Colorado Springs- A Week of Friends and Adventure

Paddle boarding on the **South Catamount Reservoir**.

A Week of Friends and Adventure

All pictures are at the end of the blog post, make sure you scroll down to the bottom, there are a ton of pictures from our week in Colorado Springs =)

There are some places you visit because they're on your bucket list.

Then there are places that become unforgettable because of the people you share them with.

Colorado Springs was one of those places for our family.

When we first mapped out our route across the country, Colorado Springs was already on our list. We knew it had incredible hiking, beautiful mountain scenery, family attractions, and enough adventure to keep us busy for an entire week. But what made this stop truly special had nothing to do with the mountains.

It was the people.

Some of our closest friends had recently moved to Colorado Springs, and after months on the road, we were finally going to see them again. The excitement wasn't just ours—it belonged to our kids too. They had been counting down the days until they could see their friends again, and before we even arrived, they were already talking about everything they wanted to do together.

As we pulled into Colorado Springs, I couldn't help but feel thankful. God had woven this stop into our journey at exactly the right time. After weeks of exploring new places, we were about to spend a week investing in friendships that had meant so much to our family.

By the end of the week, Colorado Springs had given us so much more than beautiful scenery.

It gave us time with friends, incredible family adventures, and memories I know we'll talk about for years to come.

Sunday | A New Home for the Week

Sunday afternoon we rolled into Cheyenne Mountain State Park, our home for the next seven days.

If you've never stayed there, it's one of the nicest state park campgrounds we've visited. Nestled against the foothills on the southwest side of Colorado Springs, it somehow feels tucked away in nature while still being only minutes from the city. From many of the campsites you can look toward Cheyenne Mountain, and just across the highway sits Fort Carson.

One of the first things we noticed wasn't something we could see—it was something we could hear.

Throughout the day, the bugles from Fort Carson echoed across the valley. At first it caught us off guard, but before long it became part of the soundtrack of our week. Morning and evening we'd pause for just a moment as the music drifted across camp while the sun settled behind Cheyenne Mountain. It was such a peaceful sound and a reminder that we were staying somewhere unlike anywhere else we'd been.

After getting the motorhome leveled and camp set up, we did what we always do at a new campground—we went exploring.

The kids immediately spotted trails to ride their bikes and run around before Jessie and I had even finished looking around. Within minutes they were climbing rocks, running around trails, and things out of sticks while Jessie and I wandered the campground, taking in our surroundings and getting our bearings for the week ahead.

Next came the game room, where we knew we'd probably spend some time later in the week, followed by a quick stop at the laundry facilities. After living on the road for months, little things like knowing where the laundry room is or finding the quickest route to the playground become surprisingly important.

The rest of the afternoon was wonderfully uneventful.

We wandered around camp, grilled dinner, watched the kids play until the daylight began to fade, and simply enjoyed being together. There wasn't anything extraordinary about the evening, but sometimes those quiet moments are the ones I appreciate most.

As much as we enjoyed settling into another beautiful campground, our minds kept drifting toward Monday.

Tomorrow we'd finally get to see our friends.

That night, as the familiar sound of the evening bugle echoed across camp once more, I found myself thanking God for another place to call home, even if it was only for a week.

Monday | Picking Up Right Where We Left Off

Monday morning couldn't come soon enough.

After breakfast, the kids and I loaded into the 4Runner and headed across town to see our old neighbors at their new home in Colorado Springs. Jessie had to work that day, so it was just us, but that didn't stop it from becoming one of my favorite days of the week.

It's funny how kids don't need awkward introductions or time to catch up.

Within minutes it was like they had never been apart.

One minute everyone was saying hello.

The next, RC cars were kicking up dust across the driveway, markers and paint covered the kitchen table, the trampoline was constantly bouncing, and shrieks of laughter echoed through the backyard as another water fight broke out. Wet footprints covered the patio, water balloons were scattered across the grass, and every time I looked outside the kids seemed to be in the middle of a brand-new adventure.

It was one of those days where the adults occasionally caught glimpses of the kids as they ran by, but otherwise they were completely lost in their own world of imagination.

While the kids played, Bre and I settled into easy conversation. We caught up on everything that had happened since we had last seen each other—life on the road, life in a new state, how the kids had grown, and everything in between. It was one of those conversations that felt like it had only been paused, not interrupted by months apart.

One of my favorite things about that day was watching our kids reconnect.

Friendships between children are wonderfully simple. They don't worry about how much time has passed or whether life has changed. They simply start playing again.

