Praying for our Friends in Colorado Springs

Just over a year ago we attended the most beautifully backdropped wedding.

I had never seen views like these in my life. KC and I were in awe.

We couldn't get enough of the mountains.

Beautiful. Beautiful. Beautiful.

I am sadden to hear that there are fires threatening our friend's home, and that this is now the view for the Garden of the Gods . . .

Praying for the people of Colorado Springs and the surrounding area. And praying for the safety of the firefighters trying to put this thing out.

The views will change for a while, but Mother Nature has a way of fixing things over time.

Love you guys and know that we are thinking of you. Let us know if you need anything, now or a month from now.

••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

*** If anyone is interested in helping out the people of Colorado, here is a link that you can donate to for Home - Care and Share Food Bank for Southern Colorado. , they are supplying food and water to the firefighters trying to put out the fires. ***

To The Top of Pike's Peak!

There isn't a bad view in Colorado Springs, this place is beautiful.

I find the mountains truly amazing, especially since I am used to the flat lands of Illinois.

We have driven around in awe of the landscape, driving until we get lost and then we turn on the GPS to get back.

We heard from a number of people that the Cog Railway up to Pike's Peak was the best views they've ever seen, so we decided to wake up early this morning and check it out.

I took lots of pictures for my father. I knew that he would want to see the train engine. I think the majority of our family vacations growing up involved riding on a train or at least seeing an old train engine. I wish you could have made the trip up with us Dad :) If you ever make it out to Colorado, this should definitely be on your list of things to do.

This is the old train engine. The railway was built originally by a man from Wisconsin, because he believed everyone should be able to see America from that view. It was completed in 1891.

This is the train engine that we took up.

We were slightly winded at 14,110 feet, and it was COLD! I think I heard someone say 36 degrees and the ride started in the 80's.

The ride up was gorgeous and the tour guide was amazing! Very entertaining and informative.

It was amazing view ...

 ... after amazing view ...

 ... after amazing view ...

 ... after amazing view!!! Oh, and I have so many more photos!!!

This is a Brittlecone Pine tree, thought to be about 2,000 years old.

 We stopped and pulled over so another train could come down.

This is at the top!

Clouds above and below us :)

On a good day, 5 states can be seen. It was pretty cloudy, but I could see plenty to make me happy.

It is an image that I will always remember.

This trip has opened my eyes to the amazing things that we can see in America. We have always gone to international destinations, but beauty is in driving distance.

I hope to bring the kids back here some day.

So You're Going To Be Going Dating?

That's what Cam asked me when I told him that mommy and daddy would be gone for a few days :)

And I replied "YES!"

We sure needed a vacation. (Not sure of the timing, but we needed a break from reality.)

We are supposed to be closing on our home in 14 days, radon tests, windows repaired, surveys, termite inspections and appraisals. The appraisal didn't turn out in our favor, I just hope we are not back to square one again when we get back to Chicago.

Because I have been packing and have made a major dent in the house. It would suck to have to unpack.

But I'm trying to take my mind off of that for a while and enjoy this!

Colorado Springs is beautiful. A place like this makes me realize just how flat Illinois is!

We are going to celebrate the marriage of Matt and Malina tomorrow and take in some more sites.

Kids, you better be good for Grandpa and Grandma, because I won't be coming home early to save them. I hope you like the pictures and I'll try to send some more soon.

Love you all!