Colorado Trip: Magnificent As Always

Family Road Trip!

We took the 12 hour drive in two days as to make life easier on everyone (no one wants to be in a car for 12 hours straight with a toddler). This also allowed us to do all the boring driving through western ks and eastern co in one day and start fresh for the beautiful mountain drive on day 2. :) We were excited to drive some new territory on our way to Aspen. Little did we know the drive went over Independence Pass at just over 12,000 feet! Gorgeous drive! We weaved back and forth as we climbed up and up and up. This pic is from the top of Independence Pass

Next stop: Aspen, Co. We had the privilege of staying at the Ritz. Super fancy!

Here is where you could find me every evening. :)

Here are some fabulous highlights from our adventures:

Gondola ride and lunch at the top of Aspen mountain. Absolutely breathtaking! As a ski mountain, Aspen is primarily black runs with the occasional blue...not exactly leisurely skiing. I'm more of a blue and green girl myself. Hudson was thrilled to ride in the "cars" in the air.

Maroon Bells. We "hiked" around a little bit. 8ish months preggo and altitude did not afford me much energy or breath for much hiking. :) But I was pretty content to just sit and absorb the beauty, peacefulness, and a time to just be still.

Throwing rocks in the water with daddy and grandpa.

We spent a bit of time each day down in the town of Aspen as well. The town is super cute with lots of benches for just hanging out. There are of course lots of lovely shops like Fendi, Louis Vuitton, Prada...so when I saw the Aspen Thrift Store, I said, "I'll be right back." :) While I popped in there, Hudson was peeking in the fire station next door. A very nice fireman let Hudson and the crew in to see the firetrucks! What a treat!! He thought that was pretty neat. He wanted daddy to shut the door so he could sit in there by himself. He just smiled and looked around like he knew it was a special treat.

Ryan and his dad spent the better part of a day 4-wheeling around the mountains with a guide. They had a blast and came back covered in dirt!!

And of course, what would a vacation be for me without a lot of reading!