Traveling Home from Colorado

Well, as they say, all good things must come to an end.  We returned to Guatemala after one of the most incredibly amazing vacations we have ever taken. Everything about it was phenomenal! I wish we could back up and do it all over again! I doubt there is anything I’d change or do differently. It was perfect, timely, and everything I hoped it would be. We were all a little sad to leave that stunning state. The beauty there was just indescribable! Colorado will always hold a special place in our hearts!!! It was the best vacation ever! 

On our last full day there we enjoyed a slow morning and took our time checking out of the hotel in Colorado Springs. We drove from Colorado Springs back into Denver where we stayed overnight near the airport.  We enjoyed lunch at Raising Cane's, made another visit to Bass Pro Shop, went to Wal-Mart, had our final supper at Chipotle, and then tried our best to get a good night's rest.  Here are a few photos I took before we left. 

 

We love Turo and had another wonderful experience with them.  Turo is a car-sharing marketplace where private car owners rent out their vehicles to individuals. It's often described as the "Airbnb for cars".  On this particular trip we had a Jeep Cherokee and absolutely loved it! The car was waiting for us as the airport, and we dropped it back off at the airport.  It was quick, easy, and convenient. We have used Turo multiple times over the years and never had an issue.  Check them out for your car rental needs. 

 

We passed this road sign on the drive to Denver from Colorado Springs.  We are definitely looking forward to our time in Mississippi later this month. 

 

sunset mountain view from our hotel in Denver 

 

snow mountain view on the drive to the airport  

 

dropping off our car at the Denver airport 

 

 

I saw this sticker on another car parked at the airport and smiled. I am already researching our next national park trip. 

 

 

leaving the Denver airport 

 

flying over the Rocky Mountains 

 

view of the Rocky Mountains from the plane 

 

View of Los Angeles as we landed.

 

View of the freeway in Los Angeles as we landed.

 

We flew into Guatemala later that night.  It was around 11:00 pm by the time we got to our house.  We were completely exhausted but also completely filled with many wonderful memories that will last us a lifetime.  It really was the best vacation I think we will ever take as a family because I'm not sure we'll ever be able to top this one.  

Cruz's 15th Birthday Part 2- Focus on the Family, Air Soft Shooting Range, Climbing Gym, & In N Out Burgers

After spending the morning at Pikes Peak, we stopped for lunch at Chipotle.  Along with In-N-Out, it was another request of his for this trip.  We had never eaten at one before and we loved it.

 

birthday lunch at Chipotle in Colorado Springs 

 

Next, we visited Focus on the Family.  It was the first place I researched when I realized we would be visiting Colorado Springs.  I have always wanted to go there!! 

 

 

I was a little teary eyed when I walked in the door.  Focus on the Family has been such a blessing to me over the years.  I was so happy to be there! 

 

First we explored the kids area.  It is fabulous!!! 

 

They had a wonderful Elisabeth Elliot exhibit showcasing her life and ministry. 

 

my free gifts from the Elisabeth Elliot exhibit  

 

 

 

We loved the Narnia area.

 

 

 

 

We walked through the whole building and enjoyed seeing it all.  We also spent time in the book store before leaving.  

 

 

Focus on the Family in Colorado Springs 

 

Next, we visited Lock N Load for a few rounds of air soft shooting. 

 

 

 

 

 

Our next stop was at a climbing gym.  Both of my boys love climbing! We spent a few hours there. 

 

 

 

 

 

a video of their time at the climbing gym 

 

 

Cruz wanted Raising Cane's for his birthday supper, but it was closed because it was Memorial Day. Instead, he chose to go back to In-N-Out for a second night of burgers.  We really did like it!

 

Lastly, here are all of the badges and pins he collected on this trip.

Cruz's 15th Birthday Part 1- Pikes Peak

 How special to get to celebrate your 15th birthday in Colorado!  That is what Cruz got to do this year.  

 

We started the day with breakfast at the hotel.  There were no pancakes but that's ok.  We had done an early birthday pancake breakfast at home before we left for the trip. 

 

After eating, we drove to Pikes Peak.  We had an early morning pre-brought timed entry pass.   

 

When we checked in at the entrance, the worker informed us that the clouds were heavy and that we would most likely not be able to drive all the way to the top.  I was so bummed!! It is a nineteen mile drive to the summit.  We set out anyway with high hopes.

 

 

 

 

entering the national forest 

 

 

It did not take long before the clouds started to break and those beautiful blue sunny skies began to shine through.  I joked with the boys that if they ever doubted that God answered prayers, just remember how he answered mine and parted those clouds that day. 

 

The drive was spectacular! 

 

Along the way we saw a deer cross the road. 

 

 

 

 

 

We were so excited to see snow again.  Seeing and experiencing the snow on this trip was the overall highlight of the whole trip. It was by far our favorite thing.

 

You can see the road down below. 

 

 

 

There were so many twists and turns. 

 

 

arriving at the summit 

 

 

"America the Beautiful" was inspired by a trip to Pikes Peak back in 1893 by poet Katharine Lee Bates.

 

If you did not want to drive to the summit, you could ride the Pikes Peak Cog Railway.  We saw it at the top.  I'm sure it's fun, but we wanted to drive ourselves. 

 

view from the top 

 

our family at Pikes Peak 

 

We had read about the famous donuts at the Pikes Peak visitor's center and were eager to try them.  They get rave reviews, but we were not impressed.  Instead, we were quite disappointed.  We ate them, but would never buy them again. 

 

Pikes Peak donuts 

 

 

 

the birthday boy

What a beautiful place to spend your birthday!! 

 

 

 

 

 

 

snow wall on the drive down 

 

 

 

Because we had not climbed enough rocks already on this trip, we stopped on the drive down for more climbing. 

 

ice 

 

 

 

view on the drive back down 

 

leaving the national forest

As you can see the clouds were still heavy down below.

 

 

a video of our time at Pikes Peak

 

I'll share about the rest of Cruz's birthday next.  It was a fun day for all of us!