We took advantage of the free weekend for any national park at Rocky Mountain National Park. We have lived here nearly 5 years and this was the first time we made it there. We left early in the morning. Even though we fed them breakfast and had plenty of snacks in the car, both kids insisted on going to McDonald's in Estes Park. They were a little disappointed that it was too early for kid's meals, but settled on the ridiculously messy cinnamon rolls.
We were surprised that the park was not very crowded, considering it was a free day. (We have spent hours in bumper to bumper traffic in both Yellowstone and Smoky Mountain National Parks.) We were lucky enough to find a parking spot at Bear Lake. This was the perfect "hike" for my kids. Minimum elevation changes and plenty of rocks to throw into the water. The trail was very busy, but the scenery was spectacular!
Haden found an ant bed that he wanted to torment. We had to pull him away as the ants were climbing up his feet and ankles.
Next, we rode the shuttle bus to the Alberta Falls trail head, just down the road. Haden loved the bus and immediately ran to the back. The rest of us were sitting in the middle of the bus and Haden insisted on staying in the back even though the bus filled up and he was surrounded by strangers.
There was more complaining on the hike to the waterfall. Regan & Haden just wanted to throw rocks into the river, preferably causing a big enough splash that Clint got wet. Lila was perfectly content to sleep through everything in her sling. She is such a good baby!
We had the choice of crossing the river on rocks or using the bridge. Lila and I used the bridge while Regan insisted that everyone else take the rocks. She was so proud of herself for crossing with no help and not falling in!
The waterfall was impressive, considering it was late summer. I was nervous the kids were going to fall off the rocks, but they both seemed to have inherited Clint's sure-footedness.
On the way back home, we stopped at Estes Lake. Regan and I had seen these bikes online and she really wanted to ride one. Despite the wind picking up and dark clouds rolling in, we all loaded on the bike and headed off down the trail. These bikes are definitely not made for going up any kind of a hill! It was quite a workout for Clint and me! We pedaled past the golf course where a herd of elk was grazing. I don't think I will ever get used to seeing those huge animals roaming all over town, but both kids seemed unimpressed. I guess we have gone to the zoo too much!
Haden kept reaching around and grabbing the brake. Next time we need to find a bike where the kids can pedal too!
We took advantage of the free weekend for any national park at Rocky Mountain National Park. We have lived here nearly 5 years and this was the first time we made it there. We left early in the morning. Even though we fed them breakfast and had plenty of snacks in the car, both kids insisted on going to McDonald's in Estes Park. They were a little disappointed that it was too early for kid's meals, but settled on the ridiculously messy cinnamon rolls.
We were surprised that the park was not very crowded, considering it was a free day. (We have spent hours in bumper to bumper traffic in both Yellowstone and Smoky Mountain National Parks.) We were lucky enough to find a parking spot at Bear Lake. This was the perfect "hike" for my kids. Minimum elevation changes and plenty of rocks to throw into the water. The trail was very busy, but the scenery was spectacular!
Haden found an ant bed that he wanted to torment. We had to pull him away as the ants were climbing up his feet and ankles.
Next, we rode the shuttle bus to the Alberta Falls trail head, just down the road. Haden loved the bus and immediately ran to the back. The rest of us were sitting in the middle of the bus and Haden insisted on staying in the back even though the bus filled up and he was surrounded by strangers.
There was more complaining on the hike to the waterfall. Regan & Haden just wanted to throw rocks into the river, preferably causing a big enough splash that Clint got wet. Lila was perfectly content to sleep through everything in her sling. She is such a good baby!
We had the choice of crossing the river on rocks or using the bridge. Lila and I used the bridge while Regan insisted that everyone else take the rocks. She was so proud of herself for crossing with no help and not falling in!
The waterfall was impressive, considering it was late summer. I was nervous the kids were going to fall off the rocks, but they both seemed to have inherited Clint's sure-footedness.
On the way back home, we stopped at Estes Lake. Regan and I had seen these bikes online and she really wanted to ride one. Despite the wind picking up and dark clouds rolling in, we all loaded on the bike and headed off down the trail. These bikes are definitely not made for going up any kind of a hill! It was quite a workout for Clint and me! We pedaled past the golf course where a herd of elk was grazing. I don't think I will ever get used to seeing those huge animals roaming all over town, but both kids seemed unimpressed. I guess we have gone to the zoo too much!
Haden kept reaching around and grabbing the brake. Next time we need to find a bike where the kids can pedal too!
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