At our first scenic overlook, we weren't able to actually make it to the water but we were able to take in some amazing views!
At our second scenic overlook, however, we WERE able to walk to the water but it was a tiny path going down a pretty steep hill so it took some work and even then we were only able to reach down and touch the cool mountain water with our hands. Awesome...but we had to keep looking for an even better water wading location.
Once we actually drove into the National Park area we pulled over to look at our map and decide the best route. Little did we know that we were right around the corner from some amazing views and even better land to explore! I'm excited just looking back at these pictures! What an exciting day!
When we rounded the curve in the mountain road we were driving, it was obvious we would pull over and hike around the area ahead of us. The mountain stream cut right trough the valley below us, a herd of animals roamed free and the mountain views were the best yet! We couldn't wait to get out of the car!
Surprisingly, the animals weren't afraid of us AT ALL!! They must be so used to visitors (and the protected National Park they live in...) that they didn't mind us walking almost right up to them! I think we could have gotten even closer then this but since it was my boys creeping closer and closer I was a cautious mommy and stayed back at least a little bit.
Wow! What a view!
We just couldn't help ourselves any longer and slipped out of our socks and shoes to wet our toes in the cold mountain water! It was refreshing but it was COLD!!!! Not so cold that we couldn't stay in but pretty cold! We spent quite some time in the water. Maddox tossed rocks, Ash dipped his toes in the water from the rocks and us grown-ups took in the scenery and the moment. So beautiful!
I love making memories with my best friend.
It was hard to tear ourselves away, but after leaving the mountain stream area we kept driving up the mountain until we came to a hiking trail. It was VERY busy but we couldn't resist.
Maddox kept saying ALL DAY that he wanted to "climb the mountain". I'm not sure what he was expecting but luckily we were able to pass off this very large rocky area right off of the hiking trail as a "mountain" and told him he could climb away! Ha! He was happy with that and very proud of himself for conquering the climb!
After our time in the mountains, we had to make our way back to Fort Collins to visit Uncle Nate, Aunt Dana and our new little cousin Evie! After cleaning up and changing clothes, we went to Evie's house. It took awhile but the boys finally worked up the courage to hold Evie. She was getting a bit hungry so was a little cranky but the boys did a great job caring for her! I'm amazed, with all the new babies in our family this year, at how wonderful my boys have been with them. They are both very caring, gentle and loving to all their new cousins! It makes me happy to see them bonding and loving on their cousins! They will forever be the oldest of the cousins and I think they are already taking their role very seriously.
After dinner that evening, Uncle Nathan, Aunt Dana and us and our kids walked into downtown Fort Collins to get some ice cream. After sitting outside and eating our ice cream snack Aunt Dana suggested taking the kids over to the water feature in the center of downtown and letting them get wet! Sure, they were in their clothes but it sounded like a great idea to me! I love these kinds of childhood moments and memories! The boys had a BLAST running through the water but once they were done they were super cold and we had to head back to our hotel pretty quick...
I think our first full day in Colorado wore us out. After showers, the boys went to Noni and Papa's room to watch a movie and before I knew it Brandon was OUT COLD!! I guess we better rest up for another full day tomorrow.
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