Family Vacation Day in Vail

Last week we had an Allen family reunion with my Dad, his two sisters, and all their families up in Colorado. Since we were making the drive we decided to leave a day early and have a relaxing family day just with us in Vail. It was wonderful! We really have never done this! We rarely go anywhere and when we have its been to St George with family or to visit Nic's brother.

We were able to get a great deal on a hotel right in the center of Vail, Colorado. We arrived around 6pm (after a looong drive). Our room was on the bottom floor, which had a door out to the "our backyard" (as Hannah referred to it), a beautiful view and a great walking/biking trail. It was fabulous.That night we walking around the "village" with shops (mostly closed) and restaurant. We ended up eating at Billy Tropical Seafood (something like that). We ordered a 4 course meal, that we split among all of us, with calamari, salad, lobster ravioli, and cheese cake (and waters of course). I don't think I'd order the lobster ravioli again, but it was fun and different.Our night was way too long... or actually way too short! Being all in one room didn't go over every well. Hannah would not go to sleep (she was too excited), ended up getting in our bed (which NEVER happens at home) and then was up at 5 am! Blah. We took it easy in the morning, taking baths and showers. Then walked up to the village again and found a fun little deli for breakfast, where we ordered french toast and an omelet. There was a fun feel there, that really made us feel like we were on vacation.We then took a ride up the gondola, an enclosed ski lift! The view was spectacular. At the top we were able to take in some more breath-taking views and then walked a little trail. After heading down we got back in the truck and headed a little closer to our destination of Keystone, but stopped at the outlets from some shopping.It was a fun little family time. I am so glad we took the time to do it. Aside from Nic being on the phone the majority of the time and Hannah not sleeping, it really was wonderful. I'm so glad Nic would take the time to be with us and get away. Vacations are expensive, even when you try to keep them quite reasonable: bringing lunches and snacks, sharing meals, driving, etc. But they are also a great time to create memories and and build relationships! I sure love my little family.

These are some pictures at the top of Vail. Hannah took the ones of me (while Nic was on the phone!) and of Nic and I. Impressive huh! And aren't my kids so cute! I couldn't decide which ones to post so you get a whole slew of them!