Estes Park

For my little birthday treat we went to Estes Park for a weekend in October. We got to stay in a little cabin right at the base of the mountains and visit Rocky Mountain National Park. We hiked all over the area - our favorite being a quiet path up and around Bear Lake. The weather was wonderful - warm and sunny during the day and chilly enough for a fire in the evening. We picnicked and took a little stroll through the town of Estes. We were hoping to see the elk - it was just at the tail end of their mating season - and hear them "bellow". We did see some albeit on the corner in town rather than up in the National Park and by the time we arrived they were sadly silent. We are hoping to get there during prime time next year.

The best part of the trip for the girls was playing on the swing set at the cabin. Because it was so close to our room, they were able to play within the playground area by THEMSELVES! Pretty exciting stuff. It was pretty much all they wanted to do. We were driving through Rocky Mountain National Park Matt and I were oohing and ahhing and pointing out all the points of interest and meanwhile the girls are in the back, "This is boring!" and "When can we go back and swing?" I could finally relate to my parent's story of taking us to the Grand Canyon and all we wanted to do was go back to the hotel and swim! Sorry Mom and Dad!