14,110 feet to the top of the summit of Pikes Peak.  Derek's sweaty palms gripped the steering wheel of our Trailblazer tighter and tighter as we approached each 1,000 foot marker.  As the tree line receded, the edge of the mountain became more apparent and the views were absolutely stunning.  It was a crystal clear day at the top of the summit and we were able to see for miles. 

All this in comparison to three years ago when we made the trek up the mountain in early June while the temperature was below zero and the sun was so bright reflecting off the mounds of snow, you couldn't even open your eyes.  What a difference four months makes. 

Although it was 41 degrees (25 degrees colder than in Colorado Springs) at the summit and there were a few traces of snow piles, the scenery was unbelievable and the trees turning on the way up the mountain gave us a sense of back home in Minnesota where the scenery in the fall is absolutely beautiful. 

We were even able to enjoy a short hike halfway up the mountain, but after spending 5 hours enjoying the views, we figured we better head back down before dark.  Check out some of the pics of our day :)

View from the top of Pikes Peak

Derek, Kendall and his dad at Pikes Peak

Derek, Kendall and I am Pikes Peak

Kendall loves hiking!

What a cutie :)

Derek and Kendall

Walking up from one of the trails.

On the way up to the summit.  (Pikes Peak in the background)

Down by Crystal Reservoir

Crystal Reservoir

Playing in the dirt!

Beautiful!

Hiking up the mountain :)

Derek, Kendall and his dad while hiking.

It was so nice to have the day off today and spend it with Kendall.  We went to the mall and Kendall played in the play place and then we played outside all afternoon.  It was 80 degrees and beautiful here today so we took advantage of it!!

I spoke with our daycare lady today and she said Kendall is finally starting to come out of her shell at daycare and engage herself with the other kids.  She said there is another little boy there that is almost 2 that Kendall really hit it off with.  Although I wish I could spend every day with Kendall, I know that it is good for her to go and interact with the other kids at daycare.

Some of Kendall's favorite new words are, "Uh oh" and "nu nu" which means nuk.  She is such a riot!!

Derek's dad flies in tonight for a few nights.  Hopefully the weather stays nice so we are able to show him a good time here in Colorado :)

Getting ready to go down the slide!

Climbing!

Gong down the slide again!

Mmmmm apple juice!

Kendall loves her puppies!!

265 stairs.  Man are my quads and hamstrings gonna hurt tomorrow!

Seven Falls in Cheyenne Mountain is absolutely breathtaking.  Those 265 stairs are definitely worth it!!  Derek may have a different answer however, since he had an extra 25 pounds of a little girl named Kendall on his back  :) 

The weather was beautiful today as we hiked through the mountain and enjoyed the scenic views of the canyon and downtown Colorado Springs.  Here are some pics of our day...

Don't ever forget to tell someone you love them. Life is too short. Remind them every chance you get. :)

So our week with my parents, sister, and Jon has come to an end.  It was sad to see them go today.  We had such a good time with them and look forward to my parents coming back to visit in November for Thanksgiving.  We found time over the last week to go to the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, hike up to Helen Hunt Falls, visit Garden of the Gods, cheer Jon on at the Mile High Shootout, and even managed to fit some shooping in  :)  Here are some pics of our week...

Chelsey, my mom and I at the Mile High Shootout

My cousins Mallory and Shelby.  Cute :)

Jon and Chelsey at the Mile High Shootout.

My cousin Mallory and Kendall.

Mallory giving Kendall a kiss :)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Kendall found a golf ball at the Mile High Shootout.

 

Derek and Kendall in the mountains at Helen Hunt Falls.

My cute baby :)

Feeding the giraffes at the zoo!

At the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo!!

Here fishy fishy!!

My mom, dad, sister and I at Garden of the Gods.

My mom and dad at Garden of the Gods.

My dad and Kendall.

Watching Mickey Mouse :)

My mom and Kendall looking at pictures.

Bath time!!!