I love being able to stop wherever we like and just hang out, make dinner {lunch or breakfast}, and just be a family.  No stress.

Okay, enough about why I love the camper.

 {Playing in the 'sand box' or the tent site next to Brandon's parent's campsite.}

 {Going on a hike at the fish hatchery.}

 While our trip out west was anything but wild, we enjoyed our time by relaxing in the mountains and doing things our kids enjoy - while keeping it super simple.

Warning: There are a lot of photos in this next part.  Not organized in the least bit.  But, they are fun to look at!

Parker experienced bowling for the first time.  Not to mention that he was bowling at the highest bowling alley in the US - at 10,500 feet!  This boy has some super cool bowling moves.

On the other hand, Andrew could care less about bowling.  Although he did allow me to get a photo of Brandon's best side.  Andrew would rather run around like a crazy man through the bowling alley.  Luckily we were the only people who wanted to bowl in the mountains that day!

{This is one of many campfires we had throughout the week.  Brandon was popping popcorn and Parker was anxiously wanting it to be done.} 

My sweet boy. 

{This kid can eat some chocolate.  Every time I turned around, I was catching him with a Hershey bar. }

{Fun in the mountains with Aunt April.  We enjoyed spending time with our family!}

 {Parker and Andrew really enjoyed playing with each other this year.  I love to watch their brother bond grow with every day that passes.  They are in love.}

 {Andrew loved everything about the mountains!}

{So did Parker.}

{Hiking up Parker and Andrew's mountain with Grandma Robbie and Aunt April.}

Grandpa Mike and Uncle Jon even joined us for a few days!

{One of my favorite photos...}

{Another one of my favorites.}

{Me and some pretty silly boys.}

Parker and Brandon caught a rainbow trout!  Parker got to hold the net while Brandon reeled it in.

While our trip out west was anything but wild, we enjoyed our time by relaxing in the mountains and doing things our kids enjoy - while keeping it super simple.

{At the Leadville Fish Hatchery.}

Parker and Andrew continue to amaze us everyday.  Don't get me wrong, w had our moments on the trip...moments where we argued and had more than enough of each other, but even now, after traveling more than 1000 miles in the car, these boys are quiet, watching their movie and playing with their new Buzz and Woody dolls.

They are so much fun and have become the most wonderful little people I've ever met.

{Love, love, love these two photos!}

As we head home, we all feel a little lighter, more refreshed and ready to take on our daily lives like super heros.

Thank you Colorado, for once again, providing us with fresh mountain air, memories we'll always remember, and a vacation that was perfect for our family.