Just Me and You.

Dear Kennedy,

Last week, while we were on vacation in Colorado, we went on a hike together. You were so excited to go. I wasn't sure about taking you because you don't even like to walk around the grocery store let alone hike up a mountain. But, you insisted you were up to the challenge and I am so,so,so happy we went. The memories we made on our hike will always hold a special place in my heart.

We took our time and enjoyed ourselves. We did lots of talking. Mostly about the beautiful scenery and how there is no way there could be a bear on our trail :) But, there is one thing you said over and over again made my heart so full. You said, "Isn't this great! I'm so happy it's just me and you!".  It meant so much to me that our time together meant so much to you.

We took lots of pictures and I hope you look back at them with and cherish them as much as I know I will. You're so special to me and I am so thankful for our day together... just me and you <3

The beginning. It was raining, but you didn't care! You were excited to get started!

At the start, looking down at the town.

I just love your sandals. You weren't too fond of them, but I thought they were adorable!

The trail we chose. 

You picked these 2 dandelions for daddy and sissy. You're so thoughtful. Just one of the many things that make you so special <3

You carried them for a while, but soon figured out that the wind was going to blow them away. So, you made a wish  instead after I assured you that daddy wouldn't be upset :)

The first part of the trail was quite rocky. You did a great job though!

We saw lots of little chipmunks.

One of the many beautiful views we saw.

After the rain ended we were left with beautiful blue skies and warmer weather.

A view of the local airport. The runway goes right to the edge of the cliff. The planes just fly off the edge when they take off!

Most of the trail went through dense forest.

It was beautiful and the shade provided a perfect temperature.

We tried out the self timer on the camera. You thought this silly picture was hilarious!

This picture means so much <3

There was a stretch of the trail that had so many of these butterflies.

You loved it and made sure we got pictures of all of them :)

With some wildflowers you found.

You picked them for daddy, but decided you didn't want to carry them the rest of the way. We made sure to get a picture to show him how beautiful they were!

We found an old cabin!

Becoming quite the photographer!

You were so excited to take this picture :)

So many beautiful wildflowers!

Taking a water break.

You were amazed that the mountains were higher than the clouds! You noticed every detail of everything. It was amazing seeing things through your eyes. 

The half way point!

You decided it would be best to stop halfway. So, we walked down the ski slope to the village and rode the gondola the rest of the way :) The whole hike took about 2 hours. A very special 2 hours <3

Colorado Vacation Part 2.

You can find Part 1 of our Colorado vacation, here :)

On Sunday we left Denver for Telluride. We stopped right outside of town at a Danish bakery that my SIL and her family like to occasionally get breakfast. Oh. My. Goodness. I have never tasted such sweet goodness! They had the most delicious pastries you can imagine. I had two and no regrets :)

On our way to Telluride we took the slightly longer route through the mountains. It was an absolutely beautiful drive and I would say it was worth the extra time! I just love the mountains and enjoyed seeing all of the cute little mountain towns on the way.

The beautiful valleys were one of my favorite parts of the scenery. I use the term "valley" loosely because although they were flat they were still at an insanely high elevation. They were beautiful and filled with livestock. It looks like a piece of western Oklahoma plopped on top of a mountain. I can just see myself living in a big log cabin right in the middle....until the first snowfall and then I'm out :)

Blue Mesa Reservoir. We will definitely be coming here to stay one day!

I've seen a lot of beautiful oceans in every color blue, but I have never seen water this color. It was beautiful and unfortunately, the camera didn't capture it's distinct color.

 We arrived in Telluride on Sunday evening. I was certainly expecting beautiful scenery, but I was shocked at how beautiful it was. I've done a fair amount of traveling in the US and I've been to Colorado several times, but this was by far the prettiest place I've ever been!

The view from our hotel.

This is their transportation system. They are gondolas that are completely free for everyone to use. They take you back and forth between the upper mountain villages and downtown. It was nice to have to worry about driving/parking and it offered beautiful views!

The view from the gondola looking down.

The girls and I on our first ride.

She LOVED it!

Cousins <3

Love this one!

Our hotel room was in a great location. Our back door opened up to a flat grassy area for the kids to run and play. They especially liked playing on jumping off of the big rock!

Super Axel!

I just love this picture! It looks like she's jumping so high :)

They were best buds all week!

I love this one. She was eating a piece of ice she found on the ground and she was trying to hide it from me :) She's so ornery!

This looks really sweet, but she's actually trying to push him off the rock :)

Sweet girl <3

I can't wait to get this one printed! One of my favorite pictures of her!

Most of our days were spent going downtown for lunch and shopping and of course lots of time was spent at the pool.

My loves <3

All of the homes downtown looked similar to this. They are adorable and all of them have beautiful flowers. 

Enjoying her very big slice of pizza!

My whole world in a picture.

Hiking to the gondola station.

Love this one!

The pool was definitely their favorite part of the entire vacation!


She really took to the water while we were there!

Kennedy had her mind set on seeing a waterfall while we were there. There was one visible in the distance from downtown, but one day we loaded up and set out to get a closer look!

Bridal Veil Falls

This is the one visible from downtown...barely :)

She was so excited to finally see one! Notice her Chaco sandals that we bought specifically for this. She's not crazy about them, but I think they're adorable :)

That's a pretty good overview of the few days we spent there. We all had a wonderful time and we look forward to returning one day! Maybe during ski season???  I'll have part 3 up soon. It will cover something special that my big girl and I did :)