My mom, me, and Mike
Maroon Bells, Aspen
June 2008
This is what summer in Colorado looks like, grins included. Last week Mike and I took my Mom to Aspen for a bike tour of the beautiful Maroon Bells region. My father had to cut his CO trip short to get some work done, so unfortunately he wasn’t able to join us for this great trip. Still the three of us had a lot of fun. I only wish we could have stayed longer! A few days in Aspen cost as much as a week anywhere else in the state, so we had to make our time there count.
Speaking of the high costs in Aspen, we decided to visit a condo’s open house while we were there, out of curiosity. It was a 1000 square foot apartment with two bedrooms and a 70s-era exterior. It was nice, but nothing special, except for its location in downtown Aspen. The asking price was $2.3 million. Yeah, my dreams of living in that blissful town pretty much evaporated at that point. But I can see why it’s so expensive there. Aspen really is a delight. I’m just grateful that we live only a few hours away and can visit. OK, on to the photos!
Mom and Mike at the top of Independence Pass, at about 12,000 feet above sea level.
Doing my Maria von Trapp thing.
My mom was thrilled to see so much snow this time of year!
We spent much of that afternoon lounging on the patio at the Hotel Jerome.
Mom and I drank too many margaritas and giggled a lot.
The next morning we took the gondola up the mountain. Yes, I walked around in a souvenir t-shirt. I’m crazy like that.
We at lunch at the top of the mountain! I wanted to move in to the restaurant.
There’s that Colorado summer grin again.
There was an insane juggler entertaining the kids by tossing around a flaming bowling ball.
I can hula a mean hoop.
After lunch we took a guided bike tour with Blazing Adventures.
We started at this lake at the Maroon Bell mountains, and biked down to the town.
Rumor has it that the Maroon Bells are the most photographed area in the state. I can see why.
Mom took this cute one of the two of us.
My mom took this one of herself while biking!
One more photo, after we got back from Aspen… Mom took this one of me at Springs Spree last weekend. I think technically those bouncy things are intended for kids, but who says 33-year-olds can’t be kids, too?
I couldn’t imagine driving that pass when it’s really snowy. I freak out on the downhill drive eastward… I’m a big ole chicken!
You guys definitely have to go out there, it’s beautiful. Mike and I hadn’t been before, either, but we’re definitely going back.
I’m glad you had such fun in Vail and Minturn! I love it there. We shot a cowboy-themed wedding at the Minturn Saloon once, which was fabulous.
Oh how sad! My parents can adopt you, if you like.
Oh yes, it gets much nicer after you leave the airport. 😉
How nice! What a great place to spend a summer. 🙂
Glad to see some of that snow melting off of Independence Pass finally. It was a winter wonderland when I was up there on June 7 (the day it opened for the season).
Wow! The scenery is beautiful! Looks like you guys had an absolute blast! I love the one of the three of you with the snow capped mountains behind you.
Re: Perfect URL for you
HA HA HA HA!
That about sums it up for sure!
Perfect URL for you
http://xkcd.com/441/
We are expecting our 3rd and that about killed my wife 😛
The Maroon Bells are so beautiful! Jon and I need to make it out there someday. I finally got to visit Vail 🙂 and it was great!
Amazing photos!
Looks like a lot of fun!!
It’s so nice your parents like you! Mine aren’t nearly as nice to me! lol And it’s a shame you have to live in such an ugly place. So so sad for you. /sarcasm>
What a beautiful place.
What a beautiful place.
Beautiful scenery! I’d love to go see more of Colorado than just the Denver airport. =p
Beautiful scenery! I’d love to go see more of Colorado than just the Denver airport. =p
Lovely pics. I for a couple of years when I lived in LA my parents rented a condo in Aspen every summer. I met them there. Such a fantastic place. I haven’t been back in about 10 years though 🙁
But your photos are a nice mini break.
god, it’s just gorgeous there, isnt it?
thanks for sharing the pics.
It’s so weird when you put it that way! It’s hard for me to understand that one of the most important people in your life is currently inside your belly. AMAZING.
Thanks 😀 We’re looking forward to meeting the person we made. LOL Which doesn’t make me feel like a mad scientist AT ALL….
That’s wonderful!! Congratulations! As much as I love margaritas, babies are way cooler. 😀
No rehab – I think that might be more likely AFTER the baby gets here. LOL
We just started telling folks today, so you aren’t behind at all!
I’m a big weirdo, what can I say? 🙂
The news about the melting North Pole is certainly alarming!
That mountain lake at the Maroon Bells is like heaven. I got there and immediately starting planning our next trip there.
What? Are you pregnant? Woohoo! How did I miss that? Or are you going into rehab for six months?
Thanks! I love that one of me with my mom. 🙂
beautiful!
And then the last one? Classic!
You know, when you see snow ANYWHERE in June, it’s really hard to believe that the North Pole is melting into a giant northerly puddle…
The pictures of the three of you in front of the lake and mountians? Yeah, that’s so pretty it almost looks like you’re in front of a backdrop!
And oh, Margaritas…I really, really am going to miss margaritas for the next 6 months…. 🙂