Marti & Kevin Visit - The Castle

So I don't even know where to start to explain this castle. It is about an hour away from our home and has been worked on since the 70's. He started out just wanting a winter cottage and then the government came in and told him he couldn't quarry the rocks on his land. He was angry enough he kept building and building. While we were there he was working on it and yelling all sorts of things about the government. The castle is crazy, a bit scary but absolutely one of the funnest things we have done in a long time. We had fun seeing it with Marti and Kevin and Rachel. Enjoy the pictures!

On our way to the castle. Kevin, Rachel, Marti, Colby, Kylie, Michelle and Jayden.

This is his sign in front of the castle. I don't think it is as much for us as it is for police or government officials. There are also signs around from the government saying the building is not OSHA approved and enter at your own risk.

The Andersens.

Kevin taking Rachel up some steps. Yes, he built this stone by stone. He is a welder by trade.

The Neilsons on the second floor of the castle.

Michelle and Kylie.

This is pretty high up and I am scared to death! You can see all the welding connections on this outside landing so not only can you see all the way down, it is not even.

On another floor of the castle.

Colby and Jayden up on the castle bridge. I agreed to stay down and take the picture!

The castle.

Jayden and Colby looking out through one of the doors on the stairway.

It is hard to see but Kevin is also in the door on one of the towers.

Yard Sales

No, I am not addicted but I LOVE to go to yard sales. I don't know if it is the area, or we really lucked out. There are some awesome sales here and here are some of my bragging pictures. The Kitchen was $2, the buggy was $5 and the tri-cycle was $2. Maybe they were not that to start with but I wore them down! Who knew it would be so fun! We figure if the kids are going to have a bunch of toys they may or may not play with, at least we know that we got them so cheap that it doesn't matter!

Stotts Visit Part 5 - Pikes Peak

The view from the top of Pikes Peak near Colorado Springs, CO. We took the train up to the peak.

Needless to say it was pretty cold and windy on top.

Us at the top. Altitude is 14, 110 feet! Crazy!

Kylie slept most of the way down.

Colby and Kevin and Porter doing....?

So she woke up and was not happy. I think her ears were hurting her. A packed train, no where to go, and she screamed for about 25 minutes. I got some awesome (sarcastic) stares from people who need to realize life is not perfect!

Stotts Visit Part 4 - The City Park Rides

The City Park here is awesome. Every night during the summer, they open up the kid rides and it is a blast. They only cost 25 Cents so I am happy as well. They really liked it and it was a lot of fun.

Getting ready to go on the train ride.

I like this picture because Jayden is having so much fun and Mason, in the other yellow car, is smiling as well.

The boys jumped on the roller coaster. Jayden loves this ride.

The four trouble makers!

Andrew and Jayden flying high.

Jayden, Andrew and Mason on the carousel ride.

Riding the train around the lake.

The whole group in front of the train ride.

Stotts Visit Part 3 - The Lake

So the next day we went to the Pueblo West Lake. It was a lot of fun. The water was not too cold so that kids could play in it and there were rocks and shells all around so they could throw rocks and treasure hunt. You can't swim in the water at this area because there are trees under the water so that is why we just "waded" in there. It was a lot of fun!

Us setting up camp next to the water. The kids are already exploring.

The Stotts.

Jayden, Colby and Kylie in the water. Her shoes were never the same after this day!

The girls in the water.

Again, it was a lot of fun. It is only about 10 minutes from our house and so it makes it a great place to go!

Stotts Visit Part 2 - The River

This part of the river is in Pueblo West where we live. The state park/lake is about 10 minutes from our house. We would have done more play at the lake but it started to rain so we went back the next day. Those pictures will come.

So I don't really know how to explain this picture except to say that we had ribs and it soon became a contest who was the messiest. I don't know if you can see Kylie in the background but she won!

Kevin and Angie at our picnic at the State park.

Jayden lost a shoe before going down the fast slide at the park.

Angie and Kylie at the park.

The boys by the river as the storm picks up.

Our family, this might be on the Christmas card!

Walking back to our cars after being by the river. We are trying to get to the cars before the rain starts!

Stotts Visit Part 1 - Riverwalk

So the Stotts have officially become our favorite people because they have come to Colorado to play with us (already). I am posting this trip for us, but also to show everyone all the fun things to do here and so you might want to plan a trip to see us on your calendars. No pressure :)

This is the riverwalk in Pueblo. It is an awesome area downtown that allows you to walk, play and just enjoy. This is the boys. Colby, Jayden, Andrew, Mason, Porter and Kevin.

This is in the gazebo along the walk. Angie is all smiles.

Andersen Family along the walk. Behind is us paddle boats you can rent and play with in the river and part of downtown Pueblo.

I really like this priceless picture of the Stott boys.

Michelle and Angie by one of the waterfalls.

Jayden and Andrew decided to get up close to the ducks, until the ducks realized we didn't have any food!

This is a dedicated monument where you can all ring bells. I don't know how Angie could stand under them, it was so loud.

Holding hands. What a great pic!

This is all of us except Kevin, he was the man taking most of the pictures.