Family Moments: Papa and Grandma Lou Lou visit...Steamboat here we come!

Grandma Lou Lou and Papa came out for a long visit over the July 4th weekend and we had a blast! This is right outside "the farm" on the north side of Old Town. We got to introduce the grandparents to all of the animals that Jameson loves to visit on a regular basis.

Learning how to pump water at the farm.

A thirsty Ava.

A yummy lunch (and dessert!) in Old Town before we visited the farm.

Lots of time for nice evening strolls.

Great pool weather. This was papa's first time visiting Colorado in the summer and he was excited to experience it in its fullest :)

Chasing around water toys.

Working on his kicks...which need ongoing practice ;)

About a week before Grandma Lou Lou and Papa arrived, my mom and I were on the phone talking about things we might do while they were in town and we got the idea to head up to Steamboat for the 4th of July. Rob and I went up that same weekend years ago (as it's also our anniversary weekend) and had a great time. When I started looking at hotels, I got worried that our exciting plan wouldn't come to fruition since most places were all booked. But the power of a phone call (versus internet searching) landed us a great two-bedroom, two-bath vacation condo that could sleep all of us comfortably. With my parents agreeing to split the cost, we were a GO :) This picture was taken at a pull-off spot (i.e., potty break) as we drove through the Rocky Mountains and the Poudre Canyon from Fort Collins to Steamboat (approx. a 3.5 hour trip).

Exploring during our pull-off for a picnic lunch along the way to Steamboat.

Jameson could have played with sticks and rocks in that stream all day!

Who wants to use a table for a picnic in the mountains when you've got a blanket?!?!

I just love getting away into the mountains!!!!

Splash!

A proud boy and his stick.

While this field had yellow wild flowers, another field that we passed further up in elevation had yellow, pink, white and purple! I so badly wanted to take a picture and vowed to seize the opportunity on the way back home - but of course, we drove through rain on the way home :(

Ava loved the picnic stop and the smile on Rob's face...pretty priceless, too!

Yes! We have arrived. Now we're in downtown Steamboat walking along the Yampa River.

Jameson - excited to have found some more water to splash around in.

Me too!

I guess boys continue to be fascinated by sticks at any age...lol.

An early dinner out and as soon as it was time for the kids to leave, it was time for all of us to leave ;)

Super dark picture, but my parents surprised us with offering to watch the kids while Rob and I headed out for an anniversary dinner on the night of July 3rd. We had a delicious meal at a nice restaurant along the Yampa River complete with live entertainment...

Another dark picture (cell phone camera quality, ugh.). This was the entertainment and he was awesome (the man, the guitar, the laptop and the multiple drums at his feet)! It was such a treat and totally unexpected. He covered current hits like Ed Sherran and Jason Mraz while also covering classics like Van Morrison. The cherry on top was that he added a subtle reggae flair to all of it....totally up my alley and perfect for a summer night in the mountains!!!! When we finished our appetizers, dinner, dessert and wine we joined the dance floor :)

July 4th we drove up to Strawberry Park Natural Hot Springs. It was a very hot day and there were biting flies (in certain spots), but the drive up the mountain, miles on a dirt road and the experience made it worthwhile. They have three different pools of water varying in temperature and a creek at the bottom which Jameson spent all his time in (perfect for him!).

Happy baby in the shade.

Jameson and Papa.

Loving the stream which the pools flow into.

Steamboat's annual July 4th Rodeo! Rob and I also attended this years ago, but it was my dad's first rodeo and the kids' first rodeo. Jameson loved it!!!

Jameson is probably making a "wooo" sound.

A tired baby girl.

Good night rodeo. Off to watch fireworks from the car on the ride back to the condo and from the condo itself! Ava slept through them all. Jameson was super excited each time we were able to sneak a peek.


On Sunday, July 5th before heading out of town, we stopped and hiked a short distance (.25mi) to Fish Creek Falls (283ft. waterfall). It brought back wonderful memories of when Rob and I attempted to hike the entire trail (5mi each way, elevation gain 2,400ft). We got so close to the top but weren't prepared for stormy weather :( We had to cut it short and thought that we'd easily be able to do it again...hmm. I don't think we realized that children would put that plan on hold for a few years.