We wanted to take Gavin to see snow and to see some friends up in Lake City. So, one friday afternoon we loaded up in Bjorn's car and set out on our first family road trip. The drive up we drove to Amarillo and spent the night, then we made it up to Salida to spend a little bit of time visiting with Matt. Him and his wife have a cute store in Salida. Matt's Unlce was kind enough to let us stay in his home- it was a beautiful home with great views. We were glad we didn't try to drive that night, b/c there was a lot of snow that night on the pass. The next mornning we headed out for Lake City-- we sure were glad that we had 4 wheel drive! We were very happy when we got to Lake City and it was great to see friends. They had to go to work during the day, but we were able to visit in the morning and evenings.
The first day we went to the Lake City Ski hill. This is a great place to learn, plus the prices are AMAZING! G didn't really get the hang of it but we got a few pictures. Next time we go I wouldn't mind doing some skiing, but I am not good at all. I would really like to learn to snowboard, but maybe I'm too old, not sure if I can handle that many wipeouts.
The next day we went for a short drive outside of town where there are usually lots of Elk, and we were in luck that day. A big heard of them was there!
SLEDDING!
Now this was the hit of the trip. Gavin just loved sledding. We made him walk up the hill and if he couldn't make it, then we were done. It was a lot of fun for all of us. Gavin had absolutely no fear and would keep going even after a major wipeout.
From the bottom of the sledding hill- isn't it beautiful.
Walking up- Gavin had to do it himself, we wouldn't carry him.
So cute all bundled up!
Town and the river from the top of the hill.
My 2 boys getting ready to sled.
Me and my little man!
A kiss for mom:)
There he goes!
Seems like everyday we had a different adventure. One day Jud took off early to take us to see his ice hut and do a little ice fishing. I will admit, driving a car on a frozen lake is a weird experience.
Gavin and Jud in the hut.
The ice was over 12 inches thick.
The beautiful view from Jud's ice hut:
A cute little fisherman (although the fishing part didn't last too long)
The boys in front of Jud's Ice Hut!
We actually managed to get 2 Doody family pictures!
Our last day was sad- we wern't ready to come home!
Gavin giving Victor a last good bye.
One last hug from Marian- thanks again for letting us stay with you guys for a whole week!
One last trip to the lumber yard.
Gavin getting some candy from Erika.
Bjorn, Gray and Greg.
Sidenote: Greg is an amazing cook! He made several things that I loved when we were there. He even made homemade Engish muffins, I mean who does that. The pork enchaladas were also amazing- I'm getting hungry thinking about it. Greg can come visit us anytime, as long as he agrees to cook dinner.
Gray giving Gavin a ride on the fork lift (6 months later he is still talking about it)
The first night we stopped in Santa Fe. We stayed at a hotel with an indoor pool so that G could go swimming. We had dinner at a placed called Maria's. Possibly one of the best meals I ever had- it was so yummy and spicy.
The next day we took a detour around Santa Fe-- don't ask. And we managed to make it home by midnight. It was a very long drive home, but we made it.
This is what vacation should be: fun, family, friends, relaxing, adventrous, and overall wonderful.
Thank you again to all of our wondeful hosts in Colorado, we had an amazing time!
