Colorado/Black Hills Road Trip

My cousin, Turner, graduated from high school last week so we used this as an opportunity to visit Colorado.  Neither Paul or myself had ever been to Colorado so we decided to turn our visit into a nice little road trip!  My parents and sister, Hattie, came along as well.  The first day we drove to North Platte, NE before we called it a day.  The following day we drove to Windsor, CO where we stayed with my dad's cousin, Julie for two nights.  She lives in a gorgeous house that has a beach and small lake right out the back door.  Ruby was absolutely in love with the sand and water!  

My dad with his cousins, Julie and Katie, and his Aunt Bue.  

Ruby spent a lot of time in her car seat.  But she was a trooper!

Julie took us to Estes Park on Saturday.  We hiked along Bear Lake.  Ruby decided shortly after this picture that she didn't need the stroller and could handle the hike herself...  :)

...So my poor father ended up pushing the empty stroller all over the trail.  It may have been a good thing Ruby wasn't in it though because he had to maneuver it through the snow banks.  

It wasn't the nicest of days... it snowed on us!  But I think that just made it more memorable!  

We saw lots of elk in Estes.

We then hiked up another trail to see a waterfall.  Although she preferred to do most of the walking herself, Ruby had plenty of people to hold her if need be.  And once someone asks for a kiss (or a hug, high five, knuckles, etc.).... we ALL get one!  She doesn't leave anyone out!  :)  Kisses all around!

The next day we traveled to Castle Rock, CO where we celebrated Turner's graduation.  

Congratulations Turner and we wish you the best of luck at CU!

Later that day, Turner and my Aunt Susan, took us to Colorado Springs to The Garden of the Gods.  

The next morning we hiked up Founders Rock in Castle Rock.  

  

We didn't take many pictures along the hike as someone was always needing to hold Ruby.  We would still be hiking if Ruby would have done it herself.  ;)

Playing in the gravel at the top.

We decided to take a different route on the way home to go through the Black Hills....  by way of Wyoming...

We stayed in Hot Springs, SD that evening.  As soon as we were a few miles out the next morning we saw buffalo, prairie dogs, and pronghorn.  

We drove through Custer State Park where we saw burrows.

And lots more buffalo...

Ruby waving to the buffalo.  

We made a stop at Mount Rushmore.  

We made it home safely!... and still smiling after all that driving!