There’s nothing more beautiful than wintertime in the mountains. The snowcapped mountains and fresh powder on the ground make for a fun day of playing outdoors followed by warm evenings by the fire. Getting together as a family is a wonderful reason to go up to the mountains for a weekend of fun (although there’s never any need to have a reason to go to the mountains when you live in Colorado).
Just a few weeks ago we headed up highway 36 from Denver to the YMCA of the Rockies, just outside Estes Park to celebrate my sister’s 16th birthday as a family. During the winter months traffic into the mountains can get a bit crazy, being able to enjoy the mountains without having to fight ski traffic is always a plus.
Even after a heavy snow, the trip from Denver took just an hour and half to get to the YMCA campus, perfect for a car loaded with teenagers in the backseat.
Now that we’re grown and out of the house, its hard to get all our schedules to align so we can get together as a family for a weekend away. When we do, having space for us all to sleep without having to do a ton of planning is the ideal time together.
The YMCA of the Rockies is the perfect place to get together as a family, especially since we could stay in a loge with a few rooms for us all to spread out. With 6 adults in the family the double bed rooms in Emerald Lodge are ideal for everyone having enough space and rooms near by one another. They also have cabins or vacation homes on property for bigger groups or those who want to have a more private gathering.
The cafeteria serves three meals a day so theres no need to cook and a full calendar of activities are available to keep you busy during your stay.
We started the day playing out in the snow and then warmed up in the Craft & Design Center where we could choose from t-dye, ceramics, mosaics, jewelry design and a whole variety of other projects.
After grabbing lunch we picked up some skates at the Sweets Memorial Building and went out to the frozen lake for outdoor skating before checking out some board games to enjoy by the Lodge fire after dark.
Staying together was the perfect family celebration for my sister’s birthday, giving us just enough of a break to really enjoy the time before we had to head back to Denver on Sunday. With no dishes to wash and everything we needed a short drive on campus, it was a relaxing adventure that everyone was able to enjoy.
Disclosure: The YMCA of the Rockies invited us to join them for a weekend stay in one of their lodge rooms. All opinions are my own.
With NFL playoffs well underway and college football wrapping up just last night, now is the time to gather your fellow fans and root on the best of the best as they compete for this year’s most coveted titles. I love college football. The fans are more passionate and the players are in it for the love of the game (and the scholarships, chance of going pro etc…), but mostly the love of the game.
When the house is full of hungry family you need easy appetizer solutions to help quell the chaos so you can finish up the rest of the meal. The best appetizers give guests something to snack on without ruining their appetite for dinner.
With less then a week left towards Christmas, planning elaborate appetizers is most likely not on the top of your to-do list. I know it’s not on mine! These easy appetizer ideas will keep the crowd calm and can get on your table in just minutes!
When the snow starts to flurry outside there is nothing I crave more than warm cookies right out of the oven. The winter here in Denver has been a bit on the slow side, so the need to heat up the house with baking hasn’t been as top of mind as in the past.
Now that the weather’s starting to dip – we did have a below zero day last week – and the snow has stayed on the ground for more than a few hours at a time, the holiday baking craving has officially begun.
If your December calendar looks anything like mine, the want for fresh baked goods and the time to actually bake might not be in alignment. Between holiday parties, family gatherings and volunteer commitments it feels like everyday is already jam packed. The last thing I need to add to my plate is a kitchen covered in flour and a dozen bowls to wash.
Easy Christmas Snacks from Hickory Farms
Welcome to My Bliss
