Family Adventure Day #3...Colorado, we have arrived. Hide your breakables.

We have made it!  I have to say....leaving Santa Fe this morning was bittersweet.  We had expected to spend the night at the Inn on the Alameda two nights (due to the car craziness, that didn't happen) so the one night really didn't cut it.  We had an awesome breakfast there and had to take off. 
What's 5 more hours of a road trip when you're the Griswold's anyway? 
The drive was amazing though!  So much better then the trip from Roswell to Santa Fe where I started to miss Home Sweet Texas oh-so-much.  It was pretty barren with a sparse amount of bushes instead of trees and no green grass to speak of.  I am one of those people that needs green around me!  Roswell...and until about 30 minutes outside of Santa Fe....it was pretty depressing. 
But hitting Santa Fe was like an oasis!  Great looking town, full of trendy people riding bicycles and lots of great options for fun. 
On the way to Ouray we saw so many amazing sights.  I had some of those moments where you tear up at the sheer beauty of God's work.  The colors and landscape were pure beauty. 

New Mexico

Almost to Colorado....

The DVD player was not turned on until about 2 hours from Ouray. All three of the kids were pretty mesmerized by the scenery.  It's funny how on a road trip everything turns into a huge sight seeing mission....Look!  A snow covered rock! ....Look!  A red barn!!.....
I can not tell you how many pictures of barns I have on this memory card....I'm pretty much obsessed with them.  The landscape was just so completely different than anything the kiddos are used to, they were as excited as we were at all the beauty.  And it's hard to get a 13 year old boy excited about anything but girls....but he was looking out of the window just as much as the rest of us.  As well as schooling us on all the trivia of the area...because he is the Mr. Wizard of this generation.  (If you don't know who Mr. Wizard is, you totally missed out on a great show and you should Google it.  Like now.)

Colorado

Amazing beauty

Driving up the mountains turned out to be quite the experience.  Winding, curvy and HUGE drops on the sides....glad B was driving and not me!

We are now in the gorgeous, little town of Ouray, Colorado.  Ouray is known as the Switzerland of America....I can totally see why.  This place is fabulous...quaint little shops and fun pubs.    The people here are so friendly and helpful, the Visitor's Center is a plethora of info and clean bathrooms too!  R let me in on that secret because after all of those winding mountain roads, she was about to wet her pants.  So...good to know. 
We are staying in the Elkhorn Cabins where we are happy to be able to stomp around without worrying about anyone being underneath us or that we're being too loud...which we are.  Always. 
Log cabin luxury.....plenty of bathrooms, TV's and a gas stove to keep us warm and cozy.  Be sure to check out SilverStar Properties....and mention my blog and you can get 15% off for your own stay at Elkhorn Cabins, owned by SilverStar Properties.  Find them on Facebook, too.  I like how close the cabin is to town, and especially to the Hot Springs.   

Main Street, Ouray

We are on Texas time....only an hour difference but still....at 4 o' clock we were ready for dinner.  After unloading the car we decided where we would eat.  Everything here in Ouray seems to be pretty family friendly, even the pubs and breweries.  We decided to eat at Ouray Brewery.  We made a good choice because it was so stinkin' good!  This place just looks small walking in but it has 3 levels...we still chose the smaller 1st level, sitting in a little nook under the windows where we caught some late afternoon sun.  B is a lover of dark ales.....Shiner is unmistakably his favorite ale of choice....so he tried the Box Canyon Dark and loved it. 
The food was so great, we all had burgers and fries (except for G, who had spaghetti with butter and cheese with a side of 3 pickles) and I thought I might have to get some help out the door I was so full. The staff here at Ouray Brewery were wonderful.  Very kind and great with the kids.  G and R had to try out what had to be the coolest barstools ever....chairs, hung from the ceiling with cables.  The bartender welcomed them right up and they had fun chatting with the locals.  I heard G telling a pretty woman at the bar that he was from a little south of Hawaii (Wha?!)....he fit in fine. 

