BV, CO :: June 2014

This really was a dream vacation...Buena Vista, Colorado for 5 full days with some really fabulous friends...and all 15 of our kiddos were back in Texas. We took a million pictures, but here are a few of my favorites....

Colorado :: June 2012

Josh and I are having a great time in Colorado! This is our first vacation by ourselves since our honeymoon (almost 7 years ago). We always travel with family and friends, which is wonderful...but it's nice to have some quality alone time together! We arrived in Buena Vista on Friday around lunch time and our flight leaves tomorrow (Tuesday) around 4pm, so our time in one of our favorite spots on earth has almost come to an end...tear. It always goes by way too fast! I know we'll be ready to see our girl tomorrow evening though. We've certainly missed her, but she has been in great hands (and getting whatever she wants) with her Jewelz, GG and Pops! Thank you so much for watching Lucy so Josh and I could take this trip! I actually forgot to bring my camera...really shocking for me, but I've survived with my new found love of Instagram. Here are a few shots from the past few days...

We've enjoyed the view of Mt. Princeton (and some reading time) on the back porch...

and the lovely scenery in town...

We've made a stop (or 2 or 3) at K's Dairy Delite for lunch and evening ice cream treats...

We drove to the top of Cottonwood Pass to see the breathtaking views of the Continental Divide, followed by lunch in town at Mothers Bistro....

We hiked to Agnes Falls....it's was a little tough for me 7 months pregnant in the high altitude...but we made it and it was well worth the trip! Unfortunately, CO is experiencing drought right now so the falls were not rushing, but it was still pretty!

We took a day trip to Aspen! The drive from BV is incredible (and a little scary in a few spots)...

We went to Maroon Bells and hiked around the lake, enjoyed a delicious lunch on the patio at bb's Kitchen and spent some time reading/napping at the park in town. Really, a perfect day in Aspen!

On our way back to BV, we made a slight detour and drove to Leadville for dinner. Josh wanted to try High Mountain Pies, a popular pizza joint in town. I was a little skeptical, but oh my word...it was delicious! I took a risk with the house specialty "The Crocodile"....BBQ sauce, shrimp, bacon, jalapeno and cream cheese. Holy moly...so tasty! We'll definitely go back there next time we're in town!

This morning, Josh took off for a half day hike to Ptarmigan Lake and I'm in town at Bongo Billy's enjoying a latte, blueberry scone, my book and some blogging time. We're both equally happy....

Man, I love this place...

Colorado Christmas 2011...

We made our annual trip to the cabin after Christmas and this year The Simmons and The Brazeals joined us! Since the kiddos were with us we didn't do much, but we really had a great time hanging out and enjoying the beautiful mountain views!

We finally made it after a long day of travel....the girls/kiddos flew and the boys drove all of our stuff! Corinne had an awesome dinner ready for us when we arrived!

Babies asleep, monitors out! So happy to be at the cabin!

Good morning...

And hello deer...lots of deer!

Lucy was in deer heaven....or "dog" heaven. She was a little confused.

Here's the video proof....actually, everything/everyone is a dog right now...even me! ;)

A few of the deer would eat straight out of our hands!

Big buck...

Lucy and dad on the porch...

Corinne decked the house out for Christmas...it really looked beautiful!

Opening presents...Lucy knew exactly what to do!

She loves her xylophone!

And I was super excited about her North Face Fleece...Lucy, not so much. She really doesn't like wearing jackets right now.

Owen and Larkin got presents too! Owen was a big fan of PaPa Billy and Nana...it was so funny! He asked for them all of the time and followed them all around the house!

Family shot...

We did a lot of this...

And a lot of playing! Lucy and Owen loved the tent that Papa Billy and Nana gave Owen...

Owen was so sweet towards Larkin and Lucy! Kisses for Larkin...

And hugs for Lucy!

The girls + Larkin...

Playing the snow!! The weather was beautiful while we were there...actually pretty mild for December. We didn't get any snow, but there was a lot on the ground!

Lucy had fun walking in it!

Snow bunnies...

The Simmons Fam...

Owen feeding the deer...

Lucy could not get enough of the deer...

She had a lot of fun playing in the feed...

How cute is that hat?! My mom got it for Lucy for our trip. Lucy really doesn't like wearing hats, but she was so consumed with the deer that I was able to sneak it on her a few times!
Family pics on the back deck...
Chris, Owen and Marina...
Larkin, Elizabeth and Jordan...
Group shot! What a fun trip....lots of fun memories made for sure!