WE MADE IT!
I don't think I mentioned in my Colorado part 1 post that our drive from Austin to Stratord (8.5 hours) was way easier than we had anticipated. The kids watched movies (but that's not all they did). Kyle and I were both sort of shocked at how easy the day was and how quickly it went. The same can be said for day two - from Stratford to South Fork (between Alamosa and Pagosa Springs from west to east, and just south of Creed). We were all a little barn sour towards the very end but really it was a great drive.
We had been texting w/ the Foshea Fam who were meeting us there (the original plan to drive up caravan style hadn't worked) and we ended up being only about 15-20 minutes apart so we stopped at the entrance to the community our house was in and waited for them to pull in.
Okay - quick overview - we were staying in the awesome mountain house of
the brother ("Mr. Dirk" of one of the other anesthesiologists in Kyle's
group. It was literally the perfect set-up for us. Three bedrooms plus a
bonus room also perfect for kids. Kitchen and living upstairs where the
views are. The former-ranch turned turned gated mountain community had lots of houses but they were all so spread out (on 10-20 acres each I think) that it felt like you were still totally just in the mountains. There was an awesome community stocked pond (more on that later) and fun dirt roads to explore (on the "Razer" golf cart/4-wheeler/dune-buggie thing that Dirk let us use). Welcome, indeed!
Right before that we came across this field of bison...a pretty cool welcome party to the area.
Barn sour Maggie with a red gatorade mustache.
Owen found this great antler while exploring around the house on the first day. We unpacked while the kids just ran around outside - already we were in awe of how awesome this was. Not too hot to play outside! So much to explore! (The kids also came up with some sort of squad they were all a part of - I think it was the "Mountain Agents" and they each had very long, complicated code names. Maggie's was Humminbird Ninja Mountain Agent. That pretty much says it all for the crew.)
I've already kind of forgotten the order in which we did things. We didn't have a set plan or schedule when we went up - we had a list of things we thought would be fun to do, and we had the Fosheas who were very familiar with the area because they both worked in the area for a summer (Joel) or two summers (Katie) in/shortly after college. We scratched out our plan on the back of a paper plate (literally) and ran with it...
EXPLORING CREEDE...AND CHUBAKS!
EXPLORING CREEDE...AND CHUBAKS!
Creede is the cutest little town. We had a lot of fun walking through town (Katie and I got a couple of hours one afternoon later in the week to go in some of the shops together which was fun). But with the kids the first day we just walked through ad up the river to the little mining area.
On our way to the mining museum (and later the mines) we stopped in the Creede Fire Station which is built into the side of the mountain. It was open to the public to explore - so cool!
Kids got to see old and new trucks and try on gear. Maggie was hysterical (also a theme of the trip) in her heavy get-up, and then Kyle got to wear part of it while he waited on her to go potty.
Made it to the museum next door and were immediately distracted by the presence of friendly chipmunks you could feed (if you paid the quarter to get seeds from the converted gumball machine). Maggie called them "Chubaks" and the name stuck...
They could have done this for HOURS. And actually did between this day and the day the boys brought the kids back so Katie and I could go to the shops. If you ask all 5 kids what their favorite parts of Colorado were, they will all list feeding the Chubaks as a top 1 or 2.
Owen, Emmy and Boone did a great job of sitting still and letting them come to you. Maggie and Rebecca were a little too all over the place. But by the second trip Rebecca learned how to be still and was even putting the seeds in her belly button and on her head (so were the other kids) - glad Katie and I weren't there to watch this part. But, oh, we have videos...
Maggie could only be still enough if she sat in Kyle's lap.
MINING!
From the mining museum we headed part of the Batchelor Pass through Creede's dilapidated old silver mining communities... But first, a jump shot of each family. The Fosheas is so awesome that it may very well be their Christmas card.
Ours is, well, not awesome. Two kids pretty much still on the ground, I look like I'm seizing.
Okay, we made it. The Last Chance Mine is currently being restored - there are some crazy-interesting people working there...you can imagine I'm sure.
After a little historical intro we were given buckets, glasses, water (non-potable) and hammers and told to go at it...Owen and Kyle looking for good stuff. He actually found this really cool sliver something blue and black that one of the staff thought was some sort of rare agate...until another one figured out was hard melted plastic. Big bummer.
Rebecca indiscriminately putting any "cool" rock in her bucket.
I took it all very seriously, especially when Rebecca made me where her tiara.
Boone hard at work.
Maggie just tapping away - literally tapping.
At one point she got this glazed look but was still clutching her hammer - it was like she was asleep with her eyes open. Katie is pointing and saying - what in the world??? Then she sort of snapped out of it.
