Matt & I love to see new sights, taste exquisite food and meet extraordinary people. We pack our bags and head to the town that excites us the most. The pregnancy put a hold on our traveling, leaving our last vacation almost a year ago. It was time, we needed to get out and needed to remember who we are away from home. The only difference, we were plus one little rug-rat.
We loaded the car down, literally, loaded it down. Traveling with a baby is like traveling with an army. Grand Lake, here we come. The trip out there was beautiful, reminding me of the elegance the Rocky Mountains carry and as we approached our destination, we were enthralled. We checked into our cabin (Which wasn’t as fantastic as we hoped it would be) and got everyone settled.
The first night was wine filled; Matt & I talked with no TV, no computer and no cell phones. We enjoyed each others company, laughed and shared stories. Marshall had a great nights sleep, we had a great nights sleep and the first morning of our trip was underway.
We were off to visit the Lake, let the dogs swim and soak up the sunshine. Well, there was no sunshine as ominous clouds hovered the beautiful lake. That, however, didn’t stop us from enjoying the sights. A few hours after being lake and mountain side, the hail storm started. With terrified dogs, we rushed back to our room where we assumed protection. Marshall napped while Matt & I crushed a bottle of wine and played an invigorating game of Monopoly (where I dominated).
As the storm passed, we were itching to get out and see the cute little town of Grand Lake. Well, not all of us were itching. Mr. Marshall was fighting us on our next little adventure. As we approached our destination, we were accompanied by a screaming baby. A screaming baby who wouldn’t and couldn’t be calmed. So, back to the cabin for us. The rest of the night was to be enjoyed in our lovely (sarcasm) little cabin.
The next morning, we were ready to just leave. We ate breakfast in Grand Lake and headed east to our lovely home of Firestone. All in all, the trip was perfectly fine. We learned a lot and most importantly, reconnected in the silence and disconnection of the mountains. For those of you with children of any age, know what we went through. We had just experience the first vacation of the rest of our lives. It makes me so glad that we traveled pre-baby and has prepared me for upcoming vacations.
Our tips… get a hotel, cabin or room that you love. A place where you will enjoy staying (because that’s where you will spend 80% of your time). Don’t make an itinerary, your vacation pleasure isn’t as important as your child’s comfort. And have patience, you won’t be able to do everything, but that’s ok. In return you have the ability to build memorable vacations for your lovely little growing family. ❤ ❤ ❤
Jacqueline Leigh 