Watching them reminded me that sometimes adults make friendship far more complicated than it needs to be.

God has a beautiful way of preserving friendships when they're built on something deeper than convenience, and this day was a reminder of that. Even though miles and months had separated us, it felt like we had picked up right where we left off.

Before we knew it, the afternoon had slipped away.

None of us were ready for the day to end.

Instead of saying goodbye, we started making plans.

Tomorrow would be Cheyenne Mountain Zoo.

Later in the week we'd explore the mountains together, visit Garden of the Gods, drive to the top of Pikes Peak, spend time fishing the mountain reservoirs, and fit in as many adventures as we possibly could before it was time for us to continue our journey.

The kids talked the entire drive back to camp about everything they had done and everything they were excited for next. Their excitement was contagious, and I couldn't help but smile knowing this was only the beginning of what was shaping up to be an incredible week.

Back at camp that evening, the bugles from Fort Carson once again echoed across the valley as the last light disappeared behind the mountains.

As I sat outside our motorhome listening, I realized Colorado Springs was already becoming so much more than another stop on our journey.

It was becoming a week our family would never forget.

Tuesday | A Day at America's Mountain Zoo

Tuesday morning everyone was excited.

The kids could hardly wait to get out the door because today was the day we were visiting Cheyenne Mountain Zoo together.

Perched on the side of Cheyenne Mountain overlooking Colorado Springs, Cheyenne Mountain Zoo is unlike any zoo we've ever visited. At more than 6,700 feet above sea level, it's the highest zoo in America and is consistently ranked among the best zoos in the country. Built into the mountainside, the zoo winds its way down the hillside, offering incredible views of Colorado Springs while allowing visitors to experience animals from around the world. It's a beautiful setting, and from the moment we walked through the gates, we knew this wasn't going to be an ordinary day at the zoo.

We arrived right around 10:00 that morning, thinking we'd spend most of the day there.

Before we knew it, the park was closing and we were wondering where the time had gone.

There truly is something around every corner.

Our first stop of the day was the elephant exhibit.

Watching an animal that weighs several tons gently curl its trunk around the food the kids were offering was incredible to witness. There was something amazing about seeing such a massive animal interact so gently with people. Lincoln especially loved this experience. He couldn't stop smiling as he fed the elephants, and every time another trunk reached toward him, his excitement grew even more. Watching his confidence grow with each feeding made the experience even more memorable.

From there we made our way to the rhino exhibit.

I'd never imagined we'd have the opportunity to feed a rhinoceros, but Cheyenne Mountain Zoo makes experiences like that possible. Standing only a few feet away from these enormous animals gave us a whole new appreciation for just how impressive they really are. The kids were fascinated by their size, their rough skin, and how surprisingly calm they were.

Next came one of the zoo's most famous experiences—feeding the giraffes.

Cheyenne Mountain Zoo is well known for its large giraffe herd, and it's easy to understand why. Standing eye to eye with these gentle giants while they slowly reached down with their long purple tongues to take lettuce from our hands was something none of us will ever forget. The kids burst into laughter every time another giraffe stretched toward them hoping for one more piece of lettuce.

I couldn't help but laugh right along with them.

It's one thing to see giraffes from behind a fence, but it's something completely different to interact with them up close.

As we continued making our way through the zoo, each of the kids discovered their own favorite moments.

Macie could have stayed at the otter exhibit all afternoon. Every time one of the playful otters darted through the water toward the glass, she'd giggle and wave, convinced it was swimming right to her. Watching her excitement was almost as entertaining as watching the otters themselves.

Lincoln was completely captivated by the bald eagle.

If you know Lincoln, you know he's always loved bald eagles. He probably has close to ten stuffed eagles at home, so seeing one up close was something he had been looking forward to all day. He stood quietly watching it for several minutes, completely fascinated.

Hudson had a different mission.

He wanted to feed every animal that would let him.

Every time we reached another feeding station, his excitement started all over again. By the end of the day, I don't think he wanted to leave. He wanted to stop at every exhibit, feed every animal he could, and learn everything about them. Watching his love for animals grow throughout the day was one of my favorite parts of the zoo.

Throughout the day we wandered through the colorful walk-through aviary where birds flew freely overhead, stepped into the wallaby exhibit where the curious little animals hopped around us, and enjoyed all of the hands-on experiences scattered throughout the zoo. It never felt like we were rushing from one exhibit to the next. Instead, it felt like we were simply spending a wonderful day together with friends.

