Mixing Business with Pleasure

Breckenridge has had a special place in our hearts for several years.  Besides being accessible and beautiful, it hosted the first art show that Justin applied to, was accepted into, and had success with.  We've often reflected and wondered that if he hadn't had success with his first Breckenridge show, we may not be where we are today.  That initial success fueled Justin's innate drive to pursue his passion of creating art and supporting his family with it.  Breckenridge has also often been the place where Justin and I go for our yearly, kid-free vacation, however, this year we decided to bring the kids along.  Although this meant giving up much of what we like about going to Breckenridge (nightly dates, ability to read during daytime hours, quiet, etc.), this is something that we've always wanted to do.  

The kids were so excited with the most simple aspects of the trip, that we didn't plan many activities and kept things simple. The condo we rented was walking distance to everything and had an indoor/outdoor pool and a few hot tubs.  Uncle Brent drove up and stayed with us, which was an added bonus.  

The first night we arrived, the kids were very excited to check out the pool before dinner.

Here is Amanda skipping, hopping, & running (anything but walking) to the pool.

And here she is randomly stopping and asking for us to take pictures of her in different poses.  We certainly have mixed feelings about obliging her requests like this... 

After the pool, we headed to Downstairs at Eric's, a favorite of ours that is now a favorite of the kids, for arcade fun and dinner.

 No one got a great night's sleep, but we managed to have a good day the next day despite of it.  Brent, the kids and I headed to Justin's art show to see him and walk around.  Justin really enjoyed having us all there.  

While at the art show, we spotted giant inflatable hamster balls for humans out on the lake.  Paul was really excited to try it out, though the rest of us had more sense ;-) 

The gondola ride up the mountain was a big hit, followed by playing corn hole and riding the bus around town.

 The rest of the day we wandered around town, swam and ate.  

My crazy crew and a robot sculpture.

Ben being a good big brother in the parking lot, but being embarrassed once spotted being a good big brother :)

Hanging out "behind the scenes" at the art show.

Another picture request in front of some pretty flowers.

Toy store fun.

The art show promoters used an image of one of Justin's paintings on their promotional posters.  It was fun to see them around town. 

The show was a success- Justin sold a lot of paintings and prints and received great feedback.  We look forward to mixing business with pleasure again soon.