View from the Road: Mega Trip Part Five

This will be the last post about this vacation.  Period.  No ifs, ands, or buts.  It's the last day of summer vacation, for heaven's sake!

I left off on the 16th day.  Sad day, really.  We left Idaho and tried to make it to Colorado.  We were shooting for Denver, but knew that we wouldn't make it.  So we instead trained our sights on the Rocky Mountain National Park.  We got pretty close and ended up camping in the Arapaho National Forest.  It was probably the worst night of my life.  Troy's too.  We were surprised that we didn't freeze to death out there.  Our kids did fine throughout the night.  They snuggled together and enjoyed having the majority of the blankets we brought.  We adults, on the other hand, just shivered and chattered all night long.  My toes were burning they were so cold.  Try to sleep through that.  No, not happening.

But day 17 was much better.  We got into the park pretty early (since we were just dying, possibly literally, to get into our van and turn on the heat!) and started seeing the sights.  And here I will say one last time, if you haven't been to Rocky Mountain National Park, you should go.  This park, by far, had some of the most spectacular views!

We saw lots of wildlife at this park.

Here's a moose that I am proud to say I spotted 

Elk

Big horn sheep

This park is also known for a road that takes you up to the alpine tree line, where trees don't grow because it is the alpine tundra.  From this road, some 12,000 ft high, you can see whole mountains as well as the valley below and the expansive sky.  It gives you a dizzying feeling as you try to take it all in.  Like at an moment you would realize that you aren't standing on the ground anymore.  

Trying to catch up to Daddy

It was pretty cold out there

It was a stunning park.  One that I hope to visit again (provided that I follow my own advice and plan and prepare better).  But for our 17th day, we had other plans.  We planned to meet some friends for lunch in Denver.  They also graciously allowed us to spend the night with them.  And to boot we got a delicious, hot meal and a hot shower!  What blessings.  Unfortunately for you, I didn't take any photos.  Fortunately for me, I have wonderful memories.  

From Denver we headed to Albuquerque to visit my brother and his family.  We made it on day 18 and stayed until day 20.  Our time with them was too short, but we sure did  have a blast!  

Who's celebrating a birthday?!

Not any of them...

There he is!  The birthday boy, Johann!!

Cousin time!

Dishes time!

Girl time!

Hiking time!

This was a pretty fun hike!

For some...

and others!

Hoooowl!

When our time came to an end, on the 20th day, we packed our things and headed out bright and early.  We somehow managed to drive from Albuquerque to Houston in one straight shot with no one crying about being in the car too long!  Can you believe it?!  Well, you should because it happened.  

It was a great trip.  One that I will not do again for a long time or maybe even ever.  But hooray for no car trouble, no one pooping their pants, and very few meltdowns!  

Now off to bed because school starts tomorrow... squeeeee!