Colorado Weekend

We made our annual business trip to Dallas. Then found cheap tickets from Dallas to Denver and made a couples weekend out of it. First stop, Boulder, CO to a hike a trail I failed the 1st time on Josh's 40 birthday trip.

Made it to the top of the Flatirons 1 & 2! Only about 3m but a 1400ft elevation change when just landing a mile high.

Couples pic at the end of the hike. We were also celebrating 16 years of marriage.

Josh exploring. He must make it to the VERY top.

One more look on our way back down.

The hike ends back in the prairie. After a quick meal we headed to Estes Park, CO.

We stayed in this adorable little cabin for 2 nights at Glacier Lodge just outside Rocky Mountain National Park. Only $100/night!

Our back porch had a little river running by it.

Our 1st morning, we headed to Moraine Park to see the herd of elk. But my favorite picture was of this mule deer.

After breakfast, we hiked an easy 3m to Gem Lake.

The lake was not as impressive as the views. But I loved the hike!

One of the many epic scenes on a perfect sunny day.

We had a delicious lunch at the Mexican restaurant the Neville's took us to on our previous visit to Estes Park. Then we headed back to Moraine Park to go horseback riding!! Let the horses hike for us.

More beautiful scenery.

Rare horseback riding selfie! Ha.

From Josh's phone. My crazy horse kept stopping to eat. He eventually got in trouble and had to wear a brace on his face. Poor guy had to look but not eat the wildflower buffet.

Near the end of our 2hr ride it started to sprinkle. There were only 3 other people in the group. Yay to low season.

So fun!! 1st time riding since our honeymoon.

On the last day, we attempted the hike to Sky Pond in RMNP. Rated as hard, 8 miles with a 1700 ft elevation gain at around 10 thousand feet. The infamous aspen tree.

Couples shot on the trail, when I could still breathe. Ugh!

Josh at Alberta Falls, near the beginning of the hike.

The Loch, a gorgeous lake more than halfway up the trail.

By this point, I was done. Tired of hiking upward, out of breath, and cold. The higher up we climbed the windier it got. So sorry to disappoint but maybe next time.

Finally!!! On our drive back down the mountain we got to see a mother MOOSE and her baby.

And this big guy. His herd of ladies were following close behind in the woods. We watched them all cross the street.

So close!! We were fortunate to see so many elk on this trip and hear their bugle since it was rut season.

THANK YOU amazing Mimi for watching the kids. And sorry Neville's for not stopping by.

Labor Day Glamping with the Molskness

We made it back to the mountains to go glamping. And because they double booked us last time, it was FREE!

Here's the giant glamping tent with 4 bunks. The perfect setup for 8 children. Bruce & Kristie slept in their small green tent close behind.

One of the luxuries of this place was the huge pavilion with a sink and stove. And there's me & Josh's 2 man tent.

The kids usual location for meals. They loved playing this animal game that involves hand motions and close attention.

The kids spent tons of time in the creek that ran along the side of our site.

They also enjoyed this small runoff lake close by. Addy checking it out to see if she can fish it.

Yep! Josh caught this little blue gill. Addy caught some too.

The boys nearby doing what boys do like making various battle weapons.

Hiking on the property. We had the place all to ourselves. Such a treat not to be at a busy campground on a holiday weekend. This place bordered the Pisgah Forest. Not sure if we made it that far though.

There were tons of very beautiful streams all around.

One of the boys made this amazing creation, Jackson I think.

Evening campfire with smores.

Next day at Julian Price Park, just off the Blue Ridge Parkway!

We came here to hike the Price Lake Loop and fish along the way.

Of course, this girl caught the 1st and biggest fish of the day. A catfish.

The boys fishing area.

Hiking the 2.2 mile loop.

The rest of the crew.

We setup the camera to take a group shot. I took off my shoes to get in the water and sit next to Norah on the log. Then...

as I'm walking through the grass barefoot Bruce yells SNAKE!! I look down and see it slithering into the water, Lainey starts crying and jumps in. Notice my crew laughing at the scene.

After our hike, we headed to Boone to the Mast General Store. Then back to the campsite for more creekin.

The kids built dams, put their caught fish in them, and made a waterfall with a PVC pipe they found in the woods. We have one creative group of kids.

Another evening of smores, the most important part of camping.

Mom selfie!

Love our adventures with these guys. My people.

And we mustn't forget...Happy 16th Anniversary to us!! Thank you Joyce & Grams for celebrating. I feel so blessed to call him mine.