Anna and the Dahlens go for a hike in Breckenridge

The annual trip to Keystone began on Friday night when the Dahlens arrived from Iowa. Saturday Marcy and I had to go and pick Jude from camp in Bailey. It was a 2 hour drive each way so that occupied most of our Saturday. It was so great to see Jude after 2 weeks, we had really missed him. His camp went really well, even the backpacking trip they did. He said his favorite part of the trip was “cowboy camping” where they slept under the stars. Jude said he had never seen so many stars before and he was mesmerized by it. Meanwhile, Anna went with the Dahlens and Olive to Breckenridge for a hike.

Jude enjoying his first lunch at Chimayo after camp

We didn’t get back from picking up Jude, after a late lunch at Chimayo, until 3:30pm. The rest of the day was pretty low key. Jude watched a movie and played video games after going screen-free for two weeks.

Fitting on the giant chair at River Run

Sunday ended up being a big day. We walked over to River Run in the morning where they had an art show. Then we all went to lunch at Chimayo (Jude’s idea). After lunch, we decided to rent bikes but first it was done to Keystone Lake for a stint on the kayaks and standup paddleboards.

Lily, Jude and Anna at Keystone Lake

Then we were off on an epic bike ride. We intended to ride all the way around Lake Dillon to the Frisco Marina, around 14 miles. We didn’t know whether we would all make it but the kids (Lily, Jude and Anna) did really well and made it there easily.

We made it the 14 miles to Frisco Marina

The kids refueled at the Island Grill right on the lake as well as at the candy store and then it was time for the big ride back. We took it a bit slower on the way back and Anna struggled for some of it. She was trying to keep up with the older kids and had an asthma attack part of the way back. But we had her inhaler and she was able to recover well. She really pushed herself hard.

Anna was a trooper on the 28 mile bike ride, the longest of her life

It was after 7:30pm by the time we made it back but we did it. It was the longest bike ride of the kids lives and they were rightly proud of themselves. Marcy, Jude and Lily waited for Anna and I several times and right at the end they waited at the top of our street so we could all finish the ride together.

Finishing the epic bike ride just before sunset

Meanwhile Mandy and Nate had Olive and the twins. They all went on the paddle boats, including Olive who seemed to enjoy herself out on the water for the first time.

Olive and Nate paddle boating on Keystone Lake

It was a great start to the week in Keystone. The kids are all really tired tonight, especially Anna whose little legs and lungs got a real workout today.