Denver Birthday Trip: Day 4 & 5

Day 4: The real 4th of July

We had another jam packed day planned for the 4th of July. Lunch at Casa Bonita was everything we anticipated it would be, except Luke ate a TON more than I ever could have dreamed he would... a taco, 2 cheese enchiladas, rice, chips and sopapillas galore! After lunch, we explored the winding caves (which always seemed to lead toward the souvenir shop) and watched the cliff divers. After a quick trip to Colorado Mills, which resulted in a new Broncos cap for Luke and a Hello Kitty lunch box for Riley, we ventured to a little spot in the mountains appropriately named "Tiny Town". Luke was mesmerized by the little buildings, little people and the ride on the little train.

Our last stop was a drive up to the top of a 14er (that's climber-talk!). Unfortunately, an overturned vegetable truck on I-70 halted our plans and we chose an alternative route through Golden and back to Kim's house. All was not lost, however. Dave was home between shifts and schooled Luke in all sorts of "man things". After buckling Luke into the backseat of Dave's race car, He and Luke took off. Luke couldn't hold back his excitement as he burst through the door and divulged that Dave drove "really, really fast"! He attempted to ease my mind by following with, '"but there weren't any houses around, Mom, so it was okay." I think I'm going to let Uncle Dave pay Luke's first speeding ticket. :) Next, they escaped to the man cave where Dave schooled Luke on the finer points of air hockey.

While the boys played, dinner was prepared. We ended the night with Luke's 4th birthday cake and more skydancing off of the patio.

Day 5: Leaving for home

Auntie Kim dropped us off at the airport on her way to work. We made it through security (they were doing body scans on everyone who preceded us... when Luke freaked out, they let both of us go through the "traditional" screener!) and found our gate. We stopped at McDonalds and Luke enjoyed his first egg mcmuffin... he LOVED it! Luke's ears hurt a little bit upon descent, but we chomped down on Skittles and all the pain was forgotten. Grandpa Jim, Grandma Dort and Riley picked us up at the airport and we were officially "home" from the greatest 5th birthday trip EVER!