Our friends, Jeremy & Nicole, who have spent a fair amount of time in Leadville, suggested we all go to the "Leadville National Fish Hatchery". It would be a great place for the kiddos to feed some fish.
The hatchery was relatively close. As we approached it, Luke said, "This looks like a fish farm". "Yep Luke -- That's exactly what it is". Ha!
Luke "buying" the fish food....
Luke and Kate are feeding the fish. Jeremy is in the yellow shirt -- helping Mady & Abby feed the fish. (And, as a side note -- the dry air of CO allowed for some near perfect curls on the back of Kate's head).
Kate and Abby are close in age. They have similar personalities in that they're both *always* on the go. Neither would pose for a picture.
After feeding the fish, Jeremy & Nicole suggested a short hike. Jeremy & Nicole had two hiking kid backpacks (Kelty Kid carriers). They were very willing to loan us one for Kate, but alas (and not really surprising to me), Kate didn't want to be in it. She'd never been in one before, and quite frankly, I think she was scared. Unfortunately, we couldn't persuade her by having her see Abby or Mady in one. Miss Independent Kate wanted to hike herself. So, she hiked a bit -- all the while nearly coming close multiple times to tripping on rocks. Honestly, it was exhausting having her hike because we had to constantly watch her clumsy self with the rocks and constantly try to get her to slow down. She probably hiked roughly 1/2 mile, and that was plenty for us with her -- Ha !
Luke, on the other hand, did fairly well. When he was finished, there were a few tears because he had fallen on a rock or two. He wasn't hurt; just rattled (which goes right along with his non-risky, very tender-hearted personality).
I only hiked for a bit until I needed to take Kate back AND meet my parents (they came to eat lunch with us). Marc snapped this pic of Luke at the "end" of this short trail with Mt. Elbert (one of Colorado's 14ers) in the background.
After meeting my parents for lunch, Kate, Mady, & Abby went down for naps. Jeremy & Marc stayed at the house with the sleeping kids. My mom, Nicole, and I did some touristy-type shopping in downtown Leadville. AND, my dad (aka Papa Andover) took Luke on a 2 1/2 hour train ride.
My dad apparently took some pics on the ride, but he has yet to send them to me. SO, you loyal readers (Ha) will have to be satisfied with the pictures I took at the end of the train ride when my mom, Marc, Kate, & I went to pick them up.
Naturally, Kate wanted to simply run around while waiting. (My mom and my parents' dog, Anna, are in the background).
Soon, we saw the train approaching.
There were quite a few people on the train. My dad & Luke were toward the back. It took a bit to see them.
In this pic, my dad is in the blue shirt & greenish hat. Luke is in front of him & is too short to be seen -- Ha!
Luke's in the red hat. My dad is right behind him. Luke says he had a good time. He actually said the best part was being able to see the highway we drove to Leadville??? Whatever thrills him, I guess...My dad said he actually fell asleep for a bit at the end.
On the way back to the house, we noticed this pretty scene of a church steeple against the mountains....
Colorado is full of awesome scenery...
More to come....
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