As the afternoon turned into evening, we made our way to our final stop of the day—the hippo exhibit.

We arrived just in time for the hippo training demonstration.

Instead of simply watching the hippos swim around their habitat, we watched the trainers work with them through behaviors that help veterinarians monitor their health and provide daily care. It was fascinating to watch such enormous animals respond so calmly to their trainers, and it gave us a whole new appreciation for the incredible amount of work that goes into caring for the animals at the zoo.

It was the perfect ending to an unforgettable day.

By the time the zoo closed, our feet were tired, the kids were exhausted, and everyone was talking about their favorite animal on the drive home.

For Macie, it was easily the playful otters.

Lincoln couldn't decide between the bald eagle and feeding the elephants.

Hudson's answer was simple.

"All of them."

I don't think I could have answered any differently.

Looking back, my favorite memory wasn't one exhibit or one animal.

It was watching our kids experience it all with their friends.

They pointed out animals to each other before they pointed them out to us.

They laughed together.

They learned together.

They shared every exciting moment side by side.

As parents, there's something incredibly special about stepping back and watching friendships grow through shared adventures.

Some days are memorable because of where you go.

Others are memorable because of who you're with.

This day was both.

As we drove back to camp that evening, I found myself quietly thanking God for days like this—days filled with wonder, laughter, and the simple joy of experiencing His incredible creation with people we love.

Wednesday | Trading the City for the Mountains

After spending the entire previous day walking through the zoo, Wednesday was all about slowing the pace and spending time outdoors.

One of the things we loved most about Colorado Springs was how quickly you could leave the city behind. Within just a few minutes, neighborhoods gave way to towering pines, winding mountain roads, and cool mountain air. It felt like stepping into a completely different world.

That morning we met our friends at the Starsmore Visitor and Nature Center, located in beautiful North Cheyenne Cañon Park.

Tucked into the canyon just southwest of downtown Colorado Springs, the visitor center is the perfect starting point for families wanting to explore the area's trails. Inside, we found interactive exhibits about the plants, wildlife, geology, and history of the canyon. The kids spent time exploring the displays, completing hands-on activities, and learning about the animals that call the mountains home.

It wasn't a huge visitor center, but it was thoughtfully designed and gave the kids a chance to explore before heading outside.

Once everyone had finished inside, we packed up our lunches and headed down the trail.

Almost immediately the sounds of the city disappeared.

The only things we could hear were rushing water, birds singing high in the trees, and kids laughing somewhere up ahead on the trail.

The hike itself wasn't long or difficult, making it perfect for families with younger children. Before long we reached the creek, where the kids immediately kicked off their shoes and started exploring.

What had started as a short hike quickly turned into one of those days where nobody cared what time it was.

The kids climbed over rocks, balanced across fallen logs, and splashed through the cold mountain water. Every few minutes someone would discover another little waterfall, another perfect skipping rock, or another place to build a tiny dam in the creek.

Jessie and I have learned that kids don't always need the biggest attraction to have the best day.

Sometimes all they need is a creek.

Watching them use their imaginations for hours reminded me how simple childhood can be when we give them the chance.

We found a shady spot beneath the tall pine trees and spread out a picnic lunch.

There wasn't a schedule to follow or another attraction we needed to hurry to.

We simply sat together, shared lunch with our friends, and listened to the water rushing through the canyon.

It was one of those moments that made me realize how much I was enjoying this slower pace of life.

The kids finished eating long before the adults.

Within minutes they were back in the creek.

More splashing.

More climbing.

More laughter.

Their clothes were soaked, their shoes were muddy, and nobody cared.

Honestly, those are usually the best kinds of days.

As the afternoon wore on, we eventually realized we'd spent hours doing something incredibly simple.

Walking.

Playing.

Talking.

Watching our kids just be kids.

There wasn't a gift shop souvenir to take home.

There wasn't a ride or attraction that everyone would remember.

Instead, there was something even better.

Time together.

As we hiked back toward the visitor center, I couldn't help but smile.

Colorado Springs had surprised me again.

One day we were feeding elephants and giraffes.

The next we were sitting beside a mountain creek watching our kids build rock dams and chase little waterfalls.

That variety was quickly becoming one of my favorite things about this city.

God created places like these with incredible beauty, but I also think He created them to slow us down.

For a few hours that afternoon, there were no distractions, no schedules, and no rush to be somewhere else.

Just towering pines, cool mountain water, wonderful friends, and kids making memories they'll probably never forget.

As we drove back toward camp that evening, I realized something.

