7 Perfect years

On Saturday Tracie and I celebrated 7 glorious years together. In keeping with tradition we stayed in Colorado since it is the most beautiful state in the union. Usually we escape just the two of us, but with cute kids like this, we had to take them along.

On Friday we headed to Cañon City to see the Royal Gorge. Inside the park the have a Carousel.

It was Brooke's favorite part of the whole place.

The bridge is a mere 1000 feet above the Arkansas River below. This is the view from the Tram that takes you across.

Ironically, walking across the bridge was scarier for Tracie. You could feel the bridge sway a bit, and it took every ounce of courage for Tracie to head to the edge and thrust the camera out to take this picture.

We stayed in Salida, which is a nice town on the Arkansas River. Lots of active folks, lots of rafting and kayaking. It rubbed off on Brooke, who finally settled down to sleep at 9:30. She loved the hotel room!

The next morning we hung around downtown Salida and the river, watching the sleepy town come to life.

Unique and antique shops could only keep Brooke entertained for so long, so we walked to the park.

We adequately wore her out, because she slept the whole way to Leadville.

We took a ride on the Leadville train. We thought Brooke would enjoy a ride on a 'choo-choo' train.

The anticipation was almost too much to bear.

Before we actually left the station, Brooke's favorite part was hanging out one window and seeing Mommy or Daddy hanging out another.

Connor was just happy to be out of his car seat.

Tracie captured Brooke's reaction when they blew the whistle right before we were going to leave.

The skies are bluer at 10,000 feet.

Great views all around.

She loved the train (and the snacks, drinks and free popcorn.)

He enjoyed it (mainly the bottle he had towards the end).

The Ware Family, on the top of the world.

After some great pizza at High Mountain Pies amongst the mountain bikers who had just completed the Leadville 100, we headed back to the hotel in Salida.

They really like each other.

Brooke once again stayed up too late, jumping out of bed to draw on the hotel paper pad.

Seriously, I'm not tired at all! When we left the next morning she cried "I don't want to go home, I want to stay at this home!!!" I think she liked having her own queen bed, the late nights, watching movies, the breakfast in the morning, and generally being spoiled by Mom and Dad.

Both kids did great on the trip, and we're optimistic for future road trips as a family. Thanks for a great seven years Tracie, and the most beautiful family in the world!