What a summer we had, book-ended by two amazing vacations! We weren't planning on taking two vacations in one summer but then our good friends Andy and Candice invited us up to their house in Pagosa Springs, Colorado to spend some time with them and we just couldn't say no. As much as I love Houston, I always look forward to getting away from the heat and humidity in August. So last week, right after Will's spy party, we packed up the suitcases and took off for the mountains of Colorado.
These crazy spies were hanging around before we left town.
On the road with Toothless -- Will lost one tooth the day before we left and another one the day after we arrived!
We left last Tuesday and flew to Durango via Denver, arriving very late at night with two sleepy boys. We spent Wednesday morning hanging out and sipping coffee before picking up Andy at the airport and then heading off to Purgatory for some exploring.
Purgatory is best known for its winter activities, but the mountain resort also has a variety of kid-friendly summer activities. Our first stop was lunch and then we played a round of putt-putt.
The kids loved it and the adults were uber-competitive.
We had planned to ride the ski lifts up the mountain and then take the alpine slide down, but a huge storm barreled over the mountain, and the alpine slides closed down. The kids were bummed but we decided it just means we have to go back another year! We ended our time at Purgatory with a photo op and headed back to Pagosa with stops at the Honeyville store (for honey and jam) and a local farm stand. We spent the rest of the day relaxing and cooking dinner back in Pagosa Springs.
On Thursday morning, we sat out on the porch in the cool mountain air with our cups of coffee and steaming bowls of oatmeal. Gorgeous view, even with the clouds.
Candice, Andy and I took the dog for a three mile walk and left Gene in charge of the six kids (most of whom were still sleeping). He and Henry sketched and watched a herd of at least 20 deer thunder past the house.
And then the rains came again, but a little drizzle doesn't stop us and we piled into the cars for a hike at Treasure Falls.
Our destination! Treasure Falls.
Decked out in rain gear from head to toe.
The boys love hiking up mountains, and since that is pretty hard to do here in Houston, they absolutely loved being in Colorado where most of the hikes are up mountains. They were not perturbed by the rain at all.
The view from here would be gorgeous on a clear day.
After lunch in downtown Pagosa, we spent the afternoon at the hot springs. Pagosa Springs is named for the geothermal springs that bubble out of the earth. Fun fact: the springs at Pagosa are the deepest in the world! It was cold and drizzling when we arrived so the ten of us searched for the hottest pools, 100-109 degrees! The hot water felt so good on a cool day. And then, the sun came out! Candice and I lounged while Gene, Andy and the kids alternated between the hot springs and the chilly waters of the San Juan River. We left our cameras and phones in the lockers, so there are no pictures of our adventure but you can bet we all had a lot of fun!
Back at home, the kids made paper airplanes and watched deer bounce by,
while the adults found some excellent local beer.
Here's to good friends and an amazing second vacation in Colorado!
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