Vail

Our trip to Vail, Colorado was absolutely wonderful!

We left with terrible summer colds and were super exhausted, both physically and emotionally; my prayer was that we'd come back refreshed and encouraged.  And the LORD answered our prayers - we are refreshed.

Last Tuesday - Friday we were in Vail just the three of us.  

Friday we drove back down to Denver for my cousin's wedding.

Someone asked us, "What are you going to do there this time of year?"  There wasn't a lot to do and there were hardly any people there, but it was perfect for us.  The pace was slow; Aidan naps for three hours each afternoon and goes to bed early.  We got lots of reading and napping done.  The changing leaves and mountains were breathtakingly beautiful.

Each morning we explored Vail Village:

 Our climber.

It got warmer and warmer as the days went on.  We were thankful that the predicted thunderstorms only lasted a few hours before the sun popped out.  Thank you, Lord, for nice weather!

This is what we looked like most of our vacation: closely behind Aidan.

Everyone asked, "Is he two?"  How did they know?!

One evening we drove to Glenwood Springs and rode the gondola up to their Adventure Park.

Mommy steals kisses whenever she can.

Aidan is two inches shorter than the required height for all the rides (36") so we played in the truck area.  I think this was the trip highlight for Aidan!

Two-year-old meltdown.

 Majestic.

My boys taking in the breathtaking views.

 I love how you can see the road, train tracks, and the blue rafts in the river in this picture.

The tunnels through the mountains were Aidan's favorite.  "Orange tunnel" he'd say.

At the Glenwood Springs Adventure Park, Aidan "mined" for precious gems.

 After dumping in the sand, he'd swift it through the water.

Look at all those rocks!

He excitedly named all the colors and practiced saying "quartz" and "Tiger eye".

I am such a nerd - I totally wanted to ride the Alpine Slide!  It was super fun.

 At supper that night, our son was exhausted - nearly too exhausted to eat so Brian "raced" him to the food.  That seemed to solve the problem.

Vail Village has a playground that Aidan very much enjoyed.

 One of the shop owners brings her dog to work each day.  So for three mornings in a row, Aidan looked forward to seeing it.

 A few months backs, I saw an article on the benefits of balance bikes.  Instead of training wheels, kids learn to balance first.  They had one for rent in Vail.

 The first day Aidan wanted nothing to do with the helmet so we left. 

Throughout the day, we pointed out all the bike riders with helmets on and the next day he decided he was ready to wear a "red one" and ride a "blue bike".

After spending just a half hour with Aidan on that bike, our lower backs were nearly broken and we now understand why training wheels were invented.

On our last morning, we switchbacked up the mountain to Vail Stables where Aidan enjoyed the petting zoo.  On our ascent, we stopped to take pictures.

Or should I say that Brian took pictures?!  It was too cold to get out. ;)

 One of our Garner favorites has the same vehicle as our rental; Aidan often asked, "Where Miss Sue?" as we'd get in and out.

At the petting zoo, Aidan didn't think the animals were quite as fun as the diggers.  In fact, those geese tried to eat his diggers and that annoyed him. "Away. Away!!" he'd yell.

Something happened to Mommy on this trip: I decided I may like cats.

Or at least this cat.

 He was so friendly and cuddly.

 Aidan decided he likes cats too.

 "I hold. I hold."

Brian reminded me that we'll never own a cat.

Friday we drove down the mountain to Denver.  It was the sunniest, most-perfect weekend.  We enjoyed staying and shopping along 16th Ave, celebrating my cousin's marriage, and spending time with all of my extended family.  Unfortunately, we left the camera and I didn't take a single picture the entire weekend - I'm so bummed!  But I know Brian took a few on Instagram so I'll post those at a later date.

Thankful to Jesus for a wonderful, beautiful, relaxing yet exiting, fun-filled vacation.