Didn't get any shots of Emmy I guess. Afterwards there was a station to sort your rocks and figure out what to keep and even a couple of geology students (interns for the summer) to tell you what type of rock you got. What we didn't know (because everything about the place up until this time was donation based - even staying in their cabins) is that we had to pay for all our rocks by the pound. By this point the kids are attached - and you know Rebecca had found quite the collection (that she plans still to sell)...so we shelled out around $50 just our family for our rocks! (They are still on our back porch - if you're interested in purchasing a rock please contact Rebecca.)
I kept saying how much better mining was than digging for sea shells - seriously, the kids could have done this or hours and hours - and at least we came away with some fun book-ends (and all of Rebecca's soon-to-be-wealth). Happy parents.
Rebecca washing her rocks on the porch once we made it back home.
FYI: After seeing first hand how hard it is to crack a rock open to not only find something cool inside but then get it out in a way that doesn't destroy it...I am all the more impressed with geodes and jewelry, etc. Crazy tricky!
RAFTING
Our next adventure - can't actually remember which day - was to do a little 3 hours rafting trip down part of the Rio Grande. The kids were pumped. And I was cautiously optimistic - we were told the water was really low so very calm (no whit water) such that we were able to rent 2 boars (1 per fam) and din't need guides. Here we are in the van about to get dropped off.
Gearing up at our launch point.
Our able-bodied crew.
The Fosheas outfitted their raft with 4 paddles. We ended up only taking two - we knew M & R were at risk of dropping them in the river, and if we only had one they'd all fight over it. So Owen just jumped in to replace Kyle or I at different times. He ate this up and as the first mate was either paddling or back-seat driving the entire tie. Paddle left, Mom!
The girls did great too. They were both pooped by the end - Rebecca was almost asleep sitting up and Maggie "took a little rest" on the side - the last big leg of the trip was really calm - we had to paddle a LOT. This was another case time during the trip when the phrase "barn sour" was used quite appropriately and quite often. Fun...but we were READY to be done.
That's the Foshea raft - I think they got some of ours and I'll to remember to share them once we trade photos.
HORSES
This was definitely the outing that all of the kids were the most excited about. And another case where it was great to have the Fosheas because they knew exactly where we should do it - Freeman's Guest Ranch (related to the beloved Freeman's General Store in Creede) - they're so cool they don't have a website.
Didn't take long for Maggie to snuggle up to a horse she liked.
Crazy to think Rebecca was big enough to ride one on her own - but she was! (And - our little secret - her horse was so old and slow and docile that we literally thought he might croak at any moment). His name was Sunny. But on more than one occasion he broke past a trot and cantered for a few steps - Rebecca held her own and loved it!
Maggie road on Favor with Daddy. She did great too!
Owen on Domino.
And I was on famous Buckshot. Words cannot describe how ridiculous my horse was - when they brought him out we all started laughing - so short and round that the saddle wouldn't stay up straight, and I was told he was a biter. Perfect. Happy to report he didn't bite anyone but he did snarl at some of the other horses and demand to be right behind the trail leader.
There's Buckshot - #2 from the left - bet you could have guessed.
All the kids with our trail leaders. The guy on the far right was from Muleshoe, TX and was familiar with the McElroy crew (that are from and/or live there now) - what a small world! And the hour-long trial ride was just the perfect amount for the kids.
GREAT SAND DUNES
A little drive back East towards Alamosa we went to the Great Sand Dunes National Park. So other-worldly. Photo from the car;
A little drive back East towards Alamosa we went to the Great Sand Dunes National Park. So other-worldly. Photo from the car;
Its just so weird to see these giant dunes as the foothills to the Sangre de Cristo mountain range.
After we found a little spot to "make camp" we trekked out to the top of the first (small) dune wit the goal of doing a little dune-sledding...
There were a few breakdowns along the way (further feeding my "the mountains are better than the beach" conviction). Joel is trying to coax Maggie who was so over it...but refused to let anyone help her pull her sled.
The sand wasn't quite as easy to sled down as we had thought so most of the time the guys had to pull the kids down...
Maggie diggin in...
Rebecca making a sand angle.
So honestly that part was a little underwhelming and the kids just wanted to go back down to the sandy/watery/muddy creek thing at the base... The bigs built some sort of damn/city - aka moutain sand castle.
And Maggie essentially took a mud bath.
Joined by her special buddy* Boone...
We had a couple of umbrella/tents set up for shade and snacks and it was a great way to spend the afternoon. Next time we'll bring crazy creeks and books and treat it as a beach day since the kids could have spent longer.
