Old Friends in Vail

We had some friends join us for our first few days in Vail. We haven't seen Mara, Zoe and Ash since they moved away from Texas last summer, and we were so excited to get to spend some time with them again.

The kids all hit it off famously, and it was like no time had passed. On their first evening with us, the kids played at the Pirate Ship park and waded in the creek. They said the water was sooooooooo cold, but they loved it. 

The next day, we went to Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park. We rode a tram up to the top of a mountain, and then got to do all sorts of fun activities like running through a maze, going on a wagon ride, bouncing on a bungee trampoline, cutting geodes, and racing through Laser Tag.

Mara and Ash also rode on a Eagle Zip Line, which was like a giant swing, way high up! 

Jackson rode on the Alpine Coaster all by himself!

Luke and I rode it, too. I asked him if he wanted to go fast or slow (you can control the speed with the handlebars), and he immediately said, "FAST." He giggled and cackled the whole way down, and as soon as we were done, he said breathlessly, "Mommy, that was SO awesome. I want to do that again RIGHTNOW!" 

Cody didn't really feel like doing any of the rides, but he kept wandering off to enjoy the view! (My little Ferdinand.)

That afternoon, the kids all had fun with the bubble wands Mara brought. 

Cody made all sorts of interesting faces to help him produce more bubbles.

Jacks decided the best strategy for popping the bubbles was just to eat them.

On Wednesday morning, we decided to ride the bus over to Lionshead. I think the bus might have been the biggest hit of the trip, as we rode it at every opportunity after that. :)

First, we played some miniature golf. I was able to take almost no pictures because Mara and I were too busy trying to keep the kids from using the clubs on each other (ha!), but I did manage one of Luke, who clearly isn't a big golf fan. 

But he sure cheered up when it was time for us to go up the mountain on the gondola, because he found about 1 million dandelions up there! (Please excuse the giant loogie dripping down his chin...he gets VERY involved in blowing those dandelions [ew].)

Here's Cody and his good buddy, Ash.

All the kids, taking in the sights.

 

Mountain Man Jacks.

Jacks and Luke (they climbed up on this fence, but Luke was terrified he was going to fall...which is why he's clutching Jackson's leg so desperately!).

Cody wandered off on his own again, bringing to mind a favorite Tolkien quote that I feel fits him so well: "Not all who wander are lost." 

Jacks and Luke both did the bungee trampoline.

It was Luke's first time, and he just couldn't get enough. That kid is a daredevil, I tell you. No. Fear. But he looks so sweet and innocent, doesn't he? 

There were tightropes set up on the mountain, too, and the kids had fun bouncing and balancing. 

Even Mara gave it a try!

On the way down, Luke snuggled up to Mara and almost fell asleep! It was a good day, and he was worn out.

And just to prove that both Mara and I were there together, a shot of both of us. (Thanks, Jacks!)

It was great having everybody together again, and we hope we can get another visit in before too long. :)