Estes Park, CO | AUGUST 2021


Believe it or not, we have an (almost) 7 year old and never been on vacation just the 3 of us. We thought it was high time, so we looked into the highly recommended YMCA of the Rockies in Estes and knew it was the perfect getaway for us. Just a 9 hour trip with the pets up into the mountains. Although the weather wasn't as cool as we hoped (Ryan and I both hate the heat) it was still nice to just chill and enjoy family time away from home. Our cabin was so quaint - we cooked for ourselves mostly and highlights included:

  • The Stanley Hotel tour (we made Violet lie about her age so she could go on the tour. She had a little anxiety about it but was actually never fact-checked. lol)
  • dipping our toes in the cool mountain streams after shopping (Violet got some spending money from her grandparents which was burning a major hole in her pocket)
  • the crafts! especially the leather craft. I made a keychain (Ryan thinks it looks like a male body part)


Here's some pics if you'd like to see!

Black trucks parked on a desert road with people gathered around them.
Silhouette of mountains against an overcast sky creating a dramatic panoramic view.
YMLA entrance sign with stone pillars and wooden archway surrounded by pine trees.
Desert mountain landscape with sagebrush under bright blue skies.
Dramatic storm clouds roll over mountain peaks and desert terrain.
Wooden stairs lead up a hillside with mountains visible in the background.
Mountain vista with pine trees and rustic buildings under stormy skies.
People swinging on playground swings with a building visible in the background.
Close-up view of vibrant purple thistle flowers blooming in a natural outdoor setting.
Empty playground swings on a grassy field with trees and buildings in the background.
Raindrops on a car window with blurred mountain landscape in the background.
People working on a jigsaw puzzle at a wooden table in a cozy indoor setting.
Scenic landscape view of pine trees on a hillside during golden hour.
Interior view of a rustic room with wooden furniture and casual decor.
Sunlit interior space with windows and natural light streaming in.
Cozy living room with leather couch, wooden furniture and natural lighting.
Wooden table with scattered puzzle pieces in a warmly lit room.
Open white refrigerator stocked with various food items and beverages.
Rustic cabin interior with exposed wooden beams and comfortable seating areas.
Colorful crafting workspace with tables and supplies arranged in a bright room.
Display shelf with organized craft supplies and decorative elements.
Close-up view of organized craft supplies and materials on display shelves.
Interior view of a craft room with natural light streaming through wooden-framed windows.
Detailed crafting work being done on a dark surface.
Hands working on detailed craft project at a black workspace.
Vibrant mural with colorful swirls and geometric patterns on a wall.
Craft workshop interior with supplies and materials organized on tables.
People working together on a creative project in a well-lit craft space.
Children engage in creative art activities at outdoor tables in a sunny playground setting.
Art supplies and colorful drawings spread across a table during a creative activity session.
Rustic wooden dining room interior with large windows and natural lighting.
People gathered around a wooden dining table in a cozy restaurant setting.
Fresh vegetables and cooking ingredients laid out on a kitchen counter for meal preparation.
Relaxed indoor seating area with comfortable couches and natural lighting.
Cozy interior view of a living space with window light streaming in.
Dark wooden furniture and brick walls create an atmospheric indoor setting.
Panoramic view of a white building complex against mountain landscape.
Bronze statue memorial with white colonial style building in the background.
Exterior view of a grand historic hotel with white facade and red tile roof against cloudy sky.
Architectural details of white colonial style building with ornate windows and arches.
Child jumping off white platform in front of pine trees wearing patterned dress.
People walking along a paved outdoor pathway near a historic building.
Close-up view of person wearing dark blue textured shirt with button details.
Ornate Victorian room interior with gilded mirrors and patterned wallpaper.
Group of visitors walking up concrete steps outside a white building.
Interior view of wooden bowling lanes with people playing in the background.
Concrete pathway winding through landscaped garden with trees and shrubs.
Garden pathway surrounded by green foliage and landscaping.
Two people in colorful summer outfits embrace while standing on a garden pathway surrounded by landscaping.
Two people share a joyful moment while hugging on a concrete path lined with garden beds.
A small group stands together on a curved pathway surrounded by evergreen trees and aspen.
A group poses for a photo on a concrete path with evergreen trees and a building in the background.
A breakfast plate with bacon and pancakes served alongside coffee and orange juice on a wooden table.
People enjoying breakfast at a rustic wooden table in a cabin setting with sunlight streaming in.
A person in a pink swimsuit strikes an energetic pose against a natural desert landscape.
A person in bright swimwear poses with raised arms among desert brush and pine trees.
A person in pink swimwear dances playfully in a desert setting with pine trees.
A person strikes a joyful pose against a backdrop of desert vegetation and pine trees.
Group of young dancers in matching pink leotards pose playfully outdoors in nature.