Home Grown Happiness: Condo-go-go

On Friday we moved out of our friends home and into our own little condominium. The condo is based in a ski/golf lodge and is quite swish; the children (having rarely stayed in hotels) were ubber excited about the place and have settled in very well. I think having Disney channel has helped, but in-line with my previous blog about screen use, we are using the TV judiciously!

On Saturday, we visited a town called 'Silverton'; this was founded as a mining town (as are many of the towns in the Rockies), and was a cute little place to see. We didn't tour the town too much (as when Ben arrives we are riding an old steam train there, so want to explore with him) but we visited the museum and old jail which was really interesting. There is even a gold mine you can tour, however the girls were too freaked out at the thought of going underground, so we had to forego that trip (which was a shame as Noah and I would have liked to go):

I want one of these!

It's about time he bathed!

So tempted to leave them there.........

Mum why can't I have an en-suite?

Working things out!

The children nearly got left behind due to their arguing, so I chucked them out of the car and asked them to go and work things out before they were allowed back in. It was amazing how the thought of being abandoned in the middle of the mountains had such a powerful influence over their behaviour.

Yesterday, we headed out on a 'mini' road-trip, driving the San Jaun Sky Way: this is a 236 mile round trip around some of the most beautiful scenery you will ever see. We stopped in at a couple of towns, hiked a little, and swam in the Ouray hot springs. Some of the roads were REALLY scary, with narrow hair pin bends and sheer drops to the side. It took a lot of concentration but I am pretty proud of myself, and in the words of 'Rainman'- "I'm an excellent driver."

Some photos* for you to enjoy: