For New Years this year we decided to head out to Denver to visit some friends who moved out there a few years ago. It was my first time in Denver or Colorado and it was so pretty! They also have a son just a little younger than ours, so they had plenty of time to play to learn how to share!
New Year’s day we drove around the mountains and ended up at the Stanley Hotel, which is where this picture was taken! This is, of course, where The Shining was supposed to take place and they also filmed some scenes from Dumb and Dumber there.
Next stop was Rocky Mountain National Park! Well, the entrance at least. There were several warning signs at the entrance about dangerous driving conditions so we decided not to drive through after all. But, I still had to get a photo! By the way after we got back in the car and started driving away Carter started acting upset and let us know he had also wanted a photo with the sign! Oh, well.
On the way home we stopped in Boulder and walked around. The shopping area was all decorated with Christmas lights and the boys loved it! This was a fountain that was turned off for the winter, but decorated with lights to look like “water”. They couldn’t get enough!
We also went to Red Rocks, which is a huge amphitheater near Denver which is carved into the mountain and a naturally acoustic surrounding. It was beautiful and I know it would be a blast to catch a concert there in the summer! Carter wanted to climb down the steps, but you can get an idea from the picture on the right how steep they were, so that wasn’t happening! (although there were people working out on them!)
Next up we went to the Denver Transportation Museum, which of course Carter (and my husband) absolutely loved! He was so excited to see the huge trains and pose for a photo in front of them! They also had a Ford Model T you could sit in, which both the boys loved.
Of course what trip to Denver would be complete without a little skiing? For me it’s more like terrified yelling “pizza! pizza!” as I try with all my might to go really slow. Needless to say, this will probably be my last time with downhill skiing, but I am proud of myself for trying at least! My husband, on the other hand, did awesome and had a blast!
Last but not least is my favorite photo! This was taken at a pullover on one of mountain drives we did, which was gorgeous. We stopped at the top at Buffalo Bill’s grave and visited the museum there as well.
Overall an awesome trip! The scenery was amazing of course, and it was great to see our friends who we haven’t seen in a really long time! I definitely recommend visiting Denver if you ever get the chance!
