Childhood memories

I have many memories of trips to Colorado to visit family and see the beauty of the mountains. Today we took a walk down my childhood memory lane by doing a couple of things that we often did on our visits. We began the day by taking in the Red Rocks Amphitheater. I don't think I really appreciated it so much as a kid, but as an adult I can honestly say the theater and the surrounding rocks are breathtaking. The great thing we did this time that I'd never done was go onto the stage. It's awesome to know that acts like U2, the Beatles, John Denver, and Dave Matthews have performed on that very stage where my boys were fighting. Yes, they fought on the stage, and I'm sure with the great acoustics more people heard them than I would have liked!

Another thing we never did was climb on the rocks. I think this was an area where climbing was allowed and would not lead to a $900 fine and/or jail time. At least I hope so since that would make me a bad mom for telling my kids to stand there for pictures!

Here we are enjoying the stage. I love that there are rocks behind the stage, too.

I love this view from the stage.

And here is the view from the top

Yes, I know that you cannot see us in this picture, but I just had to put the obligatory family picture in this post!

I have to say, though, that my favorite part of the day was seeing my grandma and going to Casa Bonita. I have SUCH AWESOME memories of that restaurant, and seriously, if you are EVER in the Denver area, you HAVE to go there! It is a great place, especially if you have kids, but it's still fun even if you don't. Can you tell I love this place?

We took a picture in front of the waterfall, but you cannot see it in the background. (There are cliff divers that emulate the ones in Acapulco. That's why there is a tall waterfall in the background that you cannot see!)

My sweet grandma took us to Casa Bonita and put up with all of us for the afternoon. The kids had a great time at her house playing with all the toys I used to play with when I was little, and Jack said he didn't want to leave when it was time to go. Maybe that's why his smile is so big in this picture! Thanks, Grandma, for sharing your day with us and our energtic kiddos!