A must while in Ouray

We made a stop at the cute little market just a few doors down from the Brewery for some necessities...and the guy checking us out was quite the character. 
Stopping at Mouse's Chocolates and Coffee was a given. 

Seriously, how cute is this?

Certain things are predictable in our family....stopping at a shop selling chocolates and coffee would be one of those things. 

They even have a coffee drink called The Dirty Hippie...come on!  This place was made for us. 

Mouthful of chocolate

totally trying to steal her goods!

I had a simple cup of coffee and it was wonderful

Notice G....he stole a few pieces of chocolate from his brother and sister...and is paying for it with a tummy ache

talk about selection....

I have some amazing news for you....Mouse's is online and guess what.  They ship to you! 
Find them on Facebook for up to the minute news on the best chocolates and coffee around.

After stuffing ourselves....B decided that he didn't care it was getting dark.  He wanted to take the kiddos out to play in the snow.  And they did.  And they loved it.  It doesn't take much snow to excite these kids from Texas...thank goodness.  Because really...what is better than seeing your kids smiling and playing with each other instead of threatening each other with their lives?

stuck in the snow

snow angels

 We are all exhausted now...well, I am.  The kids are all still going strong.  Tomorrow we are going to attempt ice climbing, the main thing that Ouray is famous for.  People come from all over the world to experience Ouray's free ice park and I am excited to see it. 
I will be the official picture taker with my handy dandy, one armed assistant R while all of the boys try out ice climbing. 
Ouray Ice Park can be found on Facebook and Twitter.  We will be meeting the San Juan Guides bright and early in the morning to start our next adventure. 
Happy Weekend, everyone!



















disclaimer alert.....we did recieve discounted lodging here in Ouray working with SilverStar Properties.  My opinions are still my opinions and nothing but. 

Family Adventure Day 2 AKA Day 1 Do-Over

We have finally made it to Santa Fe after a crazy day yesterday trying to get here. 
We left our house around 4:30 a.m. and we were making great time, even stopping every 5 minutes for bathroom breaks and snackage (yes, that's a word...Pauly Shore invented it).  We were about 35 minutes outside of Kerrville, Texas when my car decided that she wasn't going to put up with our crap any longer. 
Loooong story short.....we were stuck in Kerrville for 5+ of the longest hours of my life where we found out my car would not be making the trip to Colorado with us...but hanging at the local Dodge dealership getting her oil pump fixed for 1.5 million dollars.  Plus, 2 million in labor.
Good thing about Kerrville....Paw Paw's BBQ.  Good food in a no frills place.  Ribs, BBQ stuffed baked potatoes and the like served up on a tray with a side of paper towels and BBQ sauce.  Best cobbler I've had in a while too.  Here are pics after our breakdown debacle because no one wanted to see pictures of me and my best imitation of Yosemite Sam, with stomping feet and steam coming out of my ears....on the side of I10.   

My Elmer Fudd...

Texas....still.

The long and winding road.....

Drove out of Kerrville way past our time frame and missed out on one night at this amazing place I am lounging in now...The Inn on the Alameda.  We ended up in Roswell, New Mexico last night...yep. That Roswell.  No aliens were seen except the statues that are spread throughout the town, even KFC has an alien hanging outside.

Now, we can say we've been to Roswell.  I'm good with that. 

Just an alien hanging at KFC. 

He fell asleep while coloring....on the way to Santa Fe

We could see the snow coming down on the mountains

One of the kids took this!  Pretty good.