ROCK CLIMBING
I know the kids were excited about this but I think the dads may have been even more excited. It took some effort to scout out an appropriate place to climb - obviously needed to be the right route, but also a place for the rest of us to hang out (level, shaded) and they did really great!
"Hiking" to our spot.
I know the kids were excited about this but I think the dads may have been even more excited. It took some effort to scout out an appropriate place to climb - obviously needed to be the right route, but also a place for the rest of us to hang out (level, shaded) and they did really great!
"Hiking" to our spot.
Joel and Kyle worked on setting an anchor at the top of the crack route just left of middle in the pic.
Maggie has a special affinity for Ms. Katie - I think the feeling is mutual.
Lots of laughs and "don't throw that" kind of stuff while we waited for everything to get set up.
Gross.
Emmy went first and did awesome. No fear.
She even repelled the even-taller wall to our right.
I'm not sure if she asked for a back scratch or if Maggie just offered - either way they were both in on it.
Rebecca's turn. Also did great.
Thumbs up from (almost) the top!
Boone's turn - with Mama on belay.
The too-cool-to-look-at-the-camera thumbs up.
Owen made it up too - probably thought too much along the way (no surprise) but did it!
And Maggie made it up to our designated 4-year old "top." Maggie's climbing MO: no fear, but also very little to no use of legs...Kyle basically held up her feet as I belayed her up.
Family photos!
This one says so much about our attitudes towards the end...
I was pumped to put my old climbing shoes on (and really glad to take them off - tight!) but there just wan't time to let any of the adults make a run this time. Next year...
WILDERNESS RANCH
One of the most special parts of the trip was getting to do it with such dear friends - and on top of that, to come with them to a place that is so special to both of them. Katie and Joel but have strong YoungLife connections - they have both been on staff. Joel worked as summer staff at Wilderness Ranch and Katie was a (backpacking) guide there for two summers. (It's their Buckner - Ooooooooweeeeeee!) It's outside of Creede so we went on Friday to see the camp and to be there as trips came in from the trail.
One of the most special parts of the trip was getting to do it with such dear friends - and on top of that, to come with them to a place that is so special to both of them. Katie and Joel but have strong YoungLife connections - they have both been on staff. Joel worked as summer staff at Wilderness Ranch and Katie was a (backpacking) guide there for two summers. (It's their Buckner - Ooooooooweeeeeee!) It's outside of Creede so we went on Friday to see the camp and to be there as trips came in from the trail.
Our first real mountain afternoon shower happened here - which nixed our hiking plans - but made for a different kind of fun.
It's customary for people to grab the packs of the kids coming in off the trail and carry them for them to where they'll unpack. Waiting on a trip to come in...
All the kids tried to help - Emmy and Rebecca carrying packs that weigh just about if not more than them...
Chaco-city
We walked across this cool bridge to the other side of the little lake there - that was our "hike" since we had to wait the rain out. Beautiful nonetheless.
After hanging out for the afternoon to 1) watch the trips come in, 2) have the guys in the shed brand random pieces of wood and some hat brims with the YL brand, and 3) go crazy in the camp shop - yea for new tshirts...we left camp to go grab (excellent) burgers at Freeman's General Store (where, by the way, they sell toilet paper by the roll - $0.87. Then we came back just in time to attend club - crazy fun skit - Tiny Hands! - songs (that we were not cool enough to know) and the best part - hearing from the kids about what the Lord had done in them during their 6 nights on the trail. What a great experience. What a special place.
FISHING
Another highlight was the fishing that took place almost every day - the little stocked pond was just a short Razer ride away and was a great spot. I don't know the numbers but I think Kyle said it was the most success he'd ever had fishing with kids. Kyle spend one-on-one time with each of ours fishing which was very special, and he and Owen even made a couple extra early-morning runs before other activities. They were even getting into the (no surprise) gear aspect of it talking about different flies, etc. (Cary Brege - tell Jason we have a job for him and it requires y'all meet us in Colorado!)
Another highlight was the fishing that took place almost every day - the little stocked pond was just a short Razer ride away and was a great spot. I don't know the numbers but I think Kyle said it was the most success he'd ever had fishing with kids. Kyle spend one-on-one time with each of ours fishing which was very special, and he and Owen even made a couple extra early-morning runs before other activities. They were even getting into the (no surprise) gear aspect of it talking about different flies, etc. (Cary Brege - tell Jason we have a job for him and it requires y'all meet us in Colorado!)
Who wants to play with a snake?
Nice catch!
Maggie loved to say: I'm going fishing WITH MY DADDY!
You can probably image that there is some room for improvement in her technique.
Cast+reel=10 seconds.
Katie gagging (but not able to look away) and some gross bugs on milkweed.
