Southwestern Colorado trip, Blog number 1...

Alrighty, I'm going to blog our trip in several blogs, so look for more to follow in the next few days. We started our trip early in the morning of July 3rd. We had an 8 hour trip ahead of us, so we headed out not really knowing what the girls would be needing. Vanessa and Ava amazed us with great traveling abilities and we made it to Silverton, Colorado around 3pm. Ben's Aunt and Uncle live there, so we went to visit for a few days...


Vanessa's first Dairy Queen (isn't it exciting Nicole!?!)...

I'm pretty sure that she liked it...

Dairy Queen probably doesn't hear this too often: Ben thought his blizzard had too many M&M'S!

Lovin' on sister...

Silverton throws one of the most amazing 4th of July's I've ever been to! They start with a parade at 10:30 which is such a blast, this is Vanessa holding on to Cubbie (Ben's aunt and uncle's dog)...

Hanging out before the parade...Ben's uncle is behind Vanessa in the red shirt.

Tommy is one of Ben's aunt and uncle's friends and rides this bike in the parade!

Vanessa and great-aunt Pricilla trying to get as much candy as possible at the parade...

Silverton is in Colorado 4 wheel drive territory, so a parade just wouldn't be right without a bunch of 4 wheelers...

Diggin' the candy and necklaces...

Ben and Vanessa...

One of the highlights of the day is a huge water fight between the local fire departments...they also take part in the parade keeping everyone nice and hosed off!

Vanessa met a new friend and they played in the water for quite a long time!

Having a ball of a good time!

A surprise soaking...

Ava had a blast...

Getting ready for the big fight!

Seriously, they go at it!!!!!

Soaking the onlookers as well. We had to step back as Vanessa wasn't too excited about getting wet.

Ben, However, loved the idea of getting wet!

Just wouldn't be southwest Colorado without a bunch of Jeeps doing crazy things!

Ben's Aunt helping Vanessa put on a tattoo...

The columbine are amazing at this altitude...

This picture was taken from their front yard, they seriously have the best seats in town!!!

More blogs to follow at a later date........