Day 14: Estes Park

The forecast predicted snow, but as kids from Texas we held our breath. I remember multiple times as a kid being told it “might snow” only to see a little ice on the road. Estes Park did disappoint. We woke up to bright white snow on the ground and it continued to fall most of the day.

Waking the kids up at 6 am to log on for school can be difficult, but when I said there is snow outside they popped right out of bed and threw their clothes on. They played outside for ten minutes while I made their breakfast. The snow was incredible. The house we are staying in has floor to ceiling windows and more than once today I thought, it’s like we are in a snow globe!

Virtual schooling was so much easier today! I don’t know if it was the long weekend or if the kids are settling in to their groove, but there were no tears from a child. Or me. I think the snow helped, too, because once they completed an assignment they would go play outside in a completely different way than they are used to.

Once the kids were done with schoolwork and Jordan and my dad were done with work, we went hunting for a hill to sled on. We drove to the nearby YMCA, but the snow was at least seven inches and we (I) did not pack clothes for heavy snow. Snow was getting in our shoes, and little Lucy’s jeans weren’t covering her ankles!Also, it looked like the hill wasn’t mowed before the snow came and our sledding wasn’t going to work out. It was nice to see this Y though. It’s a fabulous Y and the grounds and facilities are so impressive!

We headed home and the kids, my mom and Jordan started building a snowman. I came outside as my mom and Lucy were building the second snowman. The others eventually went back inside seeking warmth and from then on, Mom and I made the snowmen. I think they turned out so well! (Jordan is wearing a vest and holding a beer. I’m in a skirt and colorful top. Hudson is wearing his glasses holding a Lego and Lucy has a cute outfit on with a bow).

Before dinner, PapaGeorge gave Hudson tips on how to properly shoot in a game of pool and Lucy got in the hot tub. This girl is a huge fan of hot tubs. I’m a huge fan of this hot tub and this view!

We ate a delicious stew which was perfect for this cold night. Somehow after dinner, we got on a tangent of physical activity so Mom and I were helping Lucy with her backbends and cartwheels. I tried to demonstrate, but I’m not sure my demonstration actually helped her understand what to do. Hudson did push ups for more time on his iPad. I’m not sure what a parenting expert would say, but it was the evening after a long day of school and playing in the snow and I figured 15 push-ups earned him ten more minutes. If you see Hudson with an exceptionally strong upper body, please don’t judge me.

Today was another good day! I am falling more and more in love with this little piece of Colorado everyday!

Until next time…

Sarah