Part 5: Horseback riding vs Santa's workshop

Maggie's #1 request was to go for a horseback trail ride.  Auntie M was happy to comply and Kristin decided to be brave for Maggie, ha.  They loved their two hours exploring Garden of the Gods!  

William and Lily REALLY wanted to join in the fun but were a little too young, so off to Santa's workshop Nanny and I went.  It's just as sketchy and random as I remember, but the kids had a blast...

(The boys enjoyed a men's day golfing!)

Part 4: Arcade in Manitou Springs

A must-not miss spot with children is the huge arcade in downtown Manitou Springs.  The boys played games with the kids for an hour while the ladies relaxed.  Maybe that's why I recommend it...because I didn't actually have to be inside the craziness, ha! 

Part 3: Hiking

We all took advantage of the gorgeous scenery with hiking through the mountains.  Maggie was amazing and hiked the entire Thomas trail with Matt, Mallory, Casey and Ryan.   A few days later, Lily and I went for an adventure up to Crystal Falls.  She was in a dress, with a broken arm, chatting the entire way.   Love those two girls!

Part 2: Green Mountain Falls

We arrived in Green Mountain Falls just in time to celebrate Kristin's birthday at the local bar & grill.  The town was our home base for the week - huge breakfasts at the Pantry, s'mores and great conversation around the fire pit, morning coffee and afternoon happy hours on the front porch.  Matt's family stayed in the original cabin we visited as children, while the rest of us were at the Outlook Lodge.

Roadtrip, part 1

The first week of August, we were off!  The destination: Green Mountain Falls, CO where we used to visit with my grandparents, Mema and Bobby, every summer.  Saylor family vacation, here we come!

We broke up the 13+ hour road trip with a few stops along the way.  First up, Moab UT and Arches National Park.  We drove through the park quickly and got out for a quick hike, before hopping back into the car to make it to Grand Junction, CO for the night.  Definitely not long enough in Arches, and we'd love to visit again.  

Saturday morning, a quick stop in Vail for lunch with Ryan's college friend, Mark, his wife and baby boy.  We loved catching up with the Dean's!  

Next, our destination for the week....Green Mountain Falls, CO