Summer trip (Breckenridge, CO)

I ❤ Colorado. We frequent The Centennial State to ski/snowboard but haven't been during the summer. I've always heard it was nice during that time but wanted to experience it myself. This would be our fourth trip to Colorado since 2018. At this rate, we may as well move there...

So we packed up the minivan and went on another road trip. Even though we're on the road for two solid days each way, it's actually not that bad. I like exploring new places along the way. Or even going to a random Walmart in the middle of nowhere... you never know what you might find.

A typical fast and cheap lunch on the road (Marlin, TX)

A "nervous breakdown" (quad shot espresso) at Common Grounds (Waco, TX)

Found some SURGE at a random gas station. (Decatur, TX)

Meatball banh mi at Jasten's (Wichita Falls, TX)

Dinner at Blue Sky (Amarillo, TX)

A large "Cliffhanger" (quad shot espresso) at Cliffside Coffee (Amarillo, TX)

Kolaches galore at Slovacek's (West, TX)

Our first full day in Breckenridge was spent exploring the town on foot. The house that we stayed in was relatively close to Main St. (walking distance) but since everyone was still getting acclimated to the high altitude, it was a bit of a struggle.

Ice cream at Clint's Bakery.

Hanging out at the Blue River Plaza.

The kids' first time on a gondola. They were initially a little freaked out.

The next day we started out with an easy hike (Sawmill Trail) in search of Fairy Forest, a trail lined with little figurines of fairies, unicorns, gnomes, etc. It was fun for the little ones.

Elliot, the human backpack.

The two little ones leading the way.

Over the river...

And through the woods...

To Fairy Forest we go.

Ta-da!

The following day was when we did our most challenging hike (McCullough Gulch). On this hike, it was all a steady incline. Multiple breaks had to be taken. We traversed rocky terrain. Encountered wild moose (which were alarmingly huge). Picnicked by a water fall. And even came across snow during the hike. We were on the trail for over 5 hours! It was tough but everyone survived, which made it that much more memorable.

Here we go...

The view was incredible.

One of the many waterfalls on this trail.

One of many breaks.

Lunch break by the waterfall.

Everyone truckin' along.

We're so high up there's snow on the trail.

The point we decide to head back.

Epic hike.

Obligatory family picture before heading back home.