Glenwood Springs July 18th - 20th

Friday, July 18th we ventured up to the mountains for a mini-three-day vacation in Glenwood Springs. It was also a great chance for my parents to take the short drive over to meet us and celebrate Ava's birthday with her too. A full week of birthday celebration for Ava this year!

 On our first night out we found a Louisianan inspired restaurant in the cute downtown of Glenwood Springs.

Cheers to gorgeous night to eat outside.

 The kids spent hours in the hotel pool and water slide.

 100 times down the water slide still didn't wear these kids out.

 The next morning Grampy and Sharona met us early for breakfast while Simon had to time a race in Aspen. After a hearty breakfast we took the scenic gondola ride up to the top of the Adventure Park for...

...a full day of adventure rides and....

 ...cave exploring.

A great view from outside one of the cave tunnels.

 The gave was gorgeous and a very refreshing, cool temperature.

 Up next... my thrill-seeking Ava and I road this crazy swing that not only swung us with great force but, also hung us out over the canyon more than...

 ...1300 feet above the Colorado River below.

This was the view we overlooked when we were vertical in the air. Such a great thrill and big rush of fun.

Ava was ready to jump right back in line for round number two but, mom needed a second between the next round to settle a little from the thrill so instead we headed over to a more calming ride on the...

 ...tiny carousel. 

 While my parents and I waited in a very long line for the zip swing the kids road the mini-roller coaster at least a dozen times to kill some time.

 Finally, it was time for a little boys vs. girls healthy competition of racing on the zip line.

The boys won by a hair and we all enjoyed the gorgeous views.

 Another time killer for the kids while my parents and I were in line for the alpine slide was the energy burning rock wall. Great work Dylan.

Time for the longest alpine slide track I've ever been on. So much fun.

Thanks mom and dad for spending the day with us at the adventure park and for also later celebrating Ava's 9th birthday too! What a wonderful day we had.

Later that evening we headed back up to the Adventure Park with Simon for more...

...alpine slide rides and...

 ...tree swinging.

 The kids loved that the swings went over the canyon.

 Dylan also go to experience his first, big roller-coaster and he did great. He was so silent during the ride and then at the end he said "that was so awesome." 

 Such a brave almost 6 year old for his first roller coaster experience (other than the little tiny ones).

A beautiful evening up at the top of the adventure park with great...

 ...views of the valley on our gondola ride back down.

Another wonderful dinner out Glenwood with delicious ice-cream and a walk to follow. A much needed weekend away with the family.