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Wednesday, July 22, 2015

Roadfessionals Recap - Part One - Days 1-3

We're home and are coming down off of our "vacation high".  It's always so surreal to me when I walk back into the house and it kind of feels like we never left :)  

I took way too many pictures of our trip and so I'm going to divide the trip into several posts.  Today I'm going to share our travel day(s) and first full day in Colorado!

We loaded up last Tuesday afternoon when Dave got done at work (around 4:00) and I was cracking up at my babies filing out the front door carrying their blankets and pillows.  They're my kind of travelers.


Loaded up and ready to go!


This girl got fidgety and the only cure... mommy's hands. ;)


We drove from McKinney to Amarillo (the panhandle of Texas) and arrived at our hotel around 11:00 p.m.


The kids had all been asleep in the car, but when we got to the hotel they were ready to jump and play.  Awesome.  They finally settled into bed a little after midnight.  Oi.


This boy loves the blardigan as much as his mama.  #travelstaple



We were up and at 'em early on Wednesday morning and we stopped by Cadillac Ranch on our way out of Amarillo.




If you have no clue what Cadillac Ranch is, it's is a public art installation and sculpture that was created in 1974 by Chip Lord,Hudson Marquez and Doug Michels, who were a part of the art group Ant Farm. It consists of what were (when originally installed during 1974) either older running used or junk Cadillac automobiles, representing a number of evolutions of the car line (most notably the birth and death of the defining feature of mid twentieth century Cadillacs: the tailfins) from 1949 to 1963, half-buried nose-first in the ground, at an angle corresponding to that of the Great Pyramid of Giza in Egypt. (Thanks, Wikipedia) :)


I attempted to set up the self timer on my phone to grab a quick family picture and snapped this pic of Griffin running around with a used firecracker.  #awesome



We didn't bring any spray paint, but next time we'll be more prepared to leave our mark.


The boys had fun putting Chloe (if you don't know who Chloe is, click HERE to read about her) on the cars and snapping pictures.


Can you spy Chloe??? :)



We didn't paint this, but it was super convenient :)



We hit the road again through West Texas and into New Mexico...


The boys colored, watched movies and played on their Kindles and this girl jabbered and sang :)


We made it to Colorado around lunch time and stopped to take the obligatory welcome sign picture :)


A sheriff was actually taking a picture as well and offered to take a family one for us.  :)


And Chloe needed a picture as well...


We stopped for lunch and a leg stretch...




.... and then naps for everyone! (well, except for Dave. hahaha)

Through Colorado Springs we hit a thunderstorm and that's my awesome hubby walking back to the car with Starbucks for me.  #hesthebest


Then we hit a rough patch.  Lots of traffic and lots of tears and restlessness from sweet girl.


We found a little community park and let the littles loose :)




A short walk did all of our spirits good!



After a jumping jack session we were back on the road.


We made it to Golden, Colorado and stopped for groceries.  We got out of the car and it was about 50 degrees outside.  We got our second wind and were ready for the final leg!


We started to see mountains and everyone was getting excited!


We FINALLY pulled into our townhouse in Vail and grabbed a quick dinner and then had lots of exploring time.  There were 5 half flights of stairs and the kids had the best time!


We ate, changed into PJs and then sat outside and enjoyed the porch.  And exhale.


Thursday morning we went to Vail Village and headed to the pirate ship playground.


We were LOVING the brisk morning!






We'd been at Vail Village about 4 minutes when I decided I wanted to move in :)




The excitement was palpable!!!



All three of my kids LOVE dogs and NEVER pass up an opportunity to ask if they can pet :)


 




Griffin will swing for HOURS!!!



There was this great area in the creek with a grassy spot on the other side and Luke watched some kids cross the frigid creek and I could tell he was contemplating...


... and then he was off!


Mason wanted to cross sooooooo badly, but couldn't make himself do it.  So I did it with him :)



And of course, sister bear wanted to get her toes wet too.



Chloe played as well...








I'm telling you... we met every dog in Vail :)

We stopped for pizza (a common theme on this trip)...



... and then we took the trail along the creek up to the amphitheater and park.





Typical... Griffin finishing my tea, Mason taking a picture of Luke's hiney :) hahahaha




Luke took the camera and...






We made a pit stop on the way back down the trail to cool off and stick our toes in the water.


We threw rocks, watched birds and Mason drank from the creek... because he's Mason.



Like any good hike we ended it with ice cream.




After a short rest back at the townhouse we decided to explore the property right outside our back door...





We scootered over to the recreation center at the racquet club.


And kissed another puppy along the way :)

The house we were staying in was connected to the main racquet club area with this great bridge.



We checked out the pool area and decided we couldn't pass up the chance to swim so we walked back home, got changed and then walked back again :)



The water was WAY too cold for our Texas bodies so we hung out in the hot tub for a bit and then headed back home for baths and then dinner on the porch.




We were exhausted and all headed to bed early.  With the windows open :)  

PS -This post contained affiliate links, which means that if you click on a link and purchase an item, I may receive a small commission.  THANK YOU!!!

59 comments :

  1. Your trip looks like heaven! I am a mountains girl so this trip is my cup of tea :) Love that y'all could sleep with the windows open!

    Lauren
    www.postgradinprogress.blogspot.com

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    1. Is there anything better than waking up nice and cozy in a cold room?!?!? :)

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  2. My goodness you got some great pictures! I feel like this was THE PERFECT trip for your family!

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  3. You know I love me some summer but that weather (and your fall clothes) looks amazing! In so glad you guys had a great trip!!

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  4. It looks like such a great trip, I definitely would love to visit, LOVE the mountains!

