On top of the World in Colorado

A few pictures of our adventures in Colorado.

When I asked Max what his favorite part of the trip was he told me that it was taking the ski lift up the mountain.  With stars in his eyes he told me in a very serious tone, 

"Mom...I felt like I was on top of the world."  

I'd say that's validation of vacation success.

Our first night we stayed at Michael and Jane's house.  The quintessential Colorado cabin.  The boys were in awe of the surrounding wilderness.

We headed up to a condo in Keystone the next morning.
First on the agenda was skiing.  This child was SO excited.

Uncle Mike is so cool!

Fletch pretty much made the trip to Colorado just to be dressed like this...

Warmest baby on the mountain!

And then there was Sully.  My man.  He hated the cold.  He hated skiing (said he'd rather sled because he prefers sitting down)  He completed exactly 15 minutes of ski instruction and then retreated to the lodge for hot chocolate and french fries with Lolli, Boobo & GG.

Max, however, was in his element.  Watching my son discover something he has a passion for was one of those "wow" parenting moments.  He had insisted for the past year (since the winter Olympics) that he wanted to learn how to ski, but I figured he'd go down the bunny slopes twice and then complain about being tired or cold.  But the light in his eyes and his determination...I was so proud and so inspired by my little man.  He stayed out the whole day, only stopping for lunch.

Billy and Max getting warmed up.

It didn't take long for Max to feel confident enough to take on the larger slopes.  Max and Michael taking the lift.

These two share a special bond over their love of the mountains.

My confident little man signaling to Uncle Mike.

He had his share of wipe outs too, but always got right up.  Mike and Jane to the rescue :)

Really starting to get it!

Time for the big kids to have some fun.  Jane, Michael and Billy.

This man is a natural at everything he tries.  It's both annoying and very attractive ;)

My sweet little trooper.  Easiest baby ever.

Max may or may not have a little crush on his Aunt Janie ;)

Lunch time!

Thank goodness for the entourage that helped watch Fletcher and Sully while everyone else was out.

Reward after a long, tiring day.

Hot chocolate by the fire.  Life in Colorado was seriously so good.

And there's this guy again, just content to be.  Wild-hair-don't-care.

Checking out the ice sculptures.

Activities that Sullivan enjoyed much more than skiing...

Coloring with Uncle Mike.

Sightseeing in a warm, enclosed gondola.

Until next time, Colorado...