Memorial Day Weekend ~ Rocky Mountain High Colorado!

Back over the Memorial Day weekend at the end of May, Dave and I had the opportunity to make a 4-day trip out to Denver to visit Jill, Ryan, Caitlin, and Caleb. This time our trip was filled with lots of sunshine and beautiful weather. We actually had a day where it was in the 90s, but we didn't mind as there was absolutely no humidity! For us, the dry heat is far more tolerable.

This trip was relaxing. We had told Jill we did not want to plan anything~ we just wanted to enjoy THEM. We got our wish. It was a wonderful visit and we thoroughly enjoyed our cute grandkids!

The pictures I am posting are in no specific order.

Caleb and his turtle friend

Me standing in front of their house. They were going to be getting their new roof the day we left to return home. Jill has been working hard in their yard, both front and back, and has it looking wonderful. I loved all the pretty purple flowers. She and I both love purple. :)
More of the house

This was the little Kia Soul we rented for our visit. The current commercials have hamsters driving it, so it was lovingly referred to as the "Hamstermobile". The kids loved it. It wasn't too bad of a little car at all. Not sure I'd ever buy one, but it was fun for the few days we had it.

One day we headed up to the mountains to take a train ride. It was colder than we had thought it would be, but it was beautiful! I loved the new light green growth on the trees.

Notice the elevation - 9178 feet! We were very careful to drink lots of water to avoid altitude sickness. Unfortunately, Dave ended up sick from the altitude on the last day of our visit.

A view of our train as it departed after dropping us off at the mine area.

Here is the Lebanon tunnel to the silver mine. The tour was quite interesting and Caitlin was definitely listening as proven by her perfect answers to all the trivia questions regarding the mine that I could think of!

Inside the mine it was cold!Caitlin got to participate in the demonstration on how the silver was mined and the method in which those miners used to get to the silver.The outbuildings from the mine. It was so beautiful!

The steam train that crossed our paths

Enjoying our ride.

A cute picture of Jill and Caleb

A picture of the motley crew. We hauled a wonderful picnic lunch that we enjoyed on the train. Jill knows just what to bring!

We had the opportunity to visit the soul food BBQ restaurant that Ryan manages. Unfortunately, he had to work while we were out there, but we enjoyed one nice afternoon with him and a visit to his restaurant. He treated us to a variety of ribs--beef, pork (baby back and St. Louis style), bison, and the beef brisquet. It was all so delicious!

Sadly, the only picture I got of Ryan is in the center of this photo ~ pitiful, huh. The day we spent with Ryan we walked around the outdoor mall and I had forgotten my camera at the house.

A picture of the roses on Jill's porch--they were beautiful!

Grandpa and the kids

Playing nerf football - can you see the ball. We also played a lot of ping pong with the set on that coffee table.

We had fun watching the kids play on the water slide in the back yard.

On Saturday we all went to Lowe's so the kids could attend the builder's workshop. They each built a car. It was fun watching them (and mom and grandpa) work away at assembling, hammering, and decorating. They turned out cute!Caitlin showing off her car

Caleb showing off his work!

Oh, and just a word of advice, don't try to buy a snowblower at the end of May! :)

Thanks Jill, Ryan, Caitlin, and Caleb, we had a wonderful time! Next time we'll try not to visit when Ryan is busiest at work!

We love you guys!