We just got back from a trip out to Fort Collins, Colorado to visit our friends Scott & Jessie and their two boys Brodie (almost 3) and Lachlan (4.5 months). We left Wednesday Sept 10th after work and got into Denver at 8:00pm their time. Scott and Brodie picked us up at the airport for the ride up to Fort Collins. Eleni was excited for the plane ride, not remembering her first time as she was only a little over a year old. She didn't really like looking out the window too much as it made her "dizzy" she said. Marlo thankfully fell asleep and actually slept most of the flight, (odd for little Miss Cat napper.) Thursday was spent letting the kids adjust and with overcast skies we just spent the day relaxing and hanging out. Friday (my Birthday) Nicole, Eleni, Marlo and I went to Old Town for lunch and bummed around town shopping in the misty rain, then it cleared up as we were heading back to Scott and Jessie's and Scott and I went for a bike ride checking out the Fort Collins trail system as the dirt trails we were going to bike were too muddy to ride with the earlier days rain. It was then a night out on the town for the adults to celebrate Jessie and I's birthdays. We all rode bikes downtown and went out for Sushi and drinks. A great time for sure!
Saturday we were slow at getting going from the previous night activities, but once we got rolling we headed up the Poudre River Canyon for a hike. Eleni and Brodie were excited to see the "Snowy Mountains" Those two entertained each other well and after getting home today says she wishes Brodie was her brother and after looking at the pictures on the computer said, "I wish I could jump into the computer and go back there like they do on Blues Clues." But look at the pictures.. who could blam her?
Sunday it was up to Rocky Mountain National Park. With a drive up to 11,000 and some odd feet on Trail Ridge Road, with the kids getting wet playing in some snow and some great photos it was back down to lower and warmer elevations for some more hiking.
Eleni and Brodie did exceptionally well putting on some miles, making it most of the way by them selves before jumping into the packs. This will be the last time I carry Eleni though as she is way too big for it but it sure is a good work out for me. Marlo and Lachlan did really well too riding in their Ergo Baby Carriers with their Mommies.
It was a fun and scenic hike and when we were done it was down to Estes Park for some dinner and ice cream. With the kids sugared up and a full moon coming up over the mountains it was a chattery ride with Eleni and Brodie singing before they hit the wall and crashed as we were heading back to S&J's.
Monday Jessie and Nicole took the kids to the park and with Scott working I rode bike down town, hit up the O'Dell Brewery for a few samples. The New Belgium Brewery is closed on Mondays so I didn't get to wet my taste buds there this time around. . . I guess we'll just have to go back again... Scott and I did a short bike ride on some single track then that evening prior to a great dinner of grilled Salmon, a bonfire, Smores and a hot tub to close out the trip. We had a great time and want to thank Scott, Jessie, Brodie and Lachlan for their great hospitality and like Eleni says, " I want to go back."