Some of the best days of our trip weren't always the ones filled with famous attractions.

Sometimes they were the days when we simply found a beautiful place, stayed a little longer than planned, and enjoyed the people God had placed beside us.

Thursday | One Incredible Day in the Mountains

Thursday was the day we had all been looking forward to.

After working the first part of the week, Jessie was finally able to spend an entire day adventuring with us. The kids were excited to have Dad along, and it felt like our whole family was finally together again.

We decided to ease into the morning.

After several busy days, sleeping in a little felt wonderful. Instead of rushing from one place to another, we enjoyed a slower start before heading out to explore another side of Colorado Springs.

Our first stop of the day was Sierra Trading Post.

If your family enjoys the outdoors as much as ours does, this store is worth a stop. With discounted camping gear, hiking equipment, fishing tackle, clothing, and just about everything else an outdoor family could need, it's easy to lose track of time wandering the aisles.

We found a few things for life on the road, let the kids browse their favorite sections, and before long realized we had spent much longer there than we intended.

Eventually we pulled ourselves away, knowing the mountains were waiting.

Our next stop was Garden of the Gods.

It's hard to believe a place this beautiful is completely free to visit.

Towering red sandstone formations rise dramatically from the earth with Pikes Peak standing proudly in the distance. The contrast between the bright red rocks, the deep blue Colorado sky, and the mountains beyond is breathtaking. It truly is one of those places that makes you stop and appreciate just how beautiful God's creation is.

Before driving through the park, we stopped at the Garden of the Gods Visitor & Nature Center.

I honestly wasn't expecting to spend much time inside.

I was wrong.

The visitor center is beautifully designed and does an incredible job explaining how these towering rock formations were created millions of years ago. The interactive exhibits kept the kids engaged as they explored Colorado wildlife, geology, and the history of the park. It was educational without ever feeling boring, and all three kids genuinely enjoyed exploring the exhibits.

As beautiful as Garden of the Gods was and we made a quick loop around, we knew our biggest adventure of the day was still ahead of us.

That afternoon we made our way to the entrance of Pikes Peak Highway.

Driving to the summit of a 14,115-foot mountain is one of those experiences that almost doesn't seem real until you're doing it.

After checking in for our 3:00 p.m. reservation, we received a map showing the different checkpoints along the drive. The kids immediately claimed responsibility for keeping track of our progress.

Every time we reached another checkpoint, cheers erupted from the backseat as another box was checked off the map. It was amazing how something as simple as a paper map turned the drive into its own adventure.

Watching the elevation climb became a game all by itself.

Eight thousand feet.

Nine thousand.

Ten thousand.

Eleven thousand.

With every mile the scenery changed.

The trees became shorter.

The views stretched farther.

The air became cooler.

Then, just before reaching the summit, everyone suddenly started pointing out the windows.

A herd of bighorn sheep was grazing beside the road.

We carefully pulled over and spent several minutes watching them. Seeing Colorado's state animal in its natural habitat was one of those unexpected moments that often become some of the best memories from a trip.

Before long, we reached the summit.

Standing at over 14,000 feet is difficult to describe.

The air is noticeably thinner.

The wind feels cooler.

The views seem endless.

Looking out across the Rocky Mountains, it's hard not to feel incredibly small.

Macie wasn't quite sure how she felt about the elevation. After a few minutes she admitted she was feeling a little sick, which wasn't surprising considering how quickly we had climbed.

Hudson looked out across the mountains and couldn't believe we were standing at nearly the same elevation as Mount Rainier back home. Being from Washington, mountains are a regular part of our lives, but standing on one this high still felt incredible.

Lincoln, on the other hand, was far less interested in the view.

He immediately started climbing across the large rocks near the summit, pretending to be a ninja on a mission. Every boulder became another obstacle to conquer, and before long he had us all laughing as he bounced from rock to rock with endless energy.

While the kids explored, we took our time soaking it all in and snapped what has become one of my favorite family photos from the trip.

As I stood looking across the mountains, I couldn't help but think about how amazing God's creation truly is.

From the tiniest wildflowers growing between the rocks to mountains rising more than 14,000 feet into the sky, His creativity is beyond anything we could ever imagine. Moments like this always remind me to slow down and simply appreciate the beauty He's placed before us.

Before beginning the drive back down, we wandered through the beautiful summit visitor center, browsed the gift shop, and of course couldn't leave without trying the famous Pikes Peak donuts. After hearing people talk about them all week, we had to see if they lived up to the hype.

