Destination…Colorado

We were blessed with a safe, fun get-away to Colorado over the girls' break from school after Christmas. In the mountains, you can't help but marvel at the gorgeous creation God gives us to enjoy. Our first days took up to Colorado Springs were we saw Pike's Peak, Garden of the Gods, a mountain drive to a ghost town called Crippled Creek and some night time dips in the outdoor hot tub.

No trip to Colorado Springs would ever be complete for three little girls who spend more time listening to Adventures in Odyssey than they'd like their parents to know about, without visiting Whit's End Soda Shop at the Focus on the Family Headquarters. This was one of those rare parenting moments when it's okay to have ice-cream for lunch.

The drive from Colorado Springs to Grand Junction was breath-taking! From there, Derrick, Madison & Breanne hit the ski slopes while Aliya and mom swam and shopped (make sure everything starts with "s.") The following day we dared to see as much of Arches National Park in Utah as one family of five possibly could in just eight day light hours. Don't stop for lunch…eat while you drive and sight-see. Multi-tasking to a whole new level.

 There was much kissing opportunity for mom and dad while the kids watched from below where our dangerous rock scaling took us below Double Arch.

The 3-mile hike to the famous Delicate Arch was just perfect on a warmish winter day.

 The sunset was absolutely fantastic…this shot doesn't do it justice, but we recall it. Such a big day meant another day of "sitting," swimming and shopping for mom and Aliya while the rest of the family hit the ski slopes. (Breanne is smitten with snow-skiing!) Mom and Dad DeWilde also drove in mid-week and we enjoyed time with them and got to attend Derrick's cousin's wedding.

All this reflection leads me to recall that there is much of Utah left to be explored, but alas that will have to be another trip, another time.