Brian, Stephanie and the kids made the trip from Sheridan, WY to Colorado to spend a long weekend with us. We were excepting sunny weather, but Mother Nature had other plans. Even with the clouds and cool weather, that didn't stop us from getting out. The first morning, Brian and Keith took the kids for a hike up North Table Mountain, right next to our sub division. Stephanie and I took Kellan to school for his class photo so we missed the hike but Keith took some great photos.
Even before they were out of the neighborhood, the Wyoming Hamiltons looked like they may have been re-thinking the hike.
The kids taking the lead:
Oliver, Kaden and Lauren
Oliver's first hike up North Table Mountain.
On the way up there were many debates to be had with the Wyoming Hamiltons.
Hailey, Brian, Kaden and Lauren
On the way up, they saw a herd of mule deer which was the highlight of the trip.
The view from the top.
Family timed portrait:
Kaden, Keith, Lauren, Brian, Oliver and Hailey.
Another view from the top before heading down.
A good time was had by all. It's always great to get outside!
Even Miss Hailey had a good time, even if she's giving Uncle Keith a stiff upper lip.
That afternoon, we didn't hike any mountains but we did spend some time at the playground.
Lauren was flying high on the swing.
Oliver was laying low and taking it easy on the swing.
Even Kellan got in on some swing action.
There was cheese all around.
After a lounge in the swing, he got a bit wound up for a while.
Friday evening we took the families to White Fence Farm for a fried chicken dinner. YUM!
They had this HUGE pumpkin that we thought must be fake.
Low and behold, the pumpkin was 100% real!
We got to sit in the private library. I was SO excited. I've always wanted to sit in this room. Maybe they thoughts we were the rowdy bunch. The funny thing is, we were all on our best behavior.
Carrie, Kellan, Keith, Oliver, Kaden, Hailey, Brian, Lauren, Stephanie
With all of the goodies, Kellan was happy to swipe Hailey's puffs and eat them with a fork.
I was still so excited to be in the Library that I had to take a ton of photos. There were even doors that they said we could close if we wanted. Since the kids were perfect angels, the doors weren't needed.
After dinner, the kids got wooden nickels from the waitress so they could pick a wrapped toy from the treasure chest. Oliver and Kellan were comparing their treasures.
Saturday morning was filled with lots of big Hamilton smiles. The boys couldn't get enough of Hailey.
Hailey couldn't get away from the boys fast enough!
We took the family out for a hike at Mesa Trail, the same location that we had our family photos taken. We packed the ergo and hoped that Kellan would take a ride. He usually despises the ergo. He has never, ever liked it. This time, he loaded up and actually smiled.
Miss Hailey loaded up on her Daddy's back and she was ready for another ride as well.
Most of the leaves had turned and blown away, but there were still a few colorful trees.
The Wyoming Hamiltons:
Hailey, Brian, Stephanie
Kaden and Lauren
Lauren and Stephanie were so sweet walking hand-in-hand up the trail.
While the Dad's brought up the rear. Yup, we hardly made it 100 yards down the path and Kellan wanted a piggy back because he saw Oliver on his Daddy's shoulders. Oliver got down and Kellan took his place. So much for the comfy ride of the ergo.
Meanwhile, Kaden caught up to walk with his Mom and Sister.
As we headed into the hills, conveniently there were some stone steps.
When Mommy thinks Daddy is taking a picture of Kellan (down below), this is the kind of look you get.
Kellan hiked most of the way up, all but those first few hundred yards.
Hand-in-hand, he hiked and hiked.
After 1.25 miles and an hour of hiking, we decided to stop for a snack and to head back. Keep in mind, we can only go as fast as the shortest legs.
Kaden, Oliver and Lauren were quick to scale this boulder.
Kellan was quite content on a flat rock that came complete with snacks.
The whole gang:
Hailey, Brian, Stephanie, Lauren, Oliver, Kellan, Keith, Kaden
Miss Hailey was giving smiles from the backpack on her Daddy's back.
It was then time to head back down.
Hand-in-hand, Kellan hiked the entire 1.25 miles.
After awhile he mixed it up to hike with Mommy.
Once we got back down toward the trail head, something on the other side of this log was of great interest to Kellan.
"Look Mama, Look!"
Meanwhile, Oliver was hiding from Mommy. Too bad for him that his giggles and big smile gave him away.
It was a great fall day and we spent some time exploring by the creek.
As I approached these two, Kaden was yelling "take our picture, right here, take our picture." Of course, my camera was quickly in action taking their adorable pictures.
Then we got Oliver in on the moment.
What a great day in the great outdoors!
On Saturday afternoon, the boys all took a nap while the girls went to have their nails done. Mani for Lauren and Pedi's for the Mom's.
Ta-Da, the finished product in Broncos orange.
Stephanie and Carrie letting their toes dry.
That night, we played domino's and the kids joined in. They were very curious how to play. We have launched the next generation of domino players.
Oliver loved domino's and he did very well at it. Ironically, if he was on your team, you won!
Sometimes Daddy's crazy eyes are CRAZY!!
Kellan is too young to understand yet, but he kept the train rolling.
Lauren and Carrie strategizing the next moves.
I remember playing this at Nana and Papa's house when Keith and I were dating and Lauren was brand spankin' new. Now she's playing on her own.
Mama making her move while Kellan kept a close watch on Daddy.
That night it was the conclusion to two very busy days for the kids. It was time to settle in for the slumber party and story.
Kellan was just there for the story and then he retired to his room but until then, he loved snuggling in with his brother and Daddy.
The next morning we had to say good-bye as they headed back to Sheridan. Uncle Keith got a final snuggle with his niece Hailey.
Uncle Brian took the opportunity to teach his nephew Kellan a few more ornery habits.
Thanks for coming down!! We had a fabulous visit and hope to see you again soon!!
1 comment:
That pack of Hamilton kids ROCKS.
But here's my advice... don't let Brian hold your babies. His ornery habits stick, and they stick tight.
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