I can confirm...

They absolutely did.

Most visitors head back to town after reaching the summit.

We had one more adventure planned.

When we entered Pikes Peak Highway earlier that afternoon, we decided to purchase the additional recreation permit that allows access to the reservoirs along the drive.

It turned out to be one of the best decisions we made all week.

On our way down we stopped at South Catamount Reservoir.

Nestled high in the mountains beneath Pikes Peak, the reservoir was absolutely beautiful. The water reflected the surrounding forest, and aside from a few other anglers, it felt peaceful and quiet.

Jessie and the kids quickly grabbed their fishing rods while the rest of us settled in to enjoy the evening.

Almost immediately they started catching fish.

Then another.

Before long everyone was laughing because it seemed like every two or three casts another trout was on the line.

The fish were incredibly active.

Within just a couple of hours they had landed around fifteen trout.

It was, without question, the best fishing we had experienced on our trip.

Watching the excitement on the kids' faces never got old. Every fish felt just as exciting as the one before it, and Jessie had just as much fun helping them land each one as they did catching them.

The hours slipped by much faster than we realized.

Jessie and the kids eventually reeled in their last fish, and we reluctantly packed up our gear as the evening came to an end.

The drive back down the mountain was quiet.

Instead of talking about everything we had done that day, our conversation was all about what everyone had enjoyed most.

Lincoln was still talking about the bighorn sheep we had spotted on the drive up Pikes Peak.

Hudson couldn't believe how many trout they had caught that evening.

Macie had already decided she wanted to come back and paddleboard on the reservoir someday.

As parents, those are some of my favorite conversations to listen to. It's fun to hear how three kids can experience the exact same day and come away with completely different favorite memories.

By the time we pulled back into Cheyenne Mountain State Park, it was nearly 9:00 p.m. The kids were exhausted, our hiking shoes were dusty, and the fishing rods were still leaning against the back of the 4Runner waiting to be put away.

As I climbed into bed that night, I found myself feeling incredibly thankful.

Thankful for another day together.

Thankful that Jessie had been able to spend the whole day with us after working earlier in the week.

And thankful for friends, mountains, and adventures that reminded us just how much beauty there is to discover when you're willing to get outside and explore.

It had been a full day, and as our heads hit the pillows, I don't think any of us needed much help falling asleep.

Friday | Inspiration and a Night Out

By Friday morning, it felt like we had settled into a rhythm.

The kids knew exactly where we were headed each day, our campground had started to feel like home, and spending time with friends had become just as much a part of the week as exploring Colorado Springs itself.

Our first stop that morning was the United States Air Force Academy.

Even before reaching the visitor center, the campus made an impression. The grounds were beautifully maintained, the mountain backdrop was stunning, and everything reflected the pride and tradition the Academy is known for.

We started inside the visitor center, where interactive exhibits tell the story of the Academy, its history, and the men and women who train there. It was interesting for all of us, but Hudson was especially drawn to it.

He carefully read the displays, studied the aircraft exhibits, and asked question after question about what it takes to become an Air Force pilot. Watching him become interested in something completely new reminded me that one of the greatest gifts of travel is exposing our kids to possibilities they may have never considered before.

Lincoln, meanwhile, had his attention fixed on one thing.

The airplanes.

Every time he spotted another jet, he'd stop whatever he was doing to get a better look. Whether they were on display or flying overhead, he couldn't get enough of them.

It made me smile watching each of the kids find something different to connect with.

After spending the morning at the Academy, we headed to a new store that we had not been to before..

Scheels!

It was a treat to go into this store and walk around.. It had a ferris wheel inside, and basically anything you could imagine.

Even if we don't need anything, it's hard for our family to walk through those doors without spending a while exploring. Jessie and the boys wandered through the hunting and fishing departments while Macie and I browsed clothing and home décor. Before long we all found ourselves admiring the wildlife displays and giant aquarium, just taking our time and enjoying being together.

After this, the boys found an RC track for their off roading RC cars and they decided that was a must. So they explored and conquered that for the next hour while the ladies continued to shop.

It wasn't anything extraordinary.

Just one of those simple family outings that somehow becomes part of the memories you look back on later.

That evening our friends graciously offered to watch the kids so Jessie and I could enjoy a date night together.

Traveling as a family is one of my favorite things in life, but every once in a while it's nice to spend a few hours reconnecting as husband and wife.

Our first stop was Cabalas and Red Robin.

Nothing fancy.

Just burgers, fries, and uninterrupted conversation.

