I want a huge family. Part of me wants to say a minimum of 7 kids. Seven is a nice number. 7+2 parentals=9 and since nine is so close to ten, why not have another child? (afterall ten does sometimes signify perfection).
The only problem is that I know I’m a bit disillusioned.
ACTUALLY, really disillusioned.
I’ve been vacationing with a 13-year-old. We’ve been all over Colorado Springs and Manitou and are heading to Denver tomorrow. If all 8 of my children were to be like this 13-year-old, I’d be set. The more deep conversations that I have with this little guy, however, the more I’m reminded that he’s not normal. no, not at all.
He’s mature. Meet Robert.

He flew in to Denver on Monday; flying by himself made him seem older. I was ready with my camera much to his demise. [I'm going to be that mom documenting every moment. yikes].
off from the airport, we immediately hit: Garden of the Gods. the little cubby was perfect for pictures but we soon after learned that it’s not so easy to get down from.

then…Air Force Academy: The entire base was nothing short of impressive. My apartment this summer was less than a mile from the base, and yet I had no idea what was behind the gate. Roughly 13,000 people call it home. That’s certainly bigger than 90% of the cities we’re going to drive through in Kansas Friday. This picture was taken in front of the chapel on base.

Odyssey’s Whit’s End. Despite Robert’s rather forced smile, he loved it– especially the slide.

Seven Falls: the blurred colors in the back are the lights illuminating a waterfall in Cheyenne Canyon with seven falls (perfect name, huh?)

Pike’s Peak or Bust: we took the Manitou Springs Cog Train (a history lesson in itself) to the top of Pike’s Peak. The great planner that I am didn’t account for the 50 degree temperature drop.

so… we bought warmth–oversized warmth. it was flurrying atop the 14,000 summit. We were in the clouds. literally.

And because everything has to be educational (uh oh, another foreshadow), the Ghost Town museum.


And at the end of Day 2, I wiped Robert out. We checked into our hotel and Robert has been glued to the Cardinal’s game. I’m secretly wiped, so hallelujah for the Cardinals.
We’re going rafting tomorrow and then heading up to Denver. I’m treasuring this time with the ever-so-bright Robert Gear. We’re making those stories that will be told from our rocking chairs.
He’s the perfect travel buddy– so energetic, conversational, easy going, patient with my directional handicaps, and is certainly my friend.
no joke.
Robert, I think you’re an anomaly.
To think all 13-year-olds are like you, however, is silly. Downright silly.
2 Comments | In: Resources, Uncategorized | tags: robert, travel. | #