Comfortable?

We have returned from a road trip to Colorado, to visit our youngest son and his family. We had a great time and good weather (hot but dry). 

We were happy to watch the kids while our son and his wife took off for a few days. The first day of our time alone with the grandkids, we planned to go to Rocky Mountain National Park. Because of COVID-19 one has to make reservations to drive into the park, which we did long before we left for Colorado. This made the park less crowded than normal. What a perk!

The Rocky Mountains

Our time for entering the park was 10 am (with a grace period). It would take an hour from our son’s home to get to Estes Park, the entrance to RMNP. That morning, we were on our own to get the kids ready. After packing a picnic lunch, finding jackets, getting shoes and sunscreen, loading up the car and getting the kids settled in their car seats, our first stop was at the neighborhood gas station. We pulled up to the pump and stopped. After the busy morning I turned to the kids in the back seat and asked, “OK, how are you guys doing? Are you comfortable?”

Zoey (5) said, “yes” and Ezra (4) said – in all seriousness – “yes, but I’d be more comfortable with a donut!” It made us laugh out loud and we went into the station and bought some donuts!

The Old Fall River Road…one-way, gravel, narrow, along the edge, nine miles long.

The day went well. It was sunny with spectacular views. We drove on the Old Fall River Road, a one-way, gravel road which twists and turns its way up through the mountains.

At 12,005′

At the top we stopped at the visitor’s center and hiked the remaining Alpine Ridge Trail to 12,005’. We had brought some children’s binoculars for the kids and they were a big hit. 

Zoey looking through the binoculars.

On our way down the mountain we drove along the Trail Ridge Road, a two-way, paved road. We stopped for lunch in a picnic area, and hiked on another trail along a river.

Forging a creek on a hike.

We had a lot of fun playing in Rocky Mountain National Park with our grandchildren.

Snow on the Rocky Mountains.

It was a “comfortable” sort of day.

A cute marmot

16 thoughts on “Comfortable?”

  1. I can feel your joy as you relate this time with your grandchildren. Just now Jim is with Laura, our oldest grandchild, gone to the donut shop to pick out a good one for her breakfast. That is our tradition when they come for a sleepover. So blessed, aren’t we!

    1. Yes, I agree! Grandchildren are a blessing.
      Sounds like a fun tradition, your donut outing.

    1. You are right Diane, I do believe “more comfortable with a donut” will be a family vernacular…we’ve already used it a few times. 😉

  3. How awesome Valerie. You continue to make such wonderful memories for you and your grandchildren. Enjoyed the beautiful photos and the donut story 😍

    1. Thanks Lori.
      I thought of you as we drove that spectacular scenic drive from Estes Park to Loveland. So amazing!

  4. Oh, Valerie, I love everything about this post from images to a recap of your day. And, especially, I love Ezra’s polite (and humorous) request for a donut. Gotta love the honesty of kids.

    Those two are growing up so fast. I’m thankful you and Gary had this special alone time with them in God’s beautiful world.

    1. Thank you Audrey.
      We were/are grateful for our time with the grandkids…and to spend time with them outdoors in God’s creation.

  5. What a joy to read this blog – your pictures were wonderful and your grandchildren are adorable. You were blessed to be able to spend one on one time with them! I saw my older (12 & 14) grandchildren in Minneapolis last week for the first time in six months – what a joy it was! I love Colorado and have a good friend in Colorado Springs…it is probably time for another visit soon! Thanks for sharing your joy!

  6. What a fun blog to read! The kids have changed so much in a few months! They look happy, probably b/c they got donuts! I love all the photos of the beautiful CO mountains with the kids!

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