After an extra-long day getting here, we made it to our first full day in Colorado! Our “altitude adjustment day” consisted of a few small trips in and around Colorado Springs.
We spent a lot of time in Grandpa Roger and Grandma Cheryl’s big back yard. Some time was seeing the chickens, some time was spent playing games (typically Uno), and some time eating! Inside, we spent time solving puzzles and playing with cats.
Our first outing was to the Starsmore Visitor and Nature Center in North Cheyenne Cañon. We learned about all the various plants, animals, minerals, geology, and history of the area. Many exhibits focused on the paleontology and archaeology research done in the area that has gone through dramatic changes over millions of years. Of course, the kids really loved the ability to color, play with the hand puppets, and playing with the footprints in the sand!
After exploring the inside of the museum, we headed outside to take a short walk up the Lower Columbine Trail. There had been a lot of rain and erosion before we got there, so the trail wasn’t in great condition for us all to go. And before long, we actually had a traditional Rocky Mountain thunderstorm come to tell us it was time to wrap-up and head to lunch.
We went to a favorite Mexican restaurant in downtown Colorado Springs, José Muldoons. After an awesome lunch, the kids played on the playground across the street in Acacia Park while Grandpa Roger and Grandma Cheryl checked out the used book store.
Back at the house, we just chilled for the night and the kids got some more time to work on their artwork! A good first day of vacation, post travel-day!
