At the end of March we traveled west to Colorado. It was Hudson's spring break and a place we all love to visit. We see our extended family (close friends) and hit all of our favorite spots. I have tons of photos...so bare with me as I share a looooong post of this fun-filled week!
My brother, Tom, never had the chance to visit me while I lived in Colorado. This trip, however, he was able to fly out to visit a friend of his at the same time we were there. (He lives here in Ohio too). It was very fun to be out there at the same time and have the chance to finally show him some of the spots I fell in love with and watch him fall in love with them too. So these shots are from our day trip to Breckenridge/Keystone.
We left the Springs and stopped 1/2 way at the overlook to soak in the views. We drove through Breck and stopped at the little hike at the top of the pass on your way to Keystone. I don't know the name of it but it's amazing...it's probably a mile (or less) circle that takes you around the top of the mountain as you overlook Breck on one side, Keystone on the other and Lake Dillon in between. Gorgeous!!
Shane was throwing snowballs at everyone...Hudson caught on in his hood somehow. I had to take a picture...what are the chances??? 
Here Tom is standing on what is normally a bench. Its buried in snow! We were walking on a trail that felt like it was about a foot of packed snow. I had to be close on that thought b/c when I stepped off to take a picture once I was thigh high in the soft stuff. : )
Finn rode with daddy in the backpact carrier. Loved this little contraption! He did too. He loved all the hiking we did...even in the snow!
Daddy wasn't the only one with snowballs....
This is the rest stop on the drive up...that is Pike's Peak behind our rental car. It's amazing how different it looks from here than the Springs.
Shane in action...
At this overlook you have, literally, an entire horizon of snow capped mountains. It's hard to catch on film...its just one of those things you have to see. I sent Tom pics of this spot several times when I lived out west and he was still blown away by the size of it when he finally saw it in person.
This is the Shops at Briargate in the Springs. I used to love coming here and taking in the view (and doing some shopping : ). SO pretty...even on this cloudy day.
This is my sweet girlfriend Jennifer. She is a sister to me...and we have shared many holidays, laughter, tears, concerns and celebrations together. She is always there for me with kind words and encouragment. Her family is so wonderful and I can only hope I raise my children to be as faith-filled and beautiful as hers. I have learned so much from her about life, love and just being a woman in general (entertaining tips, recipes, quick fixes, parenting, being a supportive wife, etc). She also introduced me to the girls in my Bible study in the Springs which I am still close with too. I miss all of these sweet women and love to see them when I'm in town.
She had us up for a wonderful evening where they prepared a meal for us that both Shane (with Celiac) and I (vegetarian) could eat everything. Seriously, Jennifer's husband went to three or four places to find quinoa. It was so yummy and thoughtful. Unfortunately I'm bad about getting group shots of everyone...so I didn't get her family or my friend, Lynn, who was also there and helped prepare the meal.
Fri night Jennifer's sweet family watched the boys for a few hours while S&I went to see The Thorn at New Life Church. It's amazing...and really brought the spirit of Easter home for us. It was a sweet gift she gave us and I was thankful that they were able to get to know my family a little better....as her family has been such a blessing to me.
Here are the boys at Briargate...Finn obviously was NOT happy about sitting down.
We stayed at my 'old' neighbor's house (which I word carefully b/c if I call them 'old' then I am calling myself old!!). Jeana and Smitty graciously opened their home for us during our visit and these photos are of the boys playing in their back yard. It was great to stay with them and have the mornings/evenings to visit and catch up. We used to dine together at least once a week when I lived next to them and they have always been dear friends. They had all the baby 'fixings' for us since they have a grandaughter about the same age. We were so comfortable and thankful to stay in their beautiful home. Thank you! And once again...we didn't get any pictures of them....sorry!
We also visited Paul & Christina...some more dear friends of mine and took ZERO pics. Which I could really kick myself b/c they have the most adorable new baby...Noah and Emma who is 2 1/2. They live on an amazing horse property north of town. We love their company...Christina has a very cool danish accent...so I could sit and listen to her talk all day. :) She & I shared many fun times together when I lived there and it's comforting in knowing when we see them we pick up right where we left off. I'm so happy we have kiddos the same age. :) Fun times!
We went to the Garden of the Gods (GOTG) to hike one day with Tom and his buddy (who he was staying with). It was a gorgeous day and we had a blast!
Tom is so strong....
In case you're wondering where Hudson is in these photos...he was having a hard time at this stop. He's sitting at the bottom. He snapped out of it and was better in a few pics...I just didn't want you to think I was neglecting him!
Finn and I did some light hiking while the boys went up the hills. Finn was hilarious...he LOVED it and talked the whole time. It was the only hike he was on foot instead of in the carrier...so he thought he was hot stuff!
If you look closely in this photo you'll see the specs towards the top of the mountain...the boys are up there waving 'hi'! Hudson was so proud to have led them up there.
This is my beautiful girlfriend Lori. She has two little ones, Leo & Tatum who are just adorable! We visited with them for an afternoon and the kids had a blast playing with all the toys! Lori is one of my first girfriends from the Springs. She managed the fitness center at Progressive (where I was working) and we quickly hit it off. She has since lived in Breck, Boulder and now has a gorgeous home in Lyons. I've been to each place visiting her...and find we never have enough time to talk! We always have a blast catching up.
Leo & Tatum
This is Shane's cousin and his beautiful wife...Dave & Michelle. We stayed with them in Frederick for part of our visit. Gizmo was a hit with the kids! We had a blast relaxing, catching up and enjoying their beautiful home! thank you!!
Here are some more shots from GOTG's.
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