Now, the part that you have all been waiting for...tales from our EPIC family vacation to Colorado...or pictures...probably more for the pictures. :) I must start off by thanking our gracious hosts, Jeremy, Laura, Caleb, Kelsey, Shaun, Kyle Stephanie and Titus, and the Colorado Foleys. Thank you to all of you who took time out of your busy schedules to show us around Denver, suggest sights, cook a meal, etc. It meant so much to us to spend the time with all of you and it truly made our trip special! Rather than recap every small detail of the trip and bore you all to tears...I will simply recap the highlights...-The drive: this was the part that we dreaded the most. 12 hours in a car with an almost 2 year old?!? Taking a risk, we left Cedar Rapids at 8pm with a plan to trudge through the night. What a happy surprise when Vinnie was out by 9pm with only a few brief wake-ups as we stopped for gas or to switch drivers. Jon and I were both surprised by how easily we were able to trudge through our driving stints...4 hours hear and 2 hours there. We arrived to Denver tired, but content and happy to have saved time and sanity. The drive back to Iowa wasn't as easy, as can be expected...we were tired from our trip and all our exciting adventures, and we were sad to be leaving. Time doing laundry and unpacking is not as motivating and enticing as a week in the Rockies.
- "Cay-bay" (and his parents too): Meeting Mr. Caleb Edwin Keimig was the driving force of our trip. Born in April, we have only been able to enjoy Caleb through pictures, and one not so successful Skyping attempt. From the moment we arrived we were able to enjoy Caleb, especially Vinnie. Dubbed "Cay-bay" from the moment he first layed eyes on his first boy cousin, Vinnie was in love. He enjoyed laying on the floor with Caleb, reading books with Caleb, making faces with Caleb, and often times trying to interrupt feedings for Caleb (sorry Laura). Most days, he would rise from his pack and play and utter "Cay-bay" as he pointed for the door, ready to start another day with his sweet baby cousin. It was such a treat for Jon and I to watch him with the baby, sharing hugs and kisses and so in love. We know that, when the time is right, a little baby sibling will be loved and welcomed by Vinnie.
- Lunch with Kyle, Stephanie, and Titus: A complete surprise of our trip, Sunday afternoon, we were able to meet up more family. Having spent the weekend camping, Kyle, Stephanie, and Titus meet us for lunch just outside of Denver. Vinnie and Titus had a blast, squeeling, laughing and running around the restaurant.
-Time with Aunts and Uncles: Vinnie is blessed with some great Aunts and Uncles, and this trip provided an opportunity to spend some quality time with all of them. While Jon and I spent an evening out (crossing an item off of both of our bucket lists...more on that later), Vinnie got to spend a whole night, Mom and Dad free with his Aunts and Uncles, and it sounds like he had a blast reading books, playing with puppies, playing hockey, etc. Throughout our time in Denver Vinnie (and his parents too) enjoyed every bit of time with all of you. We cannot thank each of you enough for the time that you shared with us. We have the sweetest memories that will last a lifetime and we cannot wait for our next trip.
-Keystone: Thanks to a great Groupon deal, we spent several days at an awesome resort in Keystone, up in the mountains. The resort surrounded a lake and had gorgeous views of the mountains. Each morning we ate breakfast surrounded by breathtaking views and each night we read and enjoyed time on our personal patio, again surrounded by breathtaking views. We never became accustomed to the beauty that surrounded us. Each time we left the hotel, having spent brief time indoors, I remember being struck by the beauty just out the door as we walked to our car.
-Biking in Dillon: This was Jon's idea...one that I was EXTREMELY leery of. I had not been on a bike in probably 15 years. You know what they say about riding a bike...well for me it wasn't quite the case. The "lady" bikes that the shop had available were not made for the average lady, and I could not figure out how to get on the bike and get going as it was just too high off the ground. Desparately trying to make this adventure work, Jon suggested I try a kids bike, and while those working at the shop thought he was crazy, we gave it a try, and it actually worked. (I'm not really sure what "kid" could successfully ride this bike as this too was rather large). With Vinnie attached to the back of Jon's bike, squeeling with delight, we set out for the trail which went around the beautiful Lake Dillon, and enjoyed some of the most beautiful views of our trip. Jon was right...it was a must, and despite a little pain for the next few days (someone needs to work on making bike seats larger and softer), we were very happy we did it!
-DUCKIES: Vinnie had more than his fill of the animal that is currently his favorite. From the petting zoo just outside of Denver, to the Keystone resort in the mountains, Vinnie got to chase, quack with, and feed duckies day in and day out on this vacation. - Local Brews and beverages: We enjoyed the sampling beer from several local breweries in our time in Colorado, and while I'm sure Jon wishes we had sampled more, we were pleased with what we discovered. The Dillon Dam Brewery and Tommyknockers both provide some excellent beverages! I also enjoyed a blackberry mojito at a wonderful Keystone restaurant.
So...was it a great trip?!? To say the least. We so enjoyed the time with family, and the brief escape from the reality of our lives in Iowa. We are already talking about making a trip back. Thank you family and thank you Colorado...it was a perfect family vacation!
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