This year we decided to break away from our traditional 4th of July cookout and head to the mountains for a picnic. We had attempted once before to go to Rocky Mountain National Park but was turned back at the gate due to snowy weather in the mountains. We had heard so much about the breath taking views from Trail Ridge Rd and couldn't wait to see for ourselves. So we set out in the wee hours of the morning (we left around 7ish) to head north to Rocky Mountain National Park. Our first stop was a place just inside the gate called Sheep Lakes where Big Horn Sheep frequent during the day to catch a cool drink. The scenery here was awesome, as you can see in this picture of Autumn and Baby Blue, but was only a sample of what was yet to come.

Just around the bend from Sheep Lakes there was a turn out called West Horseshoe Park. It overlooks Sheep Lakes and the view of the valley is awesome.

It was here at West Horseshoe Park that Tom made some new friends. This is Tom feeding one of the Magpies.

These beautiful birds have absolutely no fear as long as you are feeding them.. LOL

Our next stop Deer Mountain Trailhead which sits at 10,013 ft above sea level. It was here that Willy couldn't stand being couped up and had to get out of the van and take Baby Blue rock climbing.

Autumn then turned the camera on me or so I thought.. Turned out all she really wanted was a pic of the mountain behind me LOL

I can't really say that I blame her though. Afterall you don't see scenery like this everyday.

Baby Blue refused to believe that our trip to the mountains was gonna be much fun, afterall everytime she saw a chance to climb she saw signs saying DANGER.. LOL Poor baby she had such a long face in this pic

And here is Tom patiently awaiting the right spot

And me I got stuck with da job of beatin da kid I mean cheerin her up

Tundra