Winter Park | simplylifestuff

This past weekend, my lil’ family once again headed outdoors to enjoy a camping adventure. This adventure was a bit out of the norm for us. Instead of camping by a lake or a river or in a meadow among the mountains, we camped in a parking lot. Instead of hiking to the top of a mountain or to a waterfall, instead of fly fishing, we rode our bikes. For 4 days, Winter Park ski resort hosted the Colorado Free Ride festival. I was in awe of the skill level of these riders. At what point do you decide that you want to do 360’s in midair and flip upside down? At what point do you have the courage to try that first one? I just kept thinking…this is way out of my comfort zone as a cyclist. I did not take many photos, but thought I would share just a few.

Wildflowers were blooming everywhere. We rode one of the mountain bike trails at the resort and then rode along the greenway with my lil’ guy and one of his friends. This little flower was growing right along a creek where we decided to stop for a snack.

Winter Park had numerous activities set up for the kids. One of which was free face painting…

Camping in a parking lot leaves one in need of sleep, but what an amazing weekend we had as a family. Sometimes, it is the little things.

RoUtInE…I always tell myself that I thrive when my life revolves around routine. My son was on Spring Break last week, and we enjoyed everything BUT routine. We broke up with routine and loved it! I think that you have to be submersed in routine from time to time to appreciate the moments when it doesn’t hold you hostage. One way we broke with routine was to go to Winter Park skiing for 2 days!

Winter Park, CO

Thursday’s skiing was definitely “spring skiing” with the sun beaming down and the warmth coursing through our bodies.

Loving skiing in CO

I am fairly new to skiing. I am sure seeing my skis flailing through the air as I head towards the snow covered ground does not remind anyone of gracefulness. On one of my falls, this was my view. So to take it all in, I sat there, took off my gloves, reached for my phone, and clicked the button. All the while, my hubs and N were waiting on me at the bottom.

Falling in Beauty

Maybe next time, I will invest in one of these.

When the lifts closed on that first day, we rode the cabriolet back to our home for the night, changed out of our winter gear, revisited the cabriolet and landed in a Belgium restaurant in Winter Park Village called Cheeky Monk.

Cheeky Monk

I enjoyed what seemed like a cauldron of mussels and a Blonde Beer. It was such a nice way to end such a nice day!

Mussels and a Cold Beer

The next day brought a few snow showers and a few more clouds, but a lot more great memories. What a treat that my little guy gets to learn to ski at a young age. Never has my age been so prevalent in my head as when I see him “fearless” flying down the mountain, making quick S turns, skiing through the trees, and making small jumps. Oh, to be fearless again. Oh, and the hubs…fearless and an amazing skier.

Contemplating the JUMP

Going for the JUMP

I walked around a portion of that day just taking in the scenery that is not the slopes.

I welcomed the break up with routine. I look forward to summer break even more!

Do you thrive in routine? Do you occasionally like to tell routine to take a hike? What do you like to do when routine is not holding you hostage? Please share the little things that you enjoy and that make you smile.