Out West 2017: Utah/Colorado iPhone pics

This hardly captures the beauty of Utah but driving through these rocks on the highway...WOW!

We made it to Colorado!!

The trailer that Steve grew up in

Out West 2017: Palmer Lake, Colorado

We left the Grand Canyon and traveled across Utah into Colorado. I think this was my favorite drive. Southern Utah was unbelievably gorgeous. It went by so quickly and came so unexpectedly...wish I had some pictures of it. I also loved all the towns we drove through in western Colorado. I think I hear a vacation calling me there.

Our destination was Colorado Springs. Steve spend 10 years of his childhood living in the town of Palmer Lake. He has many good memories of his years there and was excited to show our family. 

In Colorado we met up with the rest of Steve's siblings, their families and his mom. I think this is the first time that we have all been on a vacation together. It was a sweet time for us.

In the morning when it was time to leave we were ALL dressed alike. So funny to me.

Bros

I have no idea how this picture happened 

This was the trailer park that Steve grew up in. Lots of mixed emotions about this place for Steve and his brothers. 

The Little Log Church, Steve attended here as a boy

All the Heitland cousins

This is the insanely adorable and quaint town of Palmer Lake

Steve is such a good daddy.

And yes, the train goes right through the town.

Out West 2017: Claudia's Senior Pics

I love that we got the chance to take Claudia's senior pictures somewhere unique. And, I love that she still wanted me to take her pics. I thought maybe she'd desire someone new and different, but good 'ol mom was enough for her. 😍 Maybe it was just because I was free...

These pictures were taken about 5 minutes from our rental house north of the Grand Canyon. Such a beautiful area.

And my dear girl. Claudia turned 17 just weeks after these were taken. It's been a lot for me to process that she is in this stage of life already. She is in her last year of high school and next fall will be moving out for at least a school year. I can't imagine life without her around. She is spunky and full of life. She makes me laugh. She loves to talk deeply. She cares about my day and my opinions and my perspective. I love spending time with her and that we are friends.