what we're doing instead of packing...

First off, one last trip into the mountains to camp. What better way to say goodbye to the Rockies?

 Our campsite was great! Right on the river!

 The whole bank was covered in "ooey gooey mud" and abby plunged right in! I was super proud of her for just being covered in it. We spent much time oozing, mud pie making, etc. Perfect.

 This is matthew's idea of what the river was good for. sigh.

 We did an awesome hike at Hanging Lake. The path looks all smooth and flat here doesn't it?

 Yes, and awesome nature on said flat path...

 Until about 3 minutes later when you start climbing and go up 1,000 feet to the top!

 Whew! Made it! What hard work! (said none of the children)

Felt like a scene from one of Abby's fairy books.

 We got to go above the hanging lake too.  Thought about lessening our load here, but decided against it.

 On the way down one kid got to sleep...

 The other had to navigate THIS. Aren't we nice parents? 

 We drove through Snowmass to see the monestary where matthew spent a lot of time discerning pre-marriage. Then through Independence pass which was amazing.  Aspen, the trees = awesome. Aspen, the town = just weird!

 We stopped for a mini hike-play on our way out. Can you see the blue tent at the top left? A movie set!  There were camera guys on ziplines, divers and we watched an actress take a big gorge jump a few times, fun times.

 I'm sure i was wondering why matthew wasn't helping here... oh, he was taking a picture. 

 Finishing Independence Pass. Resume breathing.

Then we jumped into the rest of the weekend, having our last little man ice cream with the Cornells and friends, a last Rockies game, and a party for the college program that we had at our house all summer. 

Hello last week in Denver!  Maybe it's time to pack.