Trail West

This year my parents decided to take all of our family on vacation together. After searching for a place that would fit all ages of our family - they decided to take us to a "Family Camp". So arrangements were made and off we went to Young Life's Trail West Family Camp in Buena Vista, CO. We decided that a 16 hour drive with all 3 boys wasn't something we were that excited about - so we decided to take the boys on their first plane ride ever. They were counting down the days! On June 28th our family headed out of the house at 4:30am to catch our 6:30am flight to Denver. I have never seen my boys so awake...their alarm went off and they came bounding down the stairs - way too awake for me! So off we went on our adventure. We had a great flight their and then rented an SUV to drive the 3 hours to Buena Vista. We took a little detour and drove by my old house in Littleton. We met up with the rest of my family Buena Vista and headed on to camp.

As we arrived at camp, camp started in full swing - with skits and characters to meet. This was the picture they took as we arrived...Trail West is obviously a western themed camp.

The lodge had hotel style rooms with balconies that overlooked the valley and the Mt. Princeton. We had 2 rooms with a door between - which was nice for the boys (and for us).

This forth was just awesome. The boys loved playing in the fort when we had free time. We think Papa needs to build one of these at Rusk - maybe on a smaller scale.

Ryan enjoying his time at the fort.

Austin swingin' at the fort.

The kids loved swimming - the pool was warm and there was a hot tub too. We tried to let them swim as much as we could. It sure was cold when you got out though!

My mom, Dean and Shelley hang out on the pool deck. The sun was intense when it was out, but when the clouds rolled in it got pretty chilly. A lot nicer than the 105 degree temps back in Texas!

The first morning we were at camp we went to the Wrangler Breakfast. We loaded up and headed out at 6:15. Jeremy, Austin and I rode horses while Jackson and Ryan went on "big red" with Nana. (you have to be 8 to ride a horse in Colorado). At breakfast we had to work for some food. They told us to put some syrup on our plates and go catch our french toast. Jackson caught his in this picture - you can see the toast if you look closely.

We participated in a family rodeo (with stick horses). Ryan tried to stay awake, but gave in. Two early mornings in a row were too hard on him. He took a little morning nap on Papa's shoulder.

Nana was a trooper and played her role in some of the relays.

Austin loved dressing up for our cowboy dinner. He bought those mustaches in the general store.

One day we went to the Continental Divide. We hiked a little and saw some beautiful mountains. God created some awesome things for us to enjoy. As a family we had to hang out and sing "How Great Thou Art". It seemed so fitting.

The boys got to play in some snow up in the mountains. They are showing off their snowballs here.

We took a jeep tour through the mountains to a ghost town called St. Elmo. In town you can buy seeds and feed the chipmunks. The boys thought that was very cool. The jeep ride was great too. Jeremy, Dean and David had fun driving and being a little reckless. Our guide really let us take off and go fast...I'm sure I told Jeremy to slow down some though.

On the way back from St. Elmo we stopped at these falls for some pictures.

Our family - Glenn and Linda Cotten; Dean, Shelley, Lindy and Brooke Cotten; David, Jen and Brady Cotten; Jeremy, Deborah, Austin, Jackson and Ryan Levee

One evening we had some family games - we had to all dress up and take a picture. Check out my dad with a bonnet on!

Austin on the high ropes course

Jeremy trying to climb the "expert" wall....he didn't make it :-(

Jackson on the ropes...

Off they go...check out Jackson's face!

Here I go on the zip-line. I was proud of myself for actually letting go of the rope the 2nd time I went. :-) Things seem so much higher and scarier when your an adult!

The camp had "Kids Club" for times that other family members were doing things that the younger ones couldn't do (whitewater rafting, high ropes, etc) This particular day was American Indian Day and Ryan went and met an Indian and got his Indian name..."speedy fox". He loved his head piece.

We had such a great time and the week went by too fast. It was a great time of visiting with our family and doing things that we don't get to do everyday. This will be a very memorable vacation for our boys and for us. Thanks Mom and Dad for taking us on a great summer vacation!