Monday, July 16, 2012

Colorado Springs and the North Pole

We have been in Colorado Springs now for a couple weeks.  If you were watching the news a couple weeks ago, you know that Colorado Springs was on fire.  For days, the Waldo Canyon Forest Fire consumed thousands of acres of forest around Colorado Springs and then one terrible Tuesday (before we arrived), the fire crested the ridge and consumed over 350 homes.  Here are a couple pictures my mom took from her front yard...



This is what the sky looked like in the middle of the day...




Firefighters worked tirelessly and protected many other homes that could have been lost as well.  The city has rallied to support those families and the businesses effected by the forest fire.  Many of the businesses up there are tourist businesses so even though many businesses were protected from the fire, being closed for days during the tourist season was a big blow for them.  One such business is one of our family's favorite little spots.  Its a little amusement park nestled in the mountains called the North Pole that is full of rides perfect for our kid's young ages.  As soon as they opened the highway, we took our whole crew up for the day and Grandpa treated us to a day of fun!   Here's our day in pics...

Here's the crew! (minus little Ian)

 Ally on the 2 story candy cane slide

These cars were a favorite with Tobin and Chloe 

Libby did a great job looking out for her younger siblings and cousins.

This little nephew of mine LOVED these cars too and was very serious about steering.

These 2 are so cute together! 

 A certain adorable 4-year old BEGGED me to take her on the Whirly-Bird ride.  I couldn't resist.  It was a BAD move... They had to close the ride down for several minutes until I could manage to get myself off.  My new mantra for amusement parks...repeat after me..."Mommy does NOT do SPINNING CIRCLES" (or anything with the word Whirly in its name!)

What would a visit to the North Pole be without a stop in to see Santa!  He assured my kids that he would most definitely be able to find them in Africa next year!!!  :) 



 Grandma was a trooper sitting in for me on all the spinning rides.  Here she is with Toby about ready to take off in an ornament!

 My kiddos LOVE them some Aunt Mandy!



 Turns out this little girl is CRAZY about wild rides.  Who'd a thought!  Spinning...Up and Down...Rollercoasters...she did it ALL.  The faster the better for her!  And she squealed with delight every minute of it!  Super cute...little scary!


 These 2 little guys are quite out numbered by the girls.  It's cute to see them stick together this trip and do "boy bonding!"

 Riding Santa's reindeer!

Cousin LOVE!!!

It was a GREAT day!  It is a GREAT place!  If you are ever in the Colorado Springs area with younger children, you should TOTALLY go! 

No comments:

Post a Comment