Colorado Springs - Day 2

On Day 2 of our Colorado Springs adventure, we headed to North Cheyenne Canon Park for some hiking. We were especially excited about the Mt. Cutler Hiking trail since there was an overlook of the popular Seven Falls tourist site along the trail.

We got the little kiddos all loaded up into their hiking backpacks. They were relatively happy once inside the backpacks, especially if they could hold random sticks from the trail or be eating a snack. :)

Ian, the only kid who wasn't in a backpack, didn't complain once about walking. He loved going "off trail" at times and climbing around on various tree roots or rocks.

Mom and Dad got a picture along the way of all of us kids and grandkids. Notice how we (well, most of us ...) are dressed. It was a beautiful, chilly morning, just perfect for hiking!

And here's a picture of Papa and Grammy.

Here's a whole-group shot!

There were some amazing views from the higher parts of the trail.

Ian enjoyed running way to the top of this "hill."

And here we are at the top of the trail.

There was a great view of Seven Falls (though you could only see about three of the waterfalls from our vantage point).

What great looking guys!

Mom and Dad pose for a cute shot near a Y-shaped tree on the way back down the trail.

Peek-a-boo, Ian!

Once we made it down the trail, we attempted to get a cousin picture with them all lined up in age order. For a while, it seemed like there was hope for the picture to turn out ...

... but then things turned quickly downhill, as Ryan started crying and no one else wanted to look at the camera. :)

Then, we headed to the Helen Hunt Falls area. We enjoyed watching the hummingbirds at the feeder at the trading post. I've never seen a hummingbird land before!

Each family took turns getting its picture on the bridge overlooking the falls.

Plus, there were some pretty cool climbing rocks right near the bridge.

And the rocks near the parking lot were pretty fun, too! :)

The whole group in front of the Helen Hunt Falls.

The excavator in the parking lot was also a big hit!

When we got home from hiking, we ate lunch, took showers, and slept a little. Then, it was time for playing! First, we strung some colored pasta onto pipe cleaners and made fun bracelets and necklaces.

Then, Aunt Amy gave some fun rides in the laundry basket.

And Aunt Sarah played trains with a crew of kiddos, too!

We enjoyed more of the beautiful outside weather, too, including playing with sidewalk chalk,

climbing on the walls,

and playing follow-the-leader and baseball.

We attempted to get a picture of the grandparents and grandkids together right after dinner. This is the best we could do ... hilarious! :)

What a fun day!