We arrived in Santa Fe around 3:30pm (New Mexico time) and drove through the city to find Inn on the Alameda.  This place is amazing.  Perfectly decorated and situated in a great part of the city.  Blocks from the Plaza, near art galleries, restaurants, beautiful chapels and the cutest shops ever.   This is the reason why we planned on 2 nights in this great city....we wanted to explore and take our time checking out the Plaza.  But, things happen so we are on to Colorado in the morning and leaving Santa Fe behind.  Until tomorrow morning though.....I will relish in Inn on the Alameda's wonderful ambiance... that includes having 2 rooms!  Hallelujah! Praise the Lord above.....the kids will have their own room, which means I don't get a heel to the kidneys all night by Mr. Precious 5 year old who does Tae Kwon Doe in his sleep. 
When we got here we noticed a little bit of snow flurries and since then it has just gotten more beautiful.  Sticking just enough to be pretty but not too much where we couldn't go out and enjoy it in our hoodies. I took T down to the Agoyo Room Lounge to enjoy complimentary wine and cheese hour (he had a Coke and I had olives and cheese) and then we snooped around and found the spa.  The kids have enjoyed the beds, and especially the robes that were folded so nicely on them....they might not want to leave tomorrow!  Especially after they have the breakfast.  I have heard about this breakfast and I am ready....it is a continental breakfast but this isn't your mama's continental breakfast...this is; local coffee, organic, gluten free and veggie options, fresh fruit and juices.  There is also free parking here, right outside of the rooms.  After driving through downtown Santa Fe, you find out pretty quickly that parking is an issue.  Everyone is parked along the side of the road.  So, the free parking and breakfast makes this place even better.  The adobe style buildings and now the snow sprinkled ground are extremely welcoming to a family from Texas.  The rooms are extremely spacious and accommodating with tons of space for luggage and clothing.  A big closet and nice bathrooms are a plus along with the really great toiletries.   I mean it, these are the kind of goodies that you want to be able to take home and will actually use.  Inn on the Alameda is green minded and it shows through and through with all of their local foods and eco friendly toiletries. 
The people at the front desk here are great and extremely helpful.  The concierge made a list of restaurants we might enjoy as a family and had a book of their menus for us to look at while enjoying our goodies. 
We chose Mucho Gusto, which is just around the corner from the Inn.  More on that in a minute.  Let me get to the good stuff.....more pictures!

Already comfy  on her bed....

Kid room!

What's a room with boys in it if there is no wrestling?

The fluffy robe awaits....

 

Checking out the snow on the patio

Catching some flakes....

Snowflake eyes

Silly boys on the patio

Check out those ceilings! They are beautiful throughout the entire property.

I guess we chose well....G left this on my bed for me.

He was starved!  Even the Ristras looked good...

On our way to the Agoyo Room

The entrance to the hotel...

Sitting area in lobby area...even has a crackling fire

Sauna

Our patio...

 Be sure and check out Inn on the Alameda on Facebook and Twitter....you will find yourself as taken with this place as we have.  Charming and traditional, feels like a really great B&B where you have your privacy along with great amenities.
Like I mentioned before....we ate at Mucho Gusto.  This quaint little place hidden in the back of a parking lot and shopping center.  I love finding little hidden gems like this.  It seems to me that this place has a cult following...as most great things do.  And well worth it.  Although, I can not tell you the last time we actually paid for chips and salsa.  In Texas, we all have an understanding....chips and hot sauce are a way of life.  Put the bowls on the table and come back to check them periodically for refills.  Mucho Gusto is great for families with moderately priced food, simple setting and great, authentic food.

Chimichangas

Their famous stuffed chicken breast, "The Bomb"

Watching the Thumb Wars that the kids were having after they ate

yes, even a small amount of snow makes a kid from South East Texas happy

Sightseeing in Santa Fe...

Tomorrow morning, we are back in the car and onto our adventures in Ouray, Colorado.  Keep watching for updates!








disclaimer alert.....We recieved the rooms at the Inn on the Alameda for a discounted rate but the opinions and reviews that I write on my website, Facebook, Twitter and any other site are all my opinions.  We were not expected to give a positive review or article.  All opinions expressed are my own.  All pictures are personal pictures. 

Making a list....checking it twice....