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  5. So. many. things. to. say. 1. I missed you so much!! 2. I'm so glad you're home! 3. I want to move to Vail with you. Let's do that!! 4. I love how many Starbucks cups are in this one post :). 5. Cutest pictures of your sweet kiddos at the park! 6. I want to stay in that condo too. 7. Seriously, I could go on for days...

    So glad you had fun! I love, love, love vacation pics!!

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    1. 1) I missed you too!
      2) Nothing better than my own bed
      3) Let's start looking for houses
      4) You can never have enough
      5) Agreed :) hahaha
      6) Lets
      7) Love you!

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  6. Gosh, Colorado is so beautiful!! You guys had such a fun time!!! We are glad to have you home though!!

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  7. Looks like an awesome trip! We live in Florida so any vacation in cool weather is right up our alley! How do you guys do hotel room situations when you travel? Did your little girl sleep in a pack n play? Trying to get ideas for later in the year! :)

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    1. Hey! She slept in the hotel bed with me on our way there and in her own bunk bed at the townhouse we stayed in. I posted more details on my post from today (Friday)

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  8. So fun! I've never really thought of going to Colorado during the off-season, but your pictures make it look so enticing! I can't wait to see the rest of the trip : )

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    1. In my opinion, Colorado in the summer is better than the winter (unless, of course, your only goal is skiing). Aspen is beautiful in the summer, with loads of shopping and sightseeing. There are also a few "old west" towns with gambling and other activities. The roads to get there look a lot less formidable with no snow, too.

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    2. Driving in the snow FREAKS me out and we were looking to beat the heat so it was perfection :) I'd highly recommend making the trip in the summer

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    3. So so much to do in Colorado in the summer. Many many families vacation here in the summer.

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  9. What a great start to your road trip! You are making priceless memories with your family. I love that you are spending your vacation doing what kids love - playgrounds, family time, and walks to explore. Can't wait to see the rest of your vacation.

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    Replies
    1. The best part of the trip is seeing them enjoying themselves and so doing things for them was at the top of our list :)

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  10. Already looks like a great and relaxing vacation!! Love all the pics!

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  11. Where are the kids cozy blankets from? I think my baby boy might need one!

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  12. Colorado is so beautiful! I really want to visit Vail sometime, especially after seeing your sweet family enjoying time together there.

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    Replies
    1. It was seriously the best! Put it on your to-do-list for sure :)

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  13. Where is G's blanket from???

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  14. This looks SO beautiful!! I loved all of your pictures!! Adam has been wanting to take the kiddos oh wear, & this may have fully swayed me!

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  15. Nothing better than sleeping with the windows open

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  16. Now I want yo go yo Colorado! You have the sweetest little family!

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  17. Where did you stay? It all looks like perfection!

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    Replies
    1. It was part of the Vail Racquet Club... I posted about it in my Friday Favorites post this week :)

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  18. This looks like the BEST vacation... it actually looks like 'Vacation' if that makes sense. Doing what the kids love and not jam packed :) Can't wait to see the rest!

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    Replies
    1. We wanted it to be memorable and enjoyable for them so we tailored activities and such to their likes :) IT was the best!

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  19. What an awesome vacation!!! My family and I are already planning next summers vacation and this looks like the perfect place!! Could you please let me know the details about where you stayed? Thank you!!!

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    1. Hey, Shellie! I posted about it on my Friday FAvorites post today.... let me know if you need other details :)

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  20. Vail looks like such a beautiful, kid-friendly place to visit!!
    Can't wait to see the rest of the photos :)

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  21. I've never heard of a Cadillac Ranch, very cool! Looks like y'all had an awesome trip :)

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    Replies
    1. Thanks, Robyn! Cadillac Ranch is definitely something to see!

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  22. Your car did not look jam packed like ours always does on trips. Well done!

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    1. Probably because you can't see all the junk on the floor :) Plus we bought a roof bag where we kept all of our duffel bags :)

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  23. Vail is incredibly picturesque! All of those pictures with scenery look like they could be computer screensavers! Glad y'all had fun :)

    - T

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    1. Isn't it?!?! Every view was amazing. We were laughing because even at the grocery store parking lot the view was awesome.

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  24. Too many things to comment on!! This taste of fall is a tease in the middle of summer. I bet your kiddos slept GREAT after all that walking and stairs! Your kids look just like me traveling, blanket and pillow are a must. So fun!

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    Replies
    1. They slept GREAT all week!!! All that fresh air and outside time was great for them!

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  25. This is unrelated, but a while ago you posted about a floral print cover up from the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale that you were planning to wear as a dress. Did you ever end up buying that? Just wondering because I wanted to see if it works for you/how you styled it. I ordered it as well, but I'm thinking that it's just too HUGE and rectangular. I wanted to love it though... I think it looks okay with a denim jacket, but yeah, I wanted to see if/how you wore it to get some ideas!

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    1. EEEK! I bought it and checked "instore pickup" and then when I went to pick it up they didn' thave it in the store (aaaah!) and they had to cancel my order. I was going to reorder and totally forgot! Send me a picture of it on and I'll make some suggestions :)

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  26. Great pictures!!! I wish Texas pools had that view behind it :)

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  27. Beautiful family and wonderful fun. We spend summers in steamboat springs from Texas and love it.

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  28. Gosh what a gorgeous place. I completely agree with you - I'd want to live there too :)
    Awesome vacation :)

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    Replies
    1. I just need to find a way to transplant my life here to Vail :)

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  29. Late to this post, but I have a quick question as we are flying to that area from the east coast in a few weeks. As far as packing - did you mostly stick to t-shirts and shorts and jeans and sweatshirts? That is pretty much my plan... and throw in a few play dresses for the girls.

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