A few weeks ago we were blessed to be asked to go on an extended weekend trip with Jordan, Jacqueline and the girls to Colorado.  It took a little convincing, but not too much, and we were making plans to head West to that beautiful land called Colorado.

We were with some pretty serious travelers.  They each had their own suitcase and were excited to be on the road.  We met in Elm Creek and spent the first night in North Platte, Nebraska.  The next morning after our breakfast we were on I-80, then I-76 into Colorado. 

Many years ago going to Colorado was a special time for my family.  Dad had aunts and uncles in Denver, Colorado Springs and Ft. Collins that we would visit.  My brother John attended the Air Force Academy.  I spent part of one summer in Denver working.  My Mom had a sister, Mary, that lived in Denver.  Dad had a friend that let us stay in a cabin just down the road from Estes Park.  I have a friends Steve and Bev  Sprague that live in Denver.  I love the majesty of the mountains, the smell of the pines and the sound of the clear, crisp water flowing down those mountain streams.

Traveling across Eastern Colorado (like we used to do when traveling with my Dad) we wondered who would see the first deer or antelope on those plains.  Then we wondered who would be first to see the mountains.  An antelope was spotted first and later we could see the mountains when we were around Ft. Morgan.

 

We stopped for lunch at Casa Bonita in Denver.  What a cool place!  The food was great and what an adventure to be there.  Then it was back on the road to Breckenridge. 

 

 

It had been quite some time since I had been to the mountains.  Our travel up the hills got more and more beautiful with every mile. 

 

 

 





After we got settled in the house where we were staying, Sharlene looked out the window and a mother Moose and her calf were eating a bush in our front yard.  Jordan moved in for "close up" pictures, but I stayed in the house.

 

I know it is amazing, but we also saw a two humped camel while we were staying in Breckenridge.  Now, hump number 2 is just a little too short to be seen, but it is under there.

 

One of the favorite spots was the hot tub.  Everyone - everyone - even me - enjoyed the hot tub.

Jordan took us to the continental divide at Hoosier Pass.  An exciting and beautiful drive.

We took walks, spent time shopping in "Breck" and just had time together. 
I have so many pictures of the beautiful scenery - and it is so beautiful. But the best part of the trip was our time together.  The three little creatures of their own beauty.  Their Dad and Mom.  And my wife.  We had a wonderful, wonderful time.  I hope to write a little more in another blog, but if I don't get to. -  Just thank you very much Jacqueline and Jordan and Chloe, Kaleah and Selah.  Thanks for taking us along.

 



We turned our journey back to the East as we headed home.  The mountains were behind us.  A weekend of memories made. It was flat land ahead as we headed East.  Thank you for a time that will be treasured.