Mile High Fun

One of my favorite summer traditions is going to Colorado to visit family. When I was young we would always make an extended summertime visit to see my grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins. Later, after my mom and younger siblings moved to Colorado I would spend several weeks each summer living at my mom's house. Colorado is my second home, and in many ways it's my emotional home - the place where my heart feels most content.

My most recent visit was more eagerly anticipated than most, as my brother Jon and sister-in-law Sam were going to be there from Pennsylvania along with my two nephews, including 12-week old Leon. I was thrilled at becoming an aunt again after a 14-year hiatus and couldn't wait to finally see baby Leon in person! Kelly was also along for the adventure, and I was excited to share with him the Colorado Springs stomping grounds of my younger days. 

Rest stop in Ft. Collins on our way to Colorado Springs

After a 10-hour drive across Wyoming, we made it to our hotel tired, road-weary and longing for a good night's sleep. We both quickly fell into very deep sleep. At 5 a.m. we were abruptly jolted awake by the sound of the hotel smoke alarms! Because we had somehow been put in an handicap accessible room, in addition to the overwhelmingly loud alarm there were also bright white strobe lights going off in the room. We stumbled outside in our pajamas to the front of the hotel, disoriented and still barely awake along with all of the other guests. Luckily, there wasn't a fire.  Apparently an employee had overcooked the morning's breakfast buffet hash browns and the smoke set off the alarms. We waited outside for over 20 minutes for the fire department to arrive and turn off the alarm. 

An unexpected bonus of being up early... 

seeing the gorgeous sunrise.

After going back to bed to catch a couple more hours of rest, we got up and ready to meet the family for breakfast. We were all happy to see each other, but baby Leon was definitely the man of the hour! Can you tell how thrilled his aunties were to be able to love on him at last?

Then it was off to Manitou and the penny arcade. Everyone quickly found their favorite classic arcade game and in a matter of minutes we were all playing like a bunch of kids!

Kelly was happy to discover Galaga, an old favorite.

Pinball Wizard

Jewett was shocked to win 750 tickets!

Jon - the undefeated air hockey champion.

Jewett's big win bought Amy a stuffed
 animal, a candy bar and a soda.

A morning hike to Pulpit Rock.

Gillian and Francisco marking Ogden on the map 

at Helen Hunt Falls.

I wasn't prepared for hiking, but I made it to
 the top of Helen Hunt Falls anyway!
At the top of Helen Hunt Falls.


With Kelly outside the Air Force Academy Chapel.
With the ones I love in a place filled with happy memories.
Another Colorado family vacation in the books!