They're Here!!

June 16-17, 2016
Longmont, CO

Warning - gramma with camera

Oh goody, goody, goody! My sons, daughter-in-law, and grandson arrive today :-))))

We pick up the mini-van, drop off the Jeep, and do a bit of grocery shopping before heading to Denver International. Of course we arrive early because I can't wait, so we make several circuits before they're at the curb. They were able to get flights from Burbank and Seattle that arrive within 30 minutes of each other so everybody's ready to go.

With no Cracker Barrels in either of their home states, we go there for late lunch/early dinner. After being a great traveler on the plane, Ezra continues to be a delight while we get caught up.

Even cuter with Daddy's bunny ears

They all get settled into their hotel rooms a few blocks from the state park, and then we sit outside the motorhome for some more visiting.

Ezra reading to his Uncle Jeff who he LOVES so much :-)

Books are wonderful!

and Mommy is too of course!

Daddy as playground equipment (that motorhome looks much closer than it is)

The bugs send us inside for a while before they return to the hotel.

With temps expected to be over 90 degrees on Friday, we drive to Estes Park where we make a couple brief stops to stretch our legs and enjoy the beauty of the area. This is the Colorado they are expecting to see!

Shalise, Ezra, Jeff and Brian

Rocky Mountains

We check out the RV park Bill and I are moving to next week, then head into the national park. 

Sneaking a kiss at the view point

Jeff enjoying the view, and making his mother cringe - you can see it from this side of the wall!

And it is a beautiful scene

The Trail Ridge Road draws you in with spectacular vistas, water falls beside the highway, and switchbacks with tall trees on both sides. There's even open plains thrown in before BAM! you're driving the most important people in your life along the edge of the friggin' world!! The 4000 foot climb includes 11 miles of narrow highway above the tree line. Of course there are no guard rails - it would ruin the experience if you couldn't see the million-mile-drop-off!

Lava Cliffs, RMNP

Above the tree line

This is an amazing drive into the Rockies, taking us from lush green meadows to flat tundra. The wind is so strong and cold at the top that I don't take any photos. Brian and Shalise take Ezra to experience his first snow - he's not too impressed :-) 

Nice of this couple to pose for perspective while I'm in my warm car

Not long after beginning our return drive, the traffic comes to a stop. By the time we notice a huge herd of Elk on the hill beside us we've missed our photo op. But when the traffic again slows for an upcoming parking area, I spot a lone bull resting along the road.

Tuning out the tourists

Harsh tundra

We make our way down the mountain and through the very busy downtown of Estes Park to a peaceful and very nice Waterfront Grille. 

Still so happy after a busy day

Everyone enjoys their meal and the van is much quieter on the way back :-)

The kids spend the rest of the evening at the hotel while we make it an early night.  

What a great day we had! It is so wonderful to have family with us. Saturday we plan an interesting combination of science, tasting and BBQ :-)))))