Devil's Thumb Ranch

We started our adventure on July 26th--driving, for the first time, to Colorado.  I have "driven" out several times before (as a child, and as an adult with my mom) but it was a first for Scott and the kids.  Roughly an 18 hour trip, we expected it to take closer to 20 or 21, and planned for a stop in Manhattan, Kansas. 

Friday morning we loaded the car and set out...realizing pretty quickly that I left behind a bag of new books for the kids, and a "roadtrip" printable game that we had used on our drive to NC.  Oh well, so much for good planning.  We made better time than expected, and arrived at our hotel in time for dinner.  We walked a few blocks away to a fun pizza/beer place, and afterwards let the kids run around the fountains before all crashing in the hotel beds.  We are fortunate enough to get a "associates rate" for Marriott hotels and snagged a Fairfield Inn for less than $40...after tax.  Score.

The next morning we woke early to get on the road.  While we hit a little rain, it was mostly good weather and we made good time again.  The kids were generally content--happy to watch a DVD here and there (our van's player only works on LONG car trips, ha), reading books and just looking out the windows.  Both boys finally fell asleep an hour outside of Denver.  After a bit, I heard from the back "Mom, I see MOUNTAINS!!" from Sam...and Charlie's eyes flew open.  

Mom decided to stay a few extra days in the house so we would overlap--and the kids were very excited to see her.  And Scott and I were happy to sit on the back deck with beers!

Our second night (and mom's last night) we went out to Devil's Thumb Ranch (we've been in years past and it's a favorite) for happy hour and dinner.  The adults enjoy sipping on the beer on the porch (23 ounce microbrews for only $2??) while the kids love running around, feeding the horses/cows and playing in the dirt.  Per usual, I attempted to take a few pictures but the sun proved to be too bright.

 

Charlie's pointing at "Devil's Thumb", a rock formation in between the two peaks in the mountain.  Scott and I hiked it once, in pre-children days, and Charlie can't wait until he's big enough to head up there (umm, at the rate he hikes these days, he'll be 18 before he can check it off the bucket list)

 

 The kind person who offered to take our picture, failed to tell me that I was hiding Sam!

  And the kids favorite part of Devil's Thumb---s'mores by the fire!

 

Another beautiful evening for the books...