There's no place like home

We left Colorado and headed for home. The kids had mixed emotions. Preston really loved the mountains, and was sad to leave. The little girls missed their critters and were anxious to get home. The big kids seemed like they were ready to get back to work, but Jim definitely was sad about the end of his vacation time!

I love seeing new places, but I have just never visited any place that I like as much as home!

We had a grand redneck welcoming too! Quincy, Harper and Saige spent all evening kissing animals!

Perhaps the happiest welcome home I ever had in my life came from Blitz. We kenneled her with our vet. I am happy we chose this, as she is leery of storms and it stormed while we were away. She was so sad when we left her, I felt terrible. She about knocked me down tonight. So glad she didn't hold a grudge!

Sunday Funday

When we were planning this trip, the one thing Jim really wanted to do was some fishing for new species of fish. We decided that there was good river and lake type fishing together in one location at Pueblo, which was not far away. One thing we did not consider was that we would be going to a state park type lake on Memorial Day weekend. It was not bad. Most of the people seemed to be boating rather than fishing.

I have to say that Pureblo lake is breathtakingly beautiful! The rocky area surrounded by the mountains in the distance is really something to see!

The fishermen were anxious to get started!

The mom was still taking in scenery and noticing how you could see clear to the bottom because the water was so clear!

The oldest of our girls do not care for fishing. The youngest of our girls do not have dad's attenion span for fishing! So the four of them and I left the fishers and went off to explore Pueblo!

Pueblo doesn't really boast a lot of touristy activities. The city park is their biggest attraction. Unfortunately, most of the park was closed until June.

They do have a cute little riverwalk area, including a splash area for kids. Harper and Saige had so much fun, but in hindsight, water play would have been better if it was a bit warmer! They were pretty chilled afterward and we had no dry clothes or towels.

All in all, I would say we all had a fun day! To end our trip, the girls wanted to swim, the boys went to a mountain overlook. Everyone is happy, and ready to head home tomorrow!

Saturday in the park(s)

We started out the day at the USA Olympic Training Center. We got to see some of the facilities, where they keep the Olympic flame, and a few other odds and ends. We chose not to take the full tour, but it was neat to be there anyway!

We then ventured to Pikes Peak, with the intent being to reach the summit.

We made a couple of stops along the way, because I figure if you pay $50 a carload, you should stop and enjoy the views! We were not disappointed with the beauty!

The kids liked the view of the lake!

There was a man playing drums there. I thought it was sort of neat. The rest of my clan found it disturbing and creepy!

We noticed it was starting to get colder! The light rain had turned to light snow!

We made it to Glen Cove, and found that the park rangers had blocked the road and were evacuating the summit. Apparently it was snowing a lot up there! We were almost there, but did not make it!

I think this is more snow than we saw all winter this year at home!

Luckily, we had no trouble getting back down the mountain! Unfortunately, the other things we had planned were outdoor activities, and had to be abandoned! Also luckily, our kids are easily entertained, so they spent most of the late afternoon and evening swimming and playing at the hotel!

Friday -part 2

Last week, when I was talking with the maintenance man at work, he told me when we left the Royal Gorge, try coming back on Phantom Canyon Road. We decided over lunch to try it. It turned a 1 hour trip into a 3 hour tour, but the scenery was amazing, and we all agree that we are happy we took the time. Preston was overwhelmed by the beauty! He thinks he wants a mountain home now!

On the way back, we also stopped off at Garden of the Gods. I thought this was pretty amazing too!

Of course, no vacation day is complete without swimming!