Elk in the RMNP

Since it was mating season for Elk we took a drive into Rocky Mountain National Park and it didn't take long for us to find a group of them. I think we counted about 4 males with 80 females. And they make this high pitched sqweeling noise when protecting the herd! We also stopped at the Gateway which is a huge store with all kinds of stuff to buy and we grabbed a bite to eat in the restaurant next door.

Nick's Bday Weekend

For the weekend of Nicholas' Birthday (Sept 13th) we rented a cabin about a mile outside of Estes Park called Rustic River Cabins (highly recommended). It had a couple of bedrooms, two fireplaces, and even its own hot tub! Oma and Grandma came and we also got a surprise next door neighbor, Uncle Jim and Aunt Sue! It was a great weekend that included lots of bonfires, marshmellows and trips to Estes Park. Sometimes just to go in to check our cell phone messages because they did not work at the cabin and we were worried about our families and friends in Texas with Hurricane Ike! Oma and Grandma got out just in the nick of time! Nicholas was very happy with his presents because most of them had to do with Thomas the Train of course! And a cute Thomas cake from Dad! Nicholas says thank you for all his great gifts! :o)

Very Happy Grandson!

Oma sent Nicholas an early birthday present in the mail, Thomas the Tank Engine Bedding Set!! Nick said "Oh wow! Look at that, mama!" Hehehe He is too cute!! He absolutely loves trains!! Choo choo!! Unfortunately when Grandpa was here we found out the train in City Park is closed till next year! Nick kept saying "Ride the train. Gotta get tickets." And I felt so bad and told him we had to wait till next year even though he didn't know what I was saying! I thought it was going to stay open through September....darn it!

Estes Park

While Grandpa was here we decided to take a drive over to Estes Park which is about an hour away through the mountains. They have a tram you can ride up the mountain that Nicholas really enjoyed! You get to the top and can feed peanuts to the chipmunks that are everywhere. We also walked around in the downtown area of Estes Park which was really beautiful as well! We packed a little picnic lunch and sat next to the river that also had a playground just for Nick!