Cabin Week

Dawson checking out a chipmunk

       I was not able to blog last week, because we spent an entire week at the cabin.  Joey first suggested a few months ago that we spend a week up there this summer.  My first thought was, "No way! What would we do for a week?" I started thinking about it more and more and decided that it might be a really good idea after all.  So, we planned to go for a week in July.  Ashlyn was so excited to spend an entire week up there.  We had a absolutely amazing time.  I can't tell you how great it felt to get away from everything for a week.  No phones, internet, etc.  We spent the week exploring nature, going on adventures, and enjoying one another's company.  I couldn't have asked for a better week.  I don't think we could have had more fun anywhere else.  Joey and I decided that we will be definitely making this a yearly vacation.  It's so simple, easy, and inexpensive, yet we made some wonderful memories to last a lifetime! We did a lot and took a lot of pictures.  Here are some of my favorites from the week.

Every morning, the kids would go down and feed the chipmunks.

They are so cute and love crawling all over you.

They loved feeding them.

   On Monday, we decided to go down to the hot springs to check out their water slide.  We have been to the hot springs several times, we have just never gone to the water slide part.  We are so glad we did! It was so neat up there.  The water slide was a lot of fun.  They had a bunch of different pools to play in.  Ashlyn had a great time showing her dad all the swimming skills she has been learning.  We didn't want to leave and can't wait to go back!

Ashlyn and me on the water slide

Dawson's pouty face because he was too little to ride.  Maybe next year buddy.

Joey and Ashlyn

Here is a picture of some of the pools.  The backdrop could not be any prettier.

     When we first picked the week to go, I didn't realize I would have a big 10k race that following weekend.  I ran a lot of miles before we went up, however I still had to get some runs in while we were up there.  It is a challenge for sure to run at 10,000 feet plus.  I figure it's great training.  The biggest challenge was the fact that a lot of bears have been spotted in that area and I was way too afraid to run alone.  Joey figured out way to ride on the ATV with both kids and follow me while I ran.  I know we were a sight to be seen.  You really don't see anyone running up there.  I loved all of my runs and I don't think I can say I have ever ran in a more beautiful spot before.  Breathtaking!

This is what I got to look at

Such amazing scenery

The kids ready to go on a ride

   On Tuesday, we took a day trip to Salida.  We have been there a few times, but have never really explored the town too much.  We started the day by having lunch at Amicas. I had heard from many people that it was a can't miss when in Salida.  We were all definitely impressed.  Joey and I split a salad and a pizza and it was wonderful.  I can't wait to go back there again!

Dawson eating pizza

They brew their own root beer, and Ashlyn and Joey loved it.

   After lunch, we decided to walk around the downtown area a bit.  They have some neat shops and it reminded me of Old Colorado City.  We found a toy store and the kids had fun looking around.  Dawson fell in love with this train table.  I think I have an idea for what to get him for Christmas.  Ashlyn ended up picking out some marbles and Dawson got a little truck that he hasn't stopped playing with since.

Train fun

I saw this neat wall in an alley and had to take a picture. 

 

 

 

 

 

   Next, we headed to the river walk area.  They have really added to the park and made it very neat.  They even added a climbing wall.  They have areas where you can wade in the river away from the current. Of course, Ashlyn insisted on getting in.  She somehow lost her balance and got very wet.  Luckily, we had some extra clothes in the car.  We had such a great time in Salida and I would highly recommend it to anyone in the area. 

Joey and Ashlyn by the river

Ashlyn climbing up the wall

Playing in the river

Right after she fell in the water.  She wasn't too happy. 

     After the river, we decided to head back towards Buena Vista.  We decided to stop by this really neat park they have there.  It has a huge playground and it's beautiful with lots of big trees.  The kids had a great time running around.

Dawson loved this tunnel to climb through

Going down the pole all by herself

    After the park, we headed to Joey's dad's house for dinner.  He makes amazing spaghetti and meatballs, and he cooked them for us that night.  They were wonderful!  We definitely left there very full!  While we were there, of course the kids got to go hang out with the horses.  They always have a great time.  After dinner, we headed back up to the cabin. 

Checking out the horses

Little cowboy

Pointing at something

Helping Papa feed the horses bread

What a little stud!  Riding the horse bareback.

Riding together

I love this picture

Too cute

Ashlyn helping her brother ride the tricyle

Beautiful girl

     The rest of the week was spent up at the cabin.  We did a lot of relaxing, riding, exploring, and feeding chipmunks.  We had so much fun!

Dawson really enjoyed the chipmunks.

Ashlyn feeding

They are pretty cute

One morning we took a long ride.  Since the cabin is by an old mining town, there is still a lot of evidence of what used to be there.  I'm not sure what this building once was.

One morning, as I headed out on my run, Ashlyn asked me if she could run with me.  I told her of course she could.  I didn't think she would make it too far with the high altitude.  I was amazed when she ran an entire mile with me! Go Ashlyn!!!

Daddy and Dawson

  One day, Joey and Ashlyn went down to a nearby fishing lake.  Ashlyn really wanted to go fishing again.  They had a great time, but they weren't able to catch anything. 

Look at her go!

Waiting around

She already looks like a pro!