Extra Large Colorado Post

When you think of summer in Colorado, you probably think of mountains...cool weather...hiking. Here's what I think: Madeline slept through the night! Twice! And for this and many other reasons, the Lareaus had a fabulous time in CO, despite not getting too far off the beaten path. Someday we'll take the girls to climb some fourteeners, but that'll wait.

And after looking at these pictures, I should also mention that Meredith may be relinquishing her title of "World's Most Cautious Child." She did several downright risky things on this trip. Relatively speaking. If this trend holds, we'll pass the title on to Mary Wilhite--love ya Mary!

For starters, check out the swimming!


Now. On to the serious stuff. Okay, so you may not be aware of this, but the North Pole is actually in Colorado Springs. Oh yeah. And we went there. Santa's been there since 1956, and there are elves and rides and Alpine-ish log cabins and magic shows and dippin dots and...the world's tiniest roller coaster. This thing is wee. But what it lacks in size it makes up for in speed and whiplash. AND MEREDITH ROAD IT. AND LOVED IT. I swear, she's on the other side of me in this pic.


Here are Aunt Kayle and Meredith touching THE ACTUAL NORTH POLE. Pretty cool huh? Actually it is. It's made of ice and stays frozen year round. That elf on top is named Elmer.


When we're in Co Springs, we love to go to Green Mountain Falls for a picnic. It's up a little further in the mountains, it's gorgeous, and it's got a great playground. Here, Meredith tries the moving-balance-circle-thing with Granpa.


We had a rousing game of no-holds-barred-tackle-tag-baseball. Basically, we did whatever it took to keep the three year old interested in the game, cause team sports have not held a lot of interest for her thus far.

Nothin' like a little beach volleyball in the mountains. This is me displaying really poor volleyball form, but the ball went over and the Lareaus tied the Vickers, so all was well.


Again, not exactly the rough and tough, wilderness vacation in Colorado that you might envision. But hey, a day in the poolside cabana ain't so bad either.

Love to all in CO who made our trip so wonderful. We miss you already!