From the Top of Steamboat

To celebrate Independence Day, we headed for the hills with the Heinemans and Scotts.  We had been counting down the months, weeks and days until we could go.  We were all so excited!

To top off the excitement, the boys all got to share a room, complete with a bunk bed.

Kellan was SUPER excited about the bunk bed.

On our first night, we headed up the gondola to the top of the mountain.

The Dad's and boys rode together and Keith took a few photos of the experience.

First... they slowly moved out of the gondola launch pad.

The anticipation of heading up the hill was a big more exciting for one little boy over the other two.

WHOA!!  Gondola Launch!

At the top of the mountain, it was gorgeous!  We had a perfect day.

Owen and Jennie took a moment for a photo op.

The Ham Fam on top of Steamboat.

Keith, Carrie

Kellan and Oliver

The views were amazing of the valley below.

In no time at all, we took off for a little hike.

The wild flowers were amazing and the most beautiful that I've ever seen.  The weeks and weeks of rain was paying off in the high country.

The boys loved the hike.

Oliver, Kellan and Owen

Quick photo before heading back.   Oliver was a trooper, but he had just announced that he had to go potty.  Time to hurry back.

Keith's favorite flower, Indian Paintbrush.

For our wedding, Keith had to pick his favorite flower for something.  He chose the Indian Paintbrush.  I had never heard of it and neither had the florist.  Needless to say, she didn't find any Indian Paintbrush in the flower shops.  If only they were in bloom in the mountains in September :)

Back at the lodge, we grabbed a bite to eat.  Kellan is never shy to snuggle up with Gami.

Papa and Keith had a great chat, full of lots of jokes and laughter.

Gami and Papa enjoying a sit on the fence.

Those silly girls, Jennie and Gami.

Our handsome boys!

Oliver, Owen and Kellan

Jennie and Eric, loving the view from the top of Steamboat.

As nighttime approached, it was time to head down the gondola.  We had a very full day of travel and activity and tomorrow was going to be another fun filled day.

Day 1 of Steamboat was in the books, but we had four more days to go!