Making memories in Colorado

 

*WARNING* 

This post contains A LOT of photos.

 

We were lucky enough to go to Colorado to visit my sister and her family for a week.

Let me tell you, packing for a vacation with a baby is like nothing I've ever done before.  I used to take way to many things with on any given trip, but that all changes when traveling with an infant.  Jackson's items took half of my suitcase, half of Matt's suitcase and half of my dad's duffel bag.  Luckily, we all made it there in one piece, and Jackson was the poster boy for being a good sport.  He fussed a little on the way there, but nothing terrible.  On the way back, he literally slept the entire plane ride, waking up when the pilot said "The temperature in Cedar Rapids is seventy degrees."  Thank you, buddy!

 

Abby & Jess

Abby couldn't be more excited that we were going to Colorado, but only for one reason - to spend time with cousin Jess!  My niece, Jessica, is seven years old, and Abby idolizes her.  They played, danced, had tea parties, sang, went to the park, had ice cream - you name it.

Here are the girls sharing some good times:

 

 

 

Red Rocks

It was a super hot day when we decided to go to Red Rocks, but it is so beautiful there, we couldn't pass up the opportunity.

 Unfortunately, we couldn't check out the entire area because John Mayer was performing that evening, so production shut down part of the park, but we did manage to get some good pictures.

 

 

 

 

 

Family Time

We got to do and see so many things out there, but the most important was spending time with the family.  In addition to seeing Jeff, Jana & Jess, we got to hang out with Carmen & Roger - Jeff's parents, along with his sister and brother in law Amy & Adam and their two adorable babies, Addison & Alex.

 

We went to an Amusement Park where the girls got to go on some rides and we went swimming, which was the highlight of Abby's vacation.

 

Then came white water rafting. Unfortunately, Clear Creek was a bit low, so even the intermediate course didn't have that many challenges, but lots of fun was had.

Matt is wanting to go back out next June, to do the advanced course when the river is rumored to be at it's highest.

 

We traveled to Boulder, where Abby got to be an assistant in a Street Performance and did a great job!

 

Georgetown

On our last full day before heading home, we decided to take a drive to Georgetown, Colorado and go up in the mountains.  I think at highest, we were about 12,000 feet above sea level.

We managed to see some mountain goats, sunflowers and beautiful scenery.

 

 

 

Jess

Look at that sweet smile.

This is my time to talk a little bit about my adorable niece. 

She is so creative- quite the artist, gymnast, dancer, singer, performer and little lady.

We got to attend one of her gymnastics meets while we were out there and it was pretty amazing.

I miss and love you so much, girl!

 

 Despite some minor illnesses, Jackson getting his first tooth breaking through the surface and Matt having a bit of sun poisoning, we couldn't have had more fun. 

Thanks Jana and Jeff for opening your home to us, dad, the kiddos and the mass chaos came along with that.  We had a great time and look forward to seeing you all again soon!