Garden of the Gods

On my list of things to do while in Denver was to take the kids to see The Garden of the Gods near Colorado Springs.  It's just over an hour away from Grandma and Grandpa's house, and well worth the drive.  I was happy that so many members of the family decided they wanted to come along.  Even though it was cold and windy outside, once we started down the trail, the sun kept us rather comfortable, and the rocks acted as a perfect wind-break.

I was especially interested in seeing the beautiful red rock formations in the winter time.  Jonathan and I had already visited the park years ago (pre-kids).  I envisioned that the red rocks would look spectacular with the snow on top of them - and nature cooperated by snowing before we went to the park.

Jourdan, Michael, and Julia.

Michael, Makayla, Jourdan, Julia and Jonathan.  This picture cracks me up because when it was taken, there were two parents taking pictures.  And you can tell by looking at the direction of the kids' eyes that they KNOW which camera to look at - so obedient.

This rock formation is called "kissing camels"....if you can't see it, then you don't have a very good imagination.  (Please be able to see it....I'd hate to insult my friends and family!)

Jourdan, Julia, Michael, Jonathan, and Jonathan.  I WAS right, the red rocks and the snow together made for a fantastic contrast.

This place is just really pretty.  It's worth a visit if you are ever in the Denver area.

Julia perched inside a crevice of the rock formation seen above.  After we let her climb in there, someone pointed out a sign about the dangers of the rocks and how things from above could fall.

Julia on the back side of the kissing camels.  She was so warm that she removed her jacket and gloves.

See how pretty the snow is on the rocks?

Julia, Jourdan, and Jonathan...with Anson and Effie in the background (not the people with their backsides showing).

Matt, Krystal, Michael and Miranda next to "balanced rock."

Julia, Michael, Effie, Anson, Jonathan and Jourdan holding "balancing rock" upright.  (Yes, this is the typical tourist thing to do here.  But wait, there's more....more cheesy touristy pictures to come.)

The Hale family desperately hold up "balanced rock"...but wait, there's more...

But wait, there's more.................

Okay, this is the final touristy picture of the family "holding" up the rocks.  Jourdan apparently felt the need to show off and hold the rock up with a single finger.

We had a great time.  We were thankful that the weather cooperated for us while we were visiting.  Most of the family went on a tour of the nearby Cave of the Winds. We headed back to the house to begin preparing for the Open House which was later that same evening.