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The Best Plan = No Plan?

What a truly awesome weekend.  We normally don't travel over the 4th - too much traffic and crowds - just not a pleasant experience.  This year was a bit different.  We had an opportunity to go to our favorite little place in Vail - but at the last minute it was rented - and we had resigned ourselves to a quiet 4th at home.  Then - a call from Cutty's Hayden Creek Resort - they had a studio cabin available for the holiday weekend - were we interested?  I talked with hubs - we agreed - and the deal was on.

Kids were super excited - and we were all ready for a break from the hustle and bustle of the Springs.  We decided to hang around town on Friday and it worked out great - we took our time getting ready - had a nice leisurely swim and dinner - then it was mountain time.   Arrived around 9pm on Friday - unpacked - and settled in for the evening.  Our studio cabin was SO CUTE and it had a great little loft space for the kiddos.


I LOVE this part of Colorado.  Something about the rushing water, lush valleys and green peaks makes me feel so relaxed and peaceful.  The campground itself is fun - lots of activities for the kiddos and National Forest access less than half a mile down the road.  We hiked the Rainbow Trail each morning - the kids had so much fun playing in the streams and throwing rocks - that is - until Harlyn totally bashed Hayden in the shoulder with said rock.  See weapon wielding maniac below...


We also ventured into the little town of Salida - which - in my humble opinion - is straight up fabulous.  It's an artsy town with a great vibe - we felt totally at home.  Lunched the first day at The Boathouse Cantina where Chris sampled the famous fish tacos (said they were great) and we relaxed and watched the kayaks come down the river.  The kids were entranced by it all - their love for water goes above and beyond - and Harlyn couldn't get enough of the kayaks (which she kept calling Car Racks - I know - adorable) and they both were eager to get down and play in the river post lunch.  However, it was raging and I was convinced they'd be swept away - so they had to be content with watching from afar.  

Decided to spend the afternoon at the Mt. Shavano Fish Hatchery which was pretty cool.  We got to feed the fish - Harlyn was particularly concerned about feeding the babies - and I had to strongly resist the urge to reach down and grab one of the trout - the temptation was unreal.  Next time I'm going to go without the kids just so I can break the "keep your hands out of the tank" rule. 

The rest of the weekend went much the same.  Each one of us had our moments of silliness.  Hayden made the proclamation "Look Dad - trees!" while we were standing 10 deep in the National Forest.  Chris won the "drink 4 beers and do something crazy" contest by riding Hayden's bike, repeatedly, down the little pathway between our cabin and the next. 


Notice I am in the background looking on in a concerned and mortified manner.  My only thought - no ass-busting please!  Harlyn woke up on our final morning at the crack of dawn, ran repeatedly around the cabin like a loony-bird, and promptly crashed out, sound asleep, the minute we left the campground.  She woke up 45 minutes later saying "Goodbye Hayden Creek, Goodbye" even though we'd long since departed and were almost back to the Springs.  My own moment of silliness took place while we were in town.  From the restaurant you could see a giant S on the side of a hill across the river - and I thought it would be a fantastic idea to drive everyone up there.  Ummm....yeah...not so much.  It was terrifying to say the least and everyone - including the kids - thought it was hysterical the way I clung to the inside of the car door while saying quiet prayers and muted swears - damn me and my ideas!

Overall - completely wonderful - my family is amazing, my husband is the best and I have the two smartest, cutest kids on the planet - what more could a Mom ask for?

Until tomorrow....

Positively,

Kim

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