Part 7: Garden of the Gods (Finale!)

Mallory, Casey, Mom and Dad flew home a day early, so our last day was spent with cousins Maggie and Sam, plus Matt and Kristin of course.  We started at Cave of the Winds, enjoying the numerous rides and activities then drove to Garden of the Gods for a little rock climbing.  

We had such an amazing trip with family.  Ryan and I commented multiple times how we barely saw Lily the entire week, and how much she thrived and grew up surrounded by cousins and family.  It truly does take a village to raise a child, and we are beyond thankful for spending time with a portion of our village this summer.  Thank you for all making such an effort to get the entire family together.  Shall we make it an annual event? :)

Part 6: Pikes Peak

After a ladies day at the spa celebrating Kristin's birthday, we met up with the boys for the Cog Train up Pikes Peak.  The ride was a bit longer (and boring!) than we remembered, but the views and scenery were amazing.  I panicked a bit near the edge of the mountain, so spent much of our time at the top inside shopping with Lily.  

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.