Off To The Rocky Mountain National Park

After church on Sunday morning, we headed off to a visit to the Rocky Mountain National Park.  We had a million layers with us, ready for anything.  Trail Ridge Road was not open yet, so we could only get as high as Rainbow Curve, which we were told was very busy.  But, we headed off to find some fun anyway.  After a visit to the Fall River Visitor Center, we headed to hike at Alluvial Fan, which is a small water fall with lots of rocks to climb on.  From there we headed up Trail Ridge Road to see how far we could get.  We quickly found snow, then snow drifts, then snow higher than our car ... and finally turned around when we got near Rainbow Curve and the traffic was stopped.  Back to Estes Park for a walk around the town, eating an Elk Burger, and shopping.

 Driving up Trail Ridge Road

Just after we turned around, we took a picture of the Elevation ... 10,703 feet. Peoria is about 700 feet.

We stopped to admire the snow drifts and compare them with us.  Much bigger then we are.

Emily chasing Kristin with a snow ball.

We think these were taken from Many Parks Curve, Elevation 9,640.

More wildlife.  We have seen a number of baby elk.

This bull elk was in the town of Estes Park.

Climbing the rocks at Alluvial Fan.

Family picture at Alluvial Fan (there are water falls in the background).

Night One In Estes Park

Night one in Estes Park was eventful.  We checked into our hotel and then headed downtown to find some good food.  As soon as we got out of our vehicle, we spotted some Elk. So, we headed off to the golf course to view the Elk and get some great pictures.  Both Emily and Jenna thought they were way cool (and Dad too).  Then off for a walk along the creek to the shops and restaurants.  After lots of shopping, and some eating, we headed back to our hotel.  It was very overcast today, we couldn't really see the mountains.  On the way back, we noticed that the Elk were as tired as we were.  And, finally - what else should you do with a king size bed ... but put three little girls in it that are tired.

Vacation 2011 - Kearney, NE

Somewhere in the middle of Nebraska, we spotted The Great Platte River Road Archway and decided to stop.  This structure, which is over I-80, holds a small museum of the changes in travel since the pioneers headed west.  We got to experience the thunder of a buffalo stampede (6th picture), wander thru the hardships of life for those in a wagon train, see the building of the rail road, the building of the interstates with the housing from that period, to the modern day interstate ... which can be see out the windows at the end.   A nice walk on a beutiful day rounded out many hours in the car. 

Anna's Last Day of Second Grade

Time For A Road Trip To Colorado

Visit From Grandmother and Granddaddy

Just a few of the many pictures from our weekend with Grandmother and Granddaddy.