Rocky Mountain National Park

What a beautiful part of the world is Rocky Mountain National Park.

Ben and I had the most perfect day hiking Bear Lake a couple of years ago and were excited to bring the kids to such a gorgeous place. We tried to get moving early in the morning to beat the crowds, but six people sharing one hotel room bathroom doesn't allow for too early of a start to the day. Add to that a hotel breakfast, getting suitcases and the things spread all over the rental van consolidated and ready for a late night flight, and a 45 minute drive from the hotel to Estes Park ..... it was 11:00 before we hit RMNP and the lots and shuttles to Bear Lake were all full. A helpful ranger told us that if we came back around three, the crowds would have died for the day and we would have a better experience. We took his suggestion and quickly adjusted the plan for the day.

We drove into Estes Park and took the kids to Antonio's Pizza, a wonderful place we discovered last time we visited Denver. Man, the pizza did NOT disappoint. Ben said it might be his favorite meal of the trip, which is saying a lot because we had some great food over the nine days.

After lunch, we decided to try a touristy place we had driven by earlier called Fun City. The kids happily tried out the many fun activities offered. Gracie and Drew drove the go karts. Kate and Luke tried the huge water bottle. We played skee ball and rode the giant slide. Kate declared this to be her second favorite part of vacation, naming only horseback riding as better.

By three, we were ready to head to Bear Lake. Our time there was just beautiful.

Before too long, it was time to end our trip and head for the airport for a late night flight home. We stopped for dinner at Sweet Tomatoes restaurant, Kate's favorite restaurant ever and one that we no longer have anywhere near us in St. Louis.