You can almost see the old gold miners walking down the now paved roads of Cripple Creek and Victor, Colorado. Founded in 1891 at 9494 feet above sea level, the town was thriving with a brothel and saloons, the hope for gold, and the workers who came from far and wide to work for the mines, making the mine owners very rich. Cripple Creek is still a gambling town, but with casinos instead of saloons.

We met our children and their families at an Air B&B near Cripple Creek, nestled on a hill surrounded by aspens and pines. A two story and finished basement log cabin became the perfect place for our family to make memories.

We cannot remember the last time that all eleven of us have spent two full days together. We are all together for holidays and events, but after a few hours, we all rush off to get home. This was incredibly special to me to be with everyone.

I am thankful for a family that all gets along so well. Each one of our children are so different and their lifestyles are different, but when we all get together it’s easy. We sat around the cabin when we weren’t out sight seeing and played cards, games, talked on the deck whilst watching the full moon rise above the tree tops.

In town, a large black and white photo from the 1800’s hung on the walls of a coffee shop. The dog looks just like my Prairie Rose! I stood in the doorway of an old mining cabin with her. If I had been wearing my typical long skirt and apron, you might not know when it was taken!

We took the short hike to see Rita the Rock Planter. She is a fabulous creation made of recycled wood, commissioned to cover an old mine opening. The views were staggeringly beautiful.

We took the open air train and heard the history of the towns and the mines.

The last day, Emily, Reed, Tori, and Andrew needed to get home earlier, but Shyanne, Jacob, Lochlan and Doug and I went to see the museum and admired all of the Victorian artifacts and panned for “gold.” Doug and I went up to Victor and walked the streets of the old town before heading back to the homestead. What a blessing that was. Time with family is the most precious gift of all!

So grateful for our beautiful family and a trip to the mountains!