Warning: LONG blog post ahead, proceed with caution.
Rob and I have been going to Colorado together for YEARS... In fact, the first pictures we have are prints... with negatives... that I haven't scanned into the computer yet. I think our first year was probably 1999...
Colorado is where we tend to reconnect with God, nature, and each other. We find it so fulfilling that each year we try to get others to join us. Sometimes we're successful... other times it's just us (which works out great too). Here's a quick history (at least where my pictures start!).
In 2005 it was just us and the dogs on the trip! I think this was the trip where we camped for several days until the dogs popped the air mattress and we headed to a motel.
In 2006, we were fortunate enough to share the experience with the Johnston's and the Gallagher's... before kids... I'd love to do the trip now, as families! What do you say guys?!?
In 2007, Rob's fam - June (Rob's mom), Chris, and Michelle (and all their dogs) joined us! We had five dogs and five people on that trip! This is a picture of Chris helping Michelle take a typical Colorado bath.
In May of 2008, My siblings, Julie and John, joined us.
It's always something new in CO. Snow!
In 2009, I was eight months pregnant. So, Rob made it a guys trip. And in case you're wondering, they're doing the Captain Morgan's pose on the side of a mountain. Boys being boys.
This year... 2010... we were back. In addition to Taylor, Rob, me, and the dogs - Julie, Jason (her new hubby) and June joined us!
Rob drove up with everyone and EVERYTHING, and when he had camp set up and a couple CO days under his belt, Taylor and I flew up to meet him. She did GREAT on the plane, by the way, charming everyone in the airport and sleeping/playing on the plane. Surprised the heck out of me!
I feel like there's so much to tell... so I'll just hit the highlights...
Taylor loves dirt... and running water... and cold weather... and dirt... and sticks... and sleeping in the tent... and dirt... you get the picture.
She fit right in - and even learned a few new tricks thanks to Aunt JuJuB - here's a high five!
We hiked to a couple peaks... Look at the newlyweds!
I think we ended at an elevation around 12,500 feet and had lunch at the top. (Although, I have to give major props to Jason and Rob who climbed to about 13,000 feet!)
Rob's TOTALLY in his element in CO.
Yes, I'm striking a pose on the top of a mountain. It's kind of hard to tell scale here, but see those peaks behind me?! Imagine I'm standing on top of one of them. Yeah... now you see it! Pretty intense!
Here is sweet June with our pups. We all wore jackets - even the dogs. It got down to the low 40's at night... probably mid 70's during the day. Perfect!!
And June took care of Taylor at the campsite so we could hike!
The flower's were in bloom... doesn't it look like these daisy's are praising God?! It's as if they can't help but reach up as high as they can with their faces turned to God, arms wide open! I love it.
These flowers remind me of Rob and me... wish we were still there. See the resemblance?!
If you're interested in joining us next time, just let us know!
We'd be happy to show you the way to our favorite campsite, cook some dutch oven favorites for you, and discuss the meaning of life while the campfire burns down to ashes and the moonlight guides you to your tent!
I got dressed up in my party dress and waited anxiously for our guests to arrive!
I got dressed up in my party dress and waited anxiously for our guests to arrive!
My mommy made a big cake for all the grown-ups and a little cake for all the kids... I was the only kid, so I got the whole cake to myself!! She decorated them like the ocean with one of my favorite animals... isssshhh (fish)!!
Everyone spoiled me with love and presents! There aren't many better places to be than smack dab in the middle of my two grandmas! Talk about being surrounded by love!
I got all sorts of fun stuff... LOTS of toys to play with and a Nalgene sippy cup! One of the most memorable presents was from Uncle Josh and Aunt Sophia. They got me a stuffed rat that they hope becomes my lovey... Mama says that's probably not going to happen... and Daddy named the rat Splinter.
I had a wardrobe change mid-party so that I could eat cake without holding anything back! Here's a video of my favorite people singing to me and loving me on my birthday! I'm already looking forward to turning two.
