RMNP continued....

Day 33:  Tuesday, June 30th.  I think I will keep commentary short and sweet on these.  Just like having these pictures for memories sake on here :)  Our 3rd day in the park we decided to take the Trail Ridge Road drive.  It was amazing, winding up to the Alpine Visitor center.  I am sooo glad Craig drove because there were definitely some spots when it felt like we could go right off the edge of the mountain.  First stop gave us some great views and fun rocks to climb.  I did get the eye from a helicopter mom nearby as she was ushering her child away from my scary ones.  She gave me a "Are you sure those rocks are safe for climbing" statement before leaving.  No, not sure they are completely safe but that is what is fun about it.  But don't worry, we were as safe as you can be when climbing boulders on the edge of a mountain.

Started winding into the alpine and the kids got their first look at marmots.  Oh how they loved these creatures, one even ran over Isaac's shoe.

Snow in July!!

All morning the kids were saying....we want to climb to the top of one of the mountains so at the visitor center we had our chance to hike up to the top of a mountain.  Short hike but left us all winded with the elevation.

On the drive down we were able to see a whole herd of Elk.

That afternoon was hot.  It was the only time I wished for a hotel with a pool.  But we chose to head to Sprague Lake and take the 1/2 mile hike around the lake and then cool off in the COLD water (like really cold water).

We had a little thunderstorm that afternoon and the kids decided to bunker down under our picnic table....

Day 34:  Wednesday, July 1st.  Day 4 in the mountains and our last day here.  We did my favorite hike that morning.  A hike to Alberta Falls and back.  It was a crowd please because there were so many things for the kids to climb for the entire hike.  We even had to say "ok....we need to hike for 5 minutes without climbing on anything".  They loved all the big boulders, etc.

The falls area made me a little nervous with kids, just because it is open and beautiful and a little scary imagining one of my children falling over the edge.

But we got some good pictures and then found a little creek (not close to any cliffs or falls) to let the kids run wild in for a bit.

What else would Isaac do but construct a dam......

Muddy butt = a good day of adventuring

After a picnic we took down our camp and headed off to a hotel 2 and half hours away with beds, showers, and a pool.   The kids loved the mountains and are already asking if we get to go to the mountains next year.  (actually they want to go next week but mom is tired and ready to be home for awhile.).