Steamboat Recap, part 1

Steamboat truly proved to be the best, first family of four vacation, we could have EVER had - and I honestly, never want to forget it, so I'm going to try to work backwards a bit here.

Last week, on Tuesday, the day before we left, I was cleaning the basement with my mom when we heard Drew throw up. I knew that a stomach bug was traveling around because our friends had been sick with it last week and we had shared lots and lots of toys, so I sort of had this ticking time bomb feeling. Thankfully Drew only threw up once but it was a little curve ball.

We also made the descision months back to travel with our babysitter. She is an absolute delight, loves our children so much, and we love her, so it was kind of a no-brainer....and honestly, she was the reason our trip was so amazing. She allowed us to fully enjoy and relax and it was really, really special to have her with us. 

But, regardless, she came over Tuesday night to sleepover so Joel and I could sneak out for Parents Orientation, and then be ready to hit the road, bright and early Wednesday morning.

We got everyone up and out of the house by 5:00am, and made it to and through security without any problems. Joel dropped us off with our bags, and Hannah helped me get the kids through security with the stroller as well.

 

We met Joel at a Chili's for a breakfast of champions (mainly a mimosa), and boarded our flight without any issues.

 

 

 

 

The flight to Denver was so fast, and once we landed, Joel buzzed off fast to get the rental car. We met him outside and we made our way out of Denver and to our first stop - Idaho Springs. 

 

We stopped here for some park time, a grocery store trip, and a fantastic lunch at Westbound & Down.

While I grocery shopped, Joel kept driving around so Drew could keep napping, and Hannah and Leo hit up a park. I really wish I could be a stay-at-home mom with a full time babysitter because it is LIVING!  

After our stops, we loaded back into the car and drove for another 2.5 hours to our vacation house in Steamboat Springs. Thankfully both kids took pretty solid naps and it wasn't too bad of a drive. 

 

We were all so excited to finally arrive. The only problem with being in Steamboat, is that when you fly into Denver, it adds easily another 3.5 hours to get to! 

It took Joel and I about an hour to unpack everything - sound machines, monitors, diapers, clothes, toys and then put away all of the groceries, but I was so glad that we took the time to "move in" because it made it that much more of a comfortable stay for the rest of our time. 

 

 

We threw the kids in baths, washed everyone's airport clothes (because I'm a nut), and headed out for the base of the mountain which was about a 10-12 minute walk from where we stayed. 

 

Joel and I had a drink, Leo and Hannah ran around, played in the little stream that went through the base, and just took in the perfect surroundings. 

 

 

We walked back the kids and Hannah, got them ready for bed, and then escaped and went out dinner with just the two of us (perk #523592 of having Hannah with us). 

We went to dinner at a restaurant again at the base called, Cafe Diva, and despite the bad name....it was one of the best dinners I've had in a year. 

I loved the cozy atmosphere, we had a great bottle of wine, and ended up splitting a few appetizers and soup for dinner - which is my favorite way to eat a meal.

Waking up to this beautiful view and all was right in the world. 

 

 

The mornings were cold (50ish), but by 10am, it would already be in the mid 70s. We decided to take the kids on a hike up on of the ski hills to start the morning off.

 

After our hike, we packed up our lunches and headed to  Storm Peak Brewery for lunch and beers. 

We love a good brewery - and so do our kids. They're so family friendly, laid back, and normally have fun games and blocks for kids too. It was the perfect spot for lunch. 

After our lunch, we headed into downtown Steamboat to meet up with my friends - specifcially Lauren and Max who were the reason we were in Steamboat this weekend - because they were getting married!!! We had a beer with the group and then took the kids home for nap. 

Thursday night was pretty magical. The entire wedding group took a Gondola ride to the top of the mountain. It was about a 10 minute ride, and Leo loved every dang second of the ride, and when we got up, we had dinner, drinks and a concert. 

 

 

The band was SO fun, and Leo danced in front of a ton of people and literally stole the show. He was having the time of his life and its a memory I'll have for the rest of my life. 

Hannah and I put the kids to sleep while Joel went out to get us pizza and wine, we watched a beautiful sunset and were literally talking about how perfect of a day we had.....until we heard Leo vomiting down in his room!  

He threw up in his crib, we cleaned him off, stuck him back in the crib, he threw up again, and we decided to bring him into our room. He had a tummy ache all night and just rolled around on our floor in misery because he couldn't get comfortable anywhere. It was so sad. 

Thankfully, just like Drew, he had 1 vomiting episode, and then it turned into a cold with a low grade fever so it really didn't slow us down (thankfully!). 

 Friday morning, we were all a little groggy, but decided to stick with the plan which was hiking at Fish Creek Falls, which was about a twenty minute drive from our townhouse.

 

 

The hike was perfect. One mile down there was a perfect view of the waterfall. 

We ended up doing the route twice because Drew fell asleep which was a nice little treat. 

 

We finished the hike before noon, so even though we had wanted to explore another brewery, we decided to go into town for coffee and crepes and then took the kids home for early naps. 

While the kids napped, Hannah and I hit up the pool and I finished my newest, most favorite book. 

 

Once the kids woke up and took baths, we all went back down to the base to have drinks and play outside a bit. We ended up meeting a bunch of people down there, having a great margarita, and ran some of the kids energy out. 

 

 

Hannah took the kids back home for dinner and a movie, and Joel and I met up with the bride and groom and all of our friends for a fantastic rehearsal dinner at The Truffle Pig. 

After cocktails and appetizers outside, we went in for a wonderful dinner, met a lot more of the guests that were in from the wedding, and then finished the night with more cocktails back out on the patio. 

 

 

And by ten, we were back home in comfy clothes, cheersing to a great first half of our vacation.