Breckenridge, CO

Today was my first time using the Colorado Mountain Express service.  I decided to take a day trip to Breckenridge, CO and loved having someone shuttle me to and from the mountains.  I spent the morning exploring some great artistic work from the 2014 Budweiser International SnowSculpture Championship.  Teams from all over the world (U.S., Finland, Italy, Spain, Germany, etc.) were given a 10x10 block of snow and 65 hours to create a sculpture using only hand tools.  Pretty amazing!  I then walked through the Breckenridge Ice Castle--icicles formed into walls and hallways, and even a cave.  After lunch, I did some fun shopping on Main St. (lots of arts & crafts) and came home with many craft projects in mind.  Ended the day reading a book at the Hyatt while waiting for the shuttle to pick me up.

Colorado Mountain Express

2014 Intl. Snow Sculpture Championship

Colorado

Germany

Mongolia 

France

Ice Castle

Icicles 

Garden of the Gods

I visited Garden of the Gods in Colorado Springs today.  The Garden contains natural red rock formations that were created millions of years ago.  On the way home we stopped at a cafe in the small town of Manitou Springs (population 5,000) for lunch.  Quick trip but great to get out of Denver for the afternoon.

The day wouldn't be complete without seeing some wildlife...
3 deer

Jeff Brinkman

If you are ever in Colorado, Chautauqua Park in Boulder is a must visit.  My mom and I went to a concert at Chautauqua Auditorium when she was here in July and I thought it was such a great event.  This evening I went to a Jeff Brinkman concert at Chautauqua but it was held at the Park's Community House.  The Community House is a 1917 home that has been opened up to create a decent size (but still small/intimate) room for events.  The band was great but my favorite songs were definitely when it was just Jeff & his guitar.  You might recognize Jeff--he was on last seasons American Idol!

More of Whippany, NJ

Here are some family photos from this weekend!

Deb, Uncle Bob & I

Whippany, NJ

Spent a great weekend in Whippany, NJ filled with lots of laughter!  Uncle Bob is sending me some pictures we took so I can add them to this post.  Here is one that I took at our Saturday night dinner.

Uncle Bob & Deb

Wildernest Weekend

I just got home from a weekend trip to Wildernest, CO with the family I babysit for. 

Our home for the weekend.

My first snowshoe adventure.

Headed back to Denver with the twins.
Isaac on the left, Otis on the right.