Albuquerqueing and Denvering.

Our family vacation this summer was a trip to Denver, Colorado-- via Albuquerque, New Mexico.

We wanted to add two new states to our list of traveled-to states. Done, and done.

We left on Tuesday, July 3rd, after Freddy got home from work.

And we drove, and drove, and drove.. and drove. 

(It was only 6? 6.5? hours-- but it felt like a lifetime for me.)

Nathan pretty much sums up our feelings about that drive-- arriving around 2:30am. 

The next morning we ate breakfast in the hotel (shout out to Marriott!), and then headed out.

We wanted to get to Denver as soon as we could, since it was the 4th of July. 

Who wants to spend the holiday just sitting in a car, anyways?

Nathan with Grandpa and Grandma. :)
(Best thing ever about them coming on our vacation with us: normally when we drive, N's like, "Mom, let's play. Mom, let's color. Mom, I need a snack. Mom. Mom. MOM. MOM!"
But this time I hardly ever had to turn around-- it was all, "Bompa! Graahma!") 

Outside our hotel in Albuquerque.

N helped with the driving every now and then. ;)

The "Welcome to New Mexico" sign was passed in the dark, but we at least got the
"You are leaving New Mexico. Hasta la Vista!" one.

And we made sure to get the "Welcome to Colorful Colorado" sign!

We made a stop in Trinidad, CO-- their city was so beautiful with a flag-filled welcome center and beautiful brickwork galore! I loved it! :) And there was a cool, historic train behind us there, too.

Then it was my turn to drive-- (it was also great to have my in laws help drive--
especially after such a loooong night of driving.)

Our hotel in Aurora, CO, just outside of Denver.  This trip we tried out several different Marriott brands-- Fairfield Inn in Albuquerque, Springhill Suites in Denver, Residence Inn in Albuquerque on the way home. All wonderful experiences. :)

Freddy going to our room for the first time. Every time after that when we would go to the room,
Nathan would be like, "Three, four, FOUR! That's OUR room!"

Nathan enjoyed the lobby, probably more so than any other guest at the hotel.

And after we checked in, we headed out for a delicious meal at, none other than Texas Roadhouse! My very favorite! :)
And we had by far, the best waiter we've ever had at any restaurant, ever. He was so awesome. He even helped us find where to watch fireworks that night. 

Everywhere we went people would offer to take our group picture for us. How nice!

Even with all the fires that had been going on, we still enjoyed our first day in Denver--
and there's still the fireworks show to cover, too! Coming up next! :)