Family Fun in Estes Park

Hiking the Alpine Trail to Milner Pass

Our family (The A & O Clan) has gone home after a week of good times here in Estes Park. The A & O Clan includes our son, his wife, and their three children and our daughter, her husband, and their three children. The total is twelve when you add Wayne and me and thirteen when we include my mom. Having ten extra people staying in our house is a challenge but we've worked out a good system which makes it enjoyable and not too much work for any one person. Our camper, set up in the back driveway, becomes the annex, sleeping three or four. The others sleep on our guest beds and inflatable mattresses. I prepare and freeze a few meals ahead of time; we eat some meals out; and the family is in charge of a couple of meals (including shopping, cooking, cleaning up).

Our agenda included hiking, attending a Rockies game, picnicking, shopping, playing games, watching the wildlife, and enjoying each other's company. Carly was the first to spot a big black bear across the road from our front porch. None of us managed to get a photo but it reminded us to keep windows closed on the lower levels at night and when we're not at home. We also spotted elk, deer, chipmunks, pikas, big horn sheep, and mink.

Picnic spot near Glen Haven

Rain delay at Rockies game

North fork of the Big Thompson River