Royal Gorge Railroad

On Monday we boarded the Royal Gorge Railroad for a two-hour train ride in their Vista Dome car. It was awesome! We had fun exploring the train and enjoying the beautiful scenery. I think we will be doing this again in a few years! As Mimi said, I don't know who was more excited about the train...Carter or Sean!

Getting ready to ride!

Mimi & Davis getting cozy.

View of our seats inside train.

Enjoying a Bloody Mary.

Mama's boy!

Looking up at the bridge we crossed the day before. See why I was scared?!

Outside on the open-air car.

Loved their glassware.

Carter looking out at the river rafters.

Mommy & Carter

Carter got car shoes, just like the ones Aunt Sister got Davis!

My favorite boys!

The Royal Gorge

We took a mini-vacation to the Royal Gorge while Mimi & Grampy were visiting. I went as a child almost 30 years ago and remember being terrified as my parents made me walk across that bridge. I had a huge fear of heights and still do. But, this trip not only made me face my fear (I successfully crossed the bridge!) but reminded me of how vacation memories with family are some of my fondest from childhood...I love that we are creating that with our boys. Thanks Mimi & Grampy for going with us and helping make this such a fun trip!

Getting ready to ride the carousel.

Loving the painted ponies!

Sean got on a wild one!

Mom held my hand as I crossed the bridge, just as she and my Dad did the first time around. I'm pretty sure my palms were sweating.

Here we go!

Having a snack on the other side of the bridge.

We met up with some real Cow Pokes!

And visited a Tee Pee.

Sean was fearless on the bridge. I can't understand it.

Sean took this one from the bridge.

You can barely see the red speck of the gondola in the upper left. Scary!!!!

All Aboard!

I took this photo for Sean's business cards.

Riding the little train...getting ready for the big train on Monday!

Grampy had the great idea that we take Skyline Drive back to our hotel. It was steep and narrow, but amazing views from the top.

So glad Sean was driving instead of me!

Mimi entertaining the boys back at the hotel while we waited for the pizza to be delivered. I was getting dizzy just watching them!

Grandparent Visit #2

Mimi & Grampy came for a visit over Labor Day weekend and brought us tons of produce from their garden. They got to see Carter's school and go to a car cruise with old cars AND go on a mini-vacation with us to Canon City!

Davis enjoying some grilled corn on the cob. Messy, but worth it!

Grampy the Grillmaster of veggies--yum!

Davis and Grampy

Carter showing Grampy & Mimi his scooter skills

Girls' Night Out

Any excuse to go out with the girls is fun, but to go out with your favorite female cousin for her 21st birthday is even better! We celebrated Kelsie's 21st Birthday (a little late) and also the fact that she is leaving for a semester abroad in Ireland. We are so proud of her and know she is going to have a great time! Love you, Kels!

The yummiest margaritas! Strawberry, Lime, Mango & Peach...does it get any better?
Sisters with Margaritas!

Cousins with Margaritas! Can't believe you are 21, Rae Rae!

Kels, me and Amy (our honorary cousin)

Just Girls!

Taylor stopped by for dessert.

Grandparent Visit #1

We have been able to get a lot of use out of our guest suite in the three months that we've lived here and I couldn't be more glad. All three sets of grandparents have been out to visit as well as Aunt Sister! We are always happy to have family and friends nearby so we hope everyone will come to Colorado as much as they are able. We wish we could get home to MO more, but with my current work schedule that doesn't happen as much as we would like. Anyway, I digress...

Grandma Pat & Grandpa Dan drove their RV out last month and stayed with us before heading up to Estes Park. We had a great visit and the boys & Sean even got to stay in the RV one night up in Estes! Sounds like the boys got the better end of that deal and Daddy didn't get much sleep, but it was a fun adventure nonetheless.

Grandma Pat in Grandpa's hat. She looks so cute!

Grandma & Grandpa with both of the boys looking at the camera.

RV hanging out in the background

The Original Beilmans

At the campground in Estes Park

Enjoying breakfast at our neighborhood coffee shop. This was taken shortly before Davis scooted through the fence and nearly ran into traffic. Mommy had a small heart attack, but Daddy leaped over the fence, grabbed Davis in a flash, and saved the day. Thank God!

Love that smoothie!