Memorial Day weekend in Rocky Mountain National Park!

What a weekend we had!  Conditions weren't great (cool temps, cloudy & spotty rain), but we didn't let that stop us from racking up miles on our hiking shoes! 

 First stop was Lily Lake.  It was an easy hike around the lake before we opted to ascend to the upper trail (more conducive to rock climbing:-).

 Jacob and John didn't have any fear, or lack of energy!

 Jacob loves climbing anything....what could be better than a rock with a tree growing out of it?

 Day 2 took us on a 3.4 mile hike in the Wild Basin area.  The entire hike was gorgeous, mostly following this raging mountain stream.

 We hit major snow not too far after this picture, and didn't quite make it to the cascade falls:-(

 Sarah took the boys back to the trailhead and home for lunch while Darin hiked another couple of hours on his own (hence the selfie).

Day 3 took us to Alberta Falls.  We loved this hike last year, and couldn't wait to take our good friends on it this year.  Unfortunately, the late spring snowfall resulted in 80% snow packed trails.  We couldn't admit defeat and dragged 5 little boys through the snow and up to the falls.  All three Bolthouse boys were crying uncontrollably the last quarter mile to the car.  Needless to say, we didn't capture the adventure (fears of incrimination??:-).

 Day 4 and we finally had clear skies!  We did a quick one-mile lap around Sprague Lake before driving through the mountains with a stop off at Golden Gate State Park for a 2.5 mile hike. 

We'll all be sleeping well tonight!  Let summer begin!