Colorado Part 4: Strawberries, Cupcakes, and Bears -- Oh, my!

You can't go to Colorado without doing some hiking.  But hiking with two toddlers isn't exactly a walk in the (national) park.  So we asked around and decided to do a hike (more like a leisurely stroll) around beautiful Bear Lake in the RMNP (that's the Rocky Mountain National Park if you're not down with the lingo).  Bear Lake delivered with beautiful views, a big snake (!) on the trail, and even a bus ride to the trail head (which may have been Max's favorite part).

Max was ready -- let's do this!

Max points out the sights to Mommy and BB.  (It was drizzling in case you're wondering why BB is dressed like Sponge Bob Square Pants.)

Paw, Grandma, BB, Max, and Scarlett in front of Bear Lake.

The whole gang.

Scarlett points out a big rock she'd like to climb.

Scarlett and Grandma taking cover from the afternoon rain.

Another day we ventured over the YMCA of the Rockies at the base of the RMNP.  That place is amazing.  It has a lodge, cabins, day camp for kids, horseback riding, mini golf, an indoor pool, and all sorts of other fun recreation opportunities in an absolutely gorgeous setting.  Now, I'm no expert on YMCAs, but I'd be shocked if there is a nicer or more scenic YMCA anywhere in the country.

On the agenda for our YMCA visit:  pony rides.  Meet Strawberry ...

... and Cupcake.  (Check out the stylin' hairdo on Cupcake.  Looking good little guy.  Looking good.)

They had a trail that looped through a clearing in the forest for the pony rides.  Scarlett had a blast and would have taken off by herself if we'd let her.  Max was more skeptical and required two handlers (one horse leader and one baby balancer).  Given his reaction to chipmunks and butterflies earlier in the week, I would have expected him to run for cover at the sight of Cupcake, but he managed to hold it together.  

Max decided at some point that he wanted to get down, hold the lead rope, and walk Cupcake around himself.

Max!!!!  Look out for the .... never mind.

"Oh, MAX!!"

Scarlett posing with her trusty steed.  Not sure why Strawberry is giving us the side-eye.

Thanks for the memories, Strawberry!  (Note the sign behind him that says "Please Do Not Pet the Ponies."  While Scarlett pets the pony.  Ok, so that might explain the side-eye.  Strawberry is a stickler for rules, apparently.)