We are heading out for our big Spring Break adventure on Wednesday.....this has induced a cleaning panic in my house and a packing anxiety.  Usually, when we pack...we are headed to a much warmer climate.  Which is easy, we understand warm climates. 
We are traveling to Ouray, Colorado.  Ouray is known for it's beautiful summers and of course the hot springs.  The kids and B are excited....I am  excited mixed with a bit of trepidation.  Our daughter is now wearing a cast.....supporting a broken wrist that she got after a kid ran past her on the playground and accidentally knocked her down.  Which means....we will be packing lots of baggies and fancy duct tape to protect the cast from getting wet.  At all costs!  I have been forewarned of the smell that could eminate from a child's cast if it gets wet.  And I would like to avoid it.  Which brings me to my packing anxiety.  Extra baggies. Check.
We have Space Bags already full of the fluffy winter coats and ski pants.  Check. 
I am a notorious list maker.  We have been traveling together for quite a while now.  Most of my family lives in South Alabama, so a 12 hour road trip is nothing new to us.  So why is this 14 hour (1st leg of the trip) seeming so ominous to me?  I have a feeling my list is going to start getting longer throughout the day.  Last night, at around midnight, I crawled out of bed to scrawl a few things down before I forgot.  New memory card for camera, so it doesn't take forever to go through my gazillion pictures to upload each night for a blog update on our trip.  Coffee for the cabin....which leads to Splenda.  Agh! and cereal, can't forget that.  Goldfish!  Don't forget the DVD's!
Okay, deep breath.
I have 2 days.  I have 2 days. I have 2 days.
To calm my mind I will now let you know about the cabins we will stay in while in gorgeous Ouray, Colorado.
Elk Horn Cabins....owned by SilverStar Properties are the cutest darn log cabins you've ever seen.  Surrounded by amazing mountains and bordered with trees, I feel like Laura Ingalls.  Yes, she was on a prairie, but you know what I mean.  Luckily, for all of you.....if you would like to have your own family adventure...or even a husband and wife escape.....you can get 15% off at Elk Horn Cabins by mentioning my blog when making reservations!  Yes, you are welcome.  Check out SilverStar Properties and Elk Horn Cabins in Ouray. 
We can not wait to get to this picturesque little town, known as the Switzerland of America.  The pictures in their photo gallery are a must see.  The town is small, which I love.  We are small town people.  When I saw this picture of Ouray....I knew I needed to see it.



picture credit: Mountain Photography, Jack Brauer

That little village right there, is Ouray.  How sweet is that?  Nestled among the mountains.  A drastic change from Texas.  And a much needed getaway after the hubs working straight nights, 7 days a week since January 5th.  We are really looking forward to the Hot Springs trip, which we will be sure to be creative cast cover artists.  We will also be taking a snowcat tour up in the mountains, which I am completely stoked about.  We will be documenting our entire trip step by step so you guys will know the best places to take your own family on vacation.  I will even be "checking in" on Facebook where ever we eat and letting you know how the kids liked it.  And if the grown ups will be just as happy.  Not a McDonald's in sight in Ouray....praise the Lord!  We hope to make a day trip into Telluride for the boys to snowboard and I can enjoy walking around Telluride and riding the (free!) gondola from town and up the mountain with my cast clad little girl.

Before we get to Ouray, we will be making a stop in Santa Fe, New Mexico and staying at the Inn on the Alameda.  This place looks so authentic and interesting.  A small place as well, only 71 rooms but serving an amazing (free) breakfast every morning, consisting of local foods and coffees with plenty of gluten free and organic options.  Yes, I am super pumped about this.  Inn on the Alameda is located right off of the famed Plaza and I can not wait to explore. 



The Inn on the Alameda


I can't wait to share with you guys our daily updates and pictures.  Be on the lookout for plenty of Facebook and Twitter updates and pictures too and don't forget about Pinterest.  I will have to pin all of the picturesque views!  Please let me know what you want to know most about in the cities of Ouray and Santa Fe and we will do our best to let you know.  Best places to eat for families?  Historical must-sees?  Just let me know by email, Facebook or Twitter!
Here is the injured princess....



This was leaving the orthopedist.  This lime green cast is now covered with signatures.