I'm Talkin' 'bout a Little Place Called Aspen

This past Thursday our family headed up to Aspen for a mini-vacation. I had been in high school, but spent most of my time at the hotel pool. So, needless to say, I didn't really remember much about the mountain town. We got an amazing deal on a room that had a pull-out sofa and a kitchenette in addition to the queen bed. It was perfect for our two nights there. The best part about our hotel was that it was right at the base of Buttermilk Mountain where the X Games are held every year. We could see the half pipe and moguls from our patio, which walked right out to the ski lift!

On Friday morning, we enjoyed Toaster Strudels and milk in the room, and then headed off to the Maroon Bells. Since Anthony is a Colorado native, and I've lived in the state for all of my 30 years but 8, we felt like all mountains are the same. But, these mountains are different. They are absolutely amazing and incredible! We got the girls out of the car and into the stroller. We walked up to Maroon Lake. We took some pictures and Isabella threw rocks in the water. Then we took off up the trail.

Isabella picked up rocks along the way so that every time we found water, she would throw them in. We had to ditch the stroller at one point and let Isabella walk while we carried Catherine, who was a super trooper the whole time we were there! We made it all the way to the waterfall, which was completely worth it! Isabella thought it was amazing too, mostly because she and Anthony got to throw in huge rocks.

After our hike we went back to the car and ate a picnic lunch before heading back to the hotel for a nap. For dinner that night we ate at an Italian restaurant. Anthony and I both had some of the best calzones we've ever had. And Isabella got to make her own pretzel. The waitress brought out pizza dough for Isabella to form into whatever she wanted. She and Anthony created a Snowman. Then, they baked it for her and served it with ranch. It was a big success and super tasty!

For a sweet treat after dinner we stopped by the store and got some ice cream. We went back to our hotel, put on our jammies and Cinderella and ate our ice cream before going to bed.

Saturday morning, we got up and packed. Isabella had dreamed of playing at a park in "Apsen", so Anthony found one for us to play at before we ate lunch and headed home. Unfortunately, Catherine fell asleep on our way to the park, so only Anthony and Isabella got to get out and play. When it was time to eat lunch, Catherine woke up, so we picnicked in the park, loaded up the car, and headed towards Independence Pass to get home.

On the way into Aspen we came through Glenwood Springs, through the canyon. We decided to take Independence Pass home. Although it was a lot of curvy, it was totally worth it! The view was amazing, and we truly felt like we were on top of the world. We were actually looking down on mountains. This road brought us through Leadville, and then back to I-70.

The trip was fabulous! We loved it. And enjoyed getting away for a little bit.