Grand Lake, CO

Grand Lake is My Favorite Mountain Town Ever.

It's always hard to do Rocky Mountain Park in one day because of the driving time, so I decided we'd stay in Grand Lake so we didn't have to run home, but we could relax and enjoy our adventure. Of course Skyler was more than willing to go along with my plan.

Charlie and I got out first and walked the dirt road behind our little lodge. 

Everything was frost kissed, and the tall mountains surround us on all sides.

The chill from the lake air was refreshing and I took deep breaths as we strolled.

I could hardly wait to get back and get everyone out to go play in the mountains. 

Our first stop was to grab breakfast at Blue Water Bakery. Their Blueberry Schmelk pastery was to die for, especially coupled with a hot chocolate. 

We walked down to the lake and walked a little bit of the shoreline. It was beautifully crisp and clear. We debated what the water felt like, until I bravely jumped in . . . 

just kidding I just dipped my hand in and it was instantly numb.

After a little lake-looking we drove out to a short hike to Adams Falls

It felt so good to get out and be in the mountains. 

We miss that a lot about Utah. Praire Living is a lot different.

We were lamenting that this was really the first time we had gotten out and into the mountains this year, and it's the end of the season, granted we have been very busy with A LOT of really awesome adventures this year (blog posts pending-oops). We've made a goal, and Skyler has mandated, that next year we start the Season off in the mountains to set the tone for the rest of the year.

I always talk about living in any town we go visit, but this trip was different. I felt more that I wanted a cabin there, so it could be my secret get away. the place I can go anytime to refresh and renew. Of course I haven't been there during the summer, so it might be a real happening place which would definitely change my mind.

But I felt free running around the Rockies with my Boys.

Chasing Autumn

River's response to hearing the Elk bugle.

Another Response to hearing the elk.

This weekend, I kidnapped Skyler away to the Mountains.

Sometimes when life feels a little heavy, I get the urge to retreat to the mountains.

To refresh and renew, to reconnect and regroup.

So we ran, hand-in-hand, with Son & pup, to the mountain tops 

and spent our days chasing autumn.

We spent the day and evening in Rocky Mountain National, a haven and playground since our first days here in Loveland. We crossed over the tundra and dropped down into the less frequented area on the other side. The Mountains were spectacular and majestic -- or just simply Magic.

We got out and walked the Coyote Valley Trail as the golden light bathed the landscape all around us, and shown warmly and brightly on my little family. 

I felt peace, I felt harmony, I felt apart of something bigger and it was reassuring.

I cannot walk in nature and not feel the presence of God, feel the veil thin between this life and the next. It's like all the things that crowd into my mind clear, my vision is restored, and my heart changed by the quiet power that surrounds us.

Sometimes I just have to take a step back and "see"; 

to "be still, and know that [He] is God".

It was nice to spend time as a family. Talking and Joking. Laughing as Skyler pretended to run a giggle River into tree branches Enjoying our son and all the funny things he does. To spend time doing the things we love.

On the way back we walked up to a clearing and on the other side we saw and heard two groups of Elk. The males were bugling and challenging each other. We could see them really well thanks to Skyler's fancy pair of Zeiss binoculars. (AMAZING!!) 

The Elk Rut is one of our favorite things and we use to go every year in Yellowstone. It's nice that we have it a little closer to home. 

Have you ever heard an elk bugle? It's pretty unique. 

When I first heard it I thought some one was screaming in the woods. :) 

River loved hearing them. He couldn't see them because they were too far away, but we would listen quietly until a big old male bugled and River would point to his ear and smile. He called goodbye to them as we were leaving. 

We ended our day with a yummy dinner at Grand Pizza, and cozied down in our cute little room at the Spirit Lodge in Grand Lake for the cold mountain night.   

via

Bear Man

Not only did people see the Elk Rut up in Rocky Mountain, but some lucky few had the privilege of seeing a bear. . . . our little bear man River.

It's not everyday you see a cute little bear cub frolicking with his puppy dog.

I love River's bear hat! Although it's big on cuteness, it's getting a little small on coverage. We'll have to find another one for the coming winter season (i say with a shutter).

Do you know the original bear man, Seth Rogen?

 SNL: Vinny talks to Seth

The only way to say "bear man" is will rolling R's.

I am thankful for a tech savy husband who magically hooked up stuff so we could listen to General Conference on our way up to the mountains. 

He's so smart and I greatly benefit. :)

Lickin' the Bowl

Ketchup!!!! 

River's favorite food! Good on chicken, fries and more often than not all by itself. Mmmmm, Yum!