Spring Break in Durango

Way back in December we planned our week to Durango for Spring Break. The kids and I had been anxiously awaiting this week to see the Johnsons again and their new surroundings. Even though it wasn't too "spring" like quite yet, the week was so fun. I wish Lucy still lived in Spokane because I love hanging out with her and I love that my kids love her kids so much.

We decided to take advantage of the beautiful day the day after we got there and did a hike with the kids. They were all great and it gave us a beautiful view of Durango.

Ansel and Seth...good friends together again

The beginnings of Spring in Durango

Sadie wasn't too sure of the whole backpack thing at first, but loved being in it.

Saturday afternoon Lucy and Jay's friends had invited us over for a barbecue.

They had glorified 4 wheel drive golf carts, called Mules, that they let us go exploring in. Lucy and I took turns driving and the kids got a kick out of it. They kept saying it was just like the Indiana Jones ride at Disneyland.

Sunday was a relaxing day! I read Little Women over spring break. I had never read it before and found it to be a delightful read and recommend it to anyone.

Sunday night movie...a Childers tradition.

On Monday it was a bit cooler so we decided to go to the local rec center to enjoy swimming and rock-climbing. The kids all had so much fun and it definitely helped them sleep better than night!

The waterslide was a big hit. They all loved it.




Our kids first experiences rock-climbing. They all did so well. Pretty amazing.








Jay had Tuesday off, so we did a fun thing the Johnson family does...geocaching. Basically you use a GPS to find a hidden treasure. The kids all came away with something fun.
Don't let the sun fool you...it was cold!



Jay's parents have a ranch there so after going geocaching Jay graciously saddled a horse and led all the kids around.



Lucy and I getting a self-portrait. It was so windy!
We pretty much hung out in the car.


That afternoon we went to a movie and then to pizza.

On Wednesday, Lucy and I took the day to hang out. We walked down main street and went into some fun Durango shops. We enjoyed a yummy Mexican lunch and then came home for a bit in the afternoon. Christopher was able to hook up with his brother, Charles, who we haven't seen in almost 9 years. It was fun to visit with him for a bit and renew that relationship.

We helped feed the kids dinner and then took off for dinner downtown. It was wonderful to get away from the kids for a bit and enjoy spending some quality sister time together.
Thursday we left and spent the morning and early afternoon visiting Mesa Verde National Park. It is simply an amazing place to see! Most of it was still closed, but we were able to visit the Spruce Tree structures. Mesa Verde offers "a spectacular look into the lives of the Ancestral Pueblo people who made it their home for over 700 years, from A.D. 600 to A.D. 1300."








We got back in the afternoon and the kids and Christopher had a pinecone war using the fort that they had been working on all week. He was a good sport to go up against all those boys!



On Friday the kids pretty much just played all day until we left to eat and get to the airport. My kids loved playing their new Mario Kart Wii game.