Honestly, after a busy week of adventures, it was exactly what we needed.

We laughed about everything we'd done that week, talked about the places still ahead of us on our seven-month journey, and simply enjoyed having a conversation that wasn't interrupted by someone needing ketchup or asking for another refill.

After dinner we wandered through Dick's Sporting Goods and Barnes & Noble, taking our time without feeling rushed. We browsed shelves we probably didn't need to browse, looked at books we'd never have time to read while traveling, and enjoyed doing something as ordinary as shopping together.

Sometimes the ordinary moments are the ones you appreciate the most.

Before heading back to camp, we made one final stop.

Cold Stone Creamery.

Ice cream has a way of making a good evening even better.

We sat outside enjoying our treats, talking about our kids, our travels, and how thankful we were for the opportunity to spend this season of life together.

As much as I loved every mountain, trail, and scenic overlook we experienced that week, that simple evening reminded me of something just as important.

Strong families are built on strong marriages.

Taking a few hours away wasn't taking away from our kids.

It was investing in the foundation of our family.

When we returned to our friends' house later that evening, the kids were still happily playing together as if they hadn't even noticed we were gone.

Seeing how naturally all of them had picked up right where they left off made me smile.

Friendships like that are a gift.

As we drove back to camp that night, I realized Colorado Springs had given us more than beautiful scenery and memorable adventures.

It had given us quality time with people we love.

And sometimes, that's the greatest gift a place can offer.

Saturday | One Last Adventure Together

It's funny how quickly a week can go by.

When we first arrived in Colorado Springs, it felt like we had so much time ahead of us.

Now, somehow, it was already Saturday.

We knew we still had one more day to enjoy together, so we decided to return to a place we had all fallen in love with just a couple of days earlier—South Catamount Reservoir.

The drive into the mountains felt familiar now.

The winding road.

The cool mountain air.

The excitement in the backseat as the kids talked about catching more fish.

It already felt like returning to an old favorite.

This time, though, we packed a little differently.

Along with the fishing rods, our friends brought their paddleboards.

While Jessie, worked the shoreline looking for trout, Hudson, Lincoln and Macie headed for the water.

Macie had been excited to try paddleboarding all week.

At first she stayed close to shore, carefully finding her balance.

It didn't take long before her confidence started to grow.

Within a few minutes she was standing on her own, paddling across the calm water with the biggest smile on her face.

Watching her discover something new reminded me how rewarding it is to let our kids try things that feel just a little outside their comfort zone.

Sometimes all they need is the opportunity.

Before long she was asking if we could paddle farther.

Then farther again.

By the end of the afternoon, she didn't want to get off the board.

Meanwhile, Jessie was having another great day on the water.

The fishing was just as great as Thursday evening, if not better.

Hudson was bouncing back and forth between paddle boarding and catching fish, celebrating every trout that made it to shore.

Lincoln also alternated between fishing and splashing around the shoreline, never staying in one place for very long.

That pretty much sums up Lincoln.

Whether he's catching fish or simply throwing rocks into the lake, he's usually having the time of his life.

We spent most of the afternoon simply enjoying the mountains.

Fishing.

Paddleboarding.

Talking.

Laughing.

Nobody was watching the clock.

Eventually we packed everything up and made our way back toward Colorado Springs for one final stop before the week came to an end.

We couldn't leave without spending a little time in Manitou Springs.

The streets were busy with families exploring the little shops, restaurants, and galleries that make the town so unique. We wandered through downtown, popping into a few stores before finding our way to the famous mineral springs.

The kids thought sampling each spring was hilarious.

Every stop brought a different reaction.

"That one's actually good!"

"Eww...don't try this one!"

"I'm definitely not drinking that again."

Their faces after tasting some of the stronger mineral water were worth the stop all by themselves, and before long we were all laughing together.

Before leaving town, we treated ourselves to one last ice cream and slowly wandered the sidewalks, enjoying the evening and trying not to think about how quickly the week had flown by.

Eventually it was time to say goodbye to our friends.

Those goodbyes are never easy.

Especially after spending an entire week making memories together.

Watching the kids hug each other before climbing into our vehicles reminded me just how special friendships like these really are.

Months had passed since we'd seen each other.

Yet within minutes of reconnecting, it was as if no time had passed at all.

As we drove back toward camp that evening, I found myself thinking about everything Colorado Springs had given our family.

Not just incredible scenery.

Not just unforgettable adventures.

But something even more valuable.

Time.

Time to reconnect with friends.