A Camping We Will Go!

Since moving to Colorado, we haven't done much adventuring. I think between Benson's busy business, keeping up with the two little ones, and attending the three older kids' games on Saturdays, we just haven't really gone out and done much on the weekends. So we tried to make up for it all in one month!
Labor day weekend, we drove to Estes Park. First we had to stop at a candy shop and get some white chocolate, macadamia nut toffee and snicker bar candy apples, mmhmm, can I say amazing! Then we started on the scenic drive. First, we stopped at a flood plain and hiked along the rocks that had fallen in the flood, and enjoyed the pretty waterfall that remained, until a sudden storm came in and we dashed to the car to escape the rain and wind. -

Next, we drove the Old Fall River road, which is a one-way dirt road up to the top of the mountains. Before the early 1930's, this was the only road up the pass, and now it is only open from June through September. It was a beautiful drive and was not crowded (which is rare for Colorado nature). The rain pretty much let up, so we pulled over to hike down to a waterfall. Ashlynn was the only kiddo that wanted to hike down - which she may have later regretted=).

Ashy, drenched, from slipping off the wet rocks into the cold water.

Nothing beats climbing around on a bunch of rocks!

We Also drove along Trail Ridge road which is the highest paved road in the US reaching the height of 12,183ft. It was pretty amazing to be driving above timberline.

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The next weekend, we decided to camp in the mountains above the town of Empire, where Benson takes care of their water. Earlier that week, Benson and an employee had been 4-wheeling in the area and had found a remote campsite that looked great. The only problem, you had to 4wheel in 2 miles to get to it. Well, not a problem for Benson - that man can move mountains! Between our two 4wheelers, we loaded up our 5 kiddos, all our camping gear, oh, and us, the drivers, and up we went! We rode 4wheelers, explored abandoned cabins and swings, scarfed down tin foil dinners and smores, sang campfire songs, and tossed and turned while the kids slept. The next morning, we loaded everything and everyone up and were pretty impressed with ourselves as we made it down with everything in ONE trip! On the way to our car, we passed about 9 jeeps 4bying, who apparently were impressed as well, because they stopped and took pictures of us as they drove by. On the way home, we stopped by at the Sweet Shop in Empire and tried out their extra thick shakes, Mmmm Mmmm!

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The next weekend, some friends invited us and a bunch of other families from our ward to go camping- Thanks Kristy! This time we took it easy and drove right to the campsite. All the kids played and rode 4wheelers while the adults hung out and talked. It was a blast! I think Peyton's favorite part about camping is getting to pee on the trees. In fact, he thought it was so cool that he decided to try it in our backyard as well=).

Peyton, driving a four wheeler w/one hand, his girl, Kate on the back, and his favorite stuffed animal, Chloe in his other hand.

Look at all those girls! There were boys too, we just couldn't get them off the 4 wheelers.