Rebecca liked the fishing, but she may have liked the running around getting into trouble near the fishing more...
And sometimes fishing turns into a pick-up game of baseball.
RIDING AROUND
I've already mentioned the Razer. Soooooo much fun that we got to use this thing throughout the week. A view from "the top" - I think Joel and Kyle were the only ones who actually made it all the way up there. The rest of our trips were parent+kid and stayed a little closer to home.
I've already mentioned the Razer. Soooooo much fun that we got to use this thing throughout the week. A view from "the top" - I think Joel and Kyle were the only ones who actually made it all the way up there. The rest of our trips were parent+kid and stayed a little closer to home.
Kyle + Rebecca
Me + Owen (view as he drove from my lap) - I couldn't have felt saver - don't go too fast Momma.
Oh Maggie. Woooooohooooooooo! I'm good driver!!!!!!!!!!!!
ALL THE LITTLE FUN STUFF IN BETWEEN
I think we packed an entire bin of games...but by the end of the day we were all pooped - we had downtown, but not a lot of kid-free downtime during the day (that wasn't spent on packing up for something) and during the evenings we were all pretty ready to crash not long after we got them to bed.
When you're with friends even the riding around is fun!
Ice cream in Creede
Mining car playground
One night as we were wrapping up dinner and starting to get kids ready for bed we realized Maggie wasn't around...she had put herself to bed. :)
Half on + half off
(This is Owen and Boone's set-up on air mattresses in the bonus room just outside the bedroom where all 3 girls slept.)
Maggie about to play 52 Pickup.
Katie taking advantage of Maggie's minion obsession - its immediate and guaranteed full-on belly laughter.
Kids table.
Our little love-birds. The Maggie-Boone bond was a definite highlight of the trip (and a surprise to all of us)! It all started with a ride in a truck...(sounds like the beginning of an oldie but goodie Taylor Swift song/love story). Boone (6) and Maggie (4) just decided they were going to be best buddies and essentially attached the entire trip. Maggie liked to ride in the truck with Boone - I'd offer to help buckle her in and she'd say "NO!!! Boone will help me!" and I'd look at Boone for confirmation and he would just flash the biggest, sweetest, proudest smile and shrug - a sort of - what she said.
They shared his sweatshirt. They shared his drink (when he saw her spill hers).
Best line of the week: One morning we're all loading up to head out on one of our adventures. Boone and Maggie get in the truck to get buckled. We're all loading stuff in the cars, getting other kids in. Boone rolls down the window and yells at Katie: Hey Mom! I asked Maggie if she wanted to stay with me her whole life and SHE SAID YES!
I have no words for the utter cuteness. Plus, its clear that Katie and I are meant to officially be related so this seems like a perfect solution.
Whiteboard inside our local grocery store. Aspen trees. Two of my favorite things.
Our Wilderness Ranch night - dinner at Freeman's - and who is serving our ice cream but *** and **** - our trail guides from our horseback ride!
Those giant cones were the kid sizes.
Fun little hotdog place in Creede we thoroughly enjoyed.
Some views from our little lake.
Colorado wildflowers = the best
I forgot about our fun stop at this cool waterfall on our way to our rock climbing spot.
Just gorgeous
We couldn't have asked for a better trip. I have said it before but seriously - we were SHOCKED at how easy it was to 1) get there and 2) actually enjoy the week with our combined 5 kids! Winner winner chicken dinner!
We have found that most of the time on vacation you hit that - yea, it's been great but I'm ready to be home point - and honestly, we had to leave long before that happened. I know why people go to CO for 2-3 weeks...
So, after our last evening we got as packed up as possible so we could hit the road as early as possible the next morning. We planned on caravanning making the 14ish hour drive home in one day. Kyle drank Dr. Pepper like a boss. Katie and I wore matching Wilderness shirts and matching new flip flops because why not? And why not take a sorority-pose photo outside a gas station? (FYI the barn sour had set in at this point.)
Last but not least...we worked long and hard throughout the week to develop camp names - the only rule was that you couldn't name yourself (which the bigger kids kept breaking and insisting their names were something else)...If you want backstories you'll have to ask us...
Joel = Phil
Katie = 81
Emmy = Prospector/Lex
Boone = Slider/Schmitty
Kyle = Softy
Alison = AT/Buckshot
Owen = Captain
Rebecca = Hustler
Maggie = Chubak
Joel = Phil
Katie = 81
Emmy = Prospector/Lex
Boone = Slider/Schmitty
Kyle = Softy
Alison = AT/Buckshot
Owen = Captain
Rebecca = Hustler
Maggie = Chubak
