“Coming Home” to Colorado-Where’s Your Home Away From Home?

Ahh, Colorado. I wish I was still there and not back in Kansas where it is 1200 degrees Fahrenheit. We were there for my nine year old’s baseball tournament and stayed in Keystone for the week. The games were in West Denver (Arvarda) and we drove in from the mountains each day for the games. We stayed up there because there was more for us to do as well as gave us more elbow room. The large condo, wonderful temps, and the beautiful scenery made the hour commute to Denver totally worth it. A family of five in a hotel room can get down right ugly.

Between check-in and opening ceremonies for the tournament (Colorado AAYBA World Series), we had some time to kill so we strolled around nearby Olde Town Arvada after a quick lunch at a nearby Beau Jo’s Pizza (one of our traditions when we visit CO). It was quaint and had some fun shops to stroll through, that is, if I wasn’t with a gaggle of kids. I mostlywindow shopped and  barked at my wayward children.

However, it served its purpose and therefore it was a win.

This old house was right on the main drag but was closed. I’m not sure what was in it but wouldn’t this be a a fun place for a book store?

We made it back to the fields for Opening Ceremonies in one piece. Here’s my baseball boy warming up for the ‘Round the Horn competition.

He has a massive amount of sunflower seeds in his cheek at all times when he plays ball. Addiction can start young, folks.

We headed to our condo in Keystone after the competition and made our way to Mexican restaurant near the resort called Dos Locos. They had closed the kitchen already but reopened it as our party of ten walked in. We were eternally grateful after a long day in the sun. The food was good and the service was fab. I highly recommend if you ever visit.

The next day we played at noon then headed off to a Colorado Rockies baseball game. All of the teams attending the tournament had the opportunity to get tickets for their teams and if they went, they got to walk around the field prior to the game. What a cool experience for a bunch of 9/10 year olds.

Coors Field is right downtown which is a gift in itself to a Kansas City Royals fan. Our stadium is out in the middle of nothing. It was the major complaint by visitors who came for the All-Star Game this year.

The Rockies did it right. This is the view from our parking spot. Granted, we got there about 3:30 for a 6:30 game but still! We ate a late lunch at a place called Jackson’s right across the street and walked right in. It was fabulous.

Here’s my little guy waiting for big brother to come out of the tunnel. He rocks that bottom lip like no one else.

Here are the boys walking the track. My boy is the one in the yellow gold sweatshirt waving his hat in the air. *Forehead slap* He is his father’s child.  

After a quick sidestep because of my daughter’s battle with strep, we were able to take in a little of the surrounding area. We hit the outlet shops at Silverthorne and got in a little family bike ride in Breckenridge only a few minutes away. If you’ve never been to Breck, you must put it on one of your places to visit in Colorado. We took Swan Mountain Road from Keystone which winds around the shoreline of Lake Dillon. Next time I come, I’m bringing the U-Haul and I’m not coming back.

Are you kidding me with this view? Lake + mountains=heaven.

In case you were wondering if I actually existed, here I am with my kiddos. And yes, my iPhone is tucked in my sports bra strap. It may not be classy, but it’s practical.

My daughter plays competitive soccer and we found this soccer field at a nearby school. I’m sure Summit County could use another forward, couldn’t they? 

 Here we are post bike ride enjoying a little breather on the patio at Mi Casa in Breck. We enjoyed a good margarita and some 99 cent tacos.

Here is one of my favorite local shops that I like to visit whenever I come here. Magical Scraps uses fun fabric patterns to make purses, bookmarks, hats, belts, clothing, and headbands. It’s great place to find a unique gift. They also have an Etsy shop online but the selection is a bit limited. Many of the shops along Main Street in Breck are in old houses like this one. Again, who wants me to run a book store here? Anyone?

Other treasures I found in Breckenridge:

Gorgeous cosmos!

Sculpture along Main Street shops.

Babbling brook along bike path

Our boys team, Building Champions, ended up winning first place in the tournament and each came home with a trophy almost as big as themselves. Overall it was a great trip and I can’t wait to go back. Colorado has become our home away from home, of sorts. We have been there enough that we have our favorite places to see, the trip not complete unless we visit them.

Way to go boys! I say let’s do it again next summer!

Champs!

Did you go on a vacation this summer? 

If so, was it a family favorite or did you venture somewhere new? 

What is it about your favorite vacation spot that makes your family feel like they are  ”coming home”?