The Murphy Family: Colorado...

This year, we had two reasons for going to Colorado... Ava's 3rd Birthday and to meet my newest niece Lila Michelle. We were originally hoping to go for a week and spend some time in the mountains, but with moving and everything going on, we were not able to stay that long. So we just spent a long weekend. We headed out Friday night after work, stayed the night in North Platte (don't ever do this) and drove the rest of the way on Saturday morning, July 28. It was actually our 5 year anniversary! Nothing more romantic then road trip with the family and attending a 3 year old's birthday party!

Ryan and I have taken lots of trips to Colorado together. One of our traditions is stopping at the gas station in Kearney and eating subway and seeing the bears they have in the gas station. The big one standing of behind Ryan has always been there, the other one was added last year. I actually asked about the bears a few years ago and the gas stations owner's dad had actually shot both of them. Since it was Kellan's first time to Colorado, he had to get his picture with the bears!

Braydon and the bear Oct. 2010

We got to Denver and were ready to party. The Lundstrom's had rented a giant princess bounce house...let the fun begin!

Charlie and Kellan enjoying the Colorado weather!

Ava trying out her new softball glove that we got her, I am determined to make an athlete out of her yet!!

Of course we had lots of music courtesy of the kids' band!

Braydon playing the recorder

Charlie on the drums

Ava on the harmonica

Ava and Braydon enjoying a little lunch together

Braydon and the bouncy house

It wouldn't be a get together without attempting a few pictures of all the kids together! It is always fun to attempt this.

Boy cousins

All the cousins! Success??

another attempt

Charlie and the babies

After the stressful picture taking...Kellan needed something to relax him!


I think Braydon had a fun day!

On Sunday, the Kansas Lundstroms were heading home, so we all met up at Heritage Park for a few rides and fun.

Ava on the carousel

Ryan really wanted to ride the flying bananas, so Braydon joined him.

Charlie

Most of the Lundstroms don't do great on spinning rides, but Aunt Kristen was up for this ride - Braydon and Kristen loved it! Not sure about Charlie and TJ

Charlie was the only one the right size to drive the bumper cars

Uncle Joel and Kellan

Some smaller rides while waiting for the Alpine slide!

One of the big attractions at Heritage Park is the Alpine Slide. Last year I did it, but we thought Braydon was too little. So this year, Ryan got to try it with Braydon. Joel and Charlie and Kristen & TJ were all going to try it too. Andy, Ava, Kellan and I just got good seats to watch.

taking the ski lift to the top

To the top!

Joel and Charlie

I think Tyson looks a little nervous, Braydon is loving it!

One other ride that I thought was awesome was the bumper boats. For some reason, I always thought this would be fun, but I have never done it. Braydon also shared my enthusiasm for this ride. They were little motorized boats and besides smelling like you took a bath in gasoline afterwards, they were really fun!