We loaded up the kids and headed out to Estes for some mountain air. We didn't go last year because I was too busy with work, but we made it out this year and also celebrated Mom's 70th birthday there! The drive through Big Thompson canyon made my heart swell. We hit it just right and the color that remained from autumn was surprising and stunning while the setting sun backlit the yellow aspen leaves while we marveled. We were following out Mom and Jon and they pulled over at the cherry cider shop. I ran to mom and we just held each other. We had tears because of the overwhelming beauty. How lucky we felt to be there-with each other. I love you so, my dear mother.
My brother came out for a few days with his family for the celebratory festivities. The weather was warm and sunny. Unseasonably so. The we got some unseasonably early snow, but it was gorgeous. We managed to get out to the park everyday. After the big snow (22inches) we went into the park and did some sledding on the old slopes. It was a perfect hill and we didn't have to share with anyone. We all pitched in to make a yummy meal that we took down to the dining room in the main lodge, again, this time of year it's like we own the entire place. We had a fire blazing and the kids could run around as we sat overlooking downtown Estes Park. Out for dinner to celebrate Mom's big 70, back to the lodge for cake and ice cream and some hot toddies. We did one long adventurous hike up into the mountains packing the kids through the snow. It was breathtaking. I left my cards at home and did not take one single photograph this trip. Sad. I hope I remember all of it.Oh! We also did a little sledding at the lodge where Beck and Marlowe loved seeing Mom and Dad pull their sleds through the parking lot all out of breath. I don't want to forget about that. Can't wait to see you next year Colorado! I miss the mountains already.
