Colorado Springs Archives - kathrynegly.com

0 In 2024/ Colorado/ Colorado Springs/ Family/ Peek into our Week/ Things to do in Colorado/ Traveling

Rocky Mountain Memories: Our Colorado Family Adventure

First stop: Denver

We kicked off our Colorado adventure with a delightful lunch with family near Denver. We all enjoyed reconnecting with cousins!

Second Stop: Colorado Springs

Colorado Springs was our next destination. The breathtaking natural beauty and nostalgic experiences were wonderful. We visited Garden of the Gods and hiked Seven Bridges. The boys had a blast climbing and exploring the unique rock formations.

We also visited Manitou Springs Penny Arcade, a hidden gem that transported us back in time.. The boys loved the old-school pinball machines and racing games.

We got to spend some time with a handful of friends and visit our former church. It was heartwarming to reconnect with friends and relive fond memories from our time there. The church service was uplifting, and seeing familiar faces brought back a flood of emotions.

Our visit was too short to catch up with everyone we hoped to see, but I’m grateful for time we had with the friends we did meet. Those moments with friends were truly the highlight of our time in Colorado Springs.

Third Stop: Breckenridge

Breckenridge, the quaintest mountain town, was our third stop. We strolled down the historic Main Street, lined with colorful buildings, boutique shops, and cozy cafes. This was our first time staying downtown and I loved waking up early, getting coffee and sitting quietly by the river, overlooking the mountains.

We rode the gondola, hiked and found the Troll, ate good food, relaxed at the pool, and enjoyed the 4th of July parade.The crisp mountain air and stunning views of the surrounding peaks make Breckenridge one of our favorite places to visit!

Fourth Stop: A Visit to Boulder and Colorado University

Our final stop was Boulder, where we ate lunch on Pearl street, then drove over to the Colorado University campus. The boys played football in the open space and hoped to be discovered by Coach Prime (Deion Sanders), the new head coach of the Colorado Buffaloes football team. While we didn’t see him, just being in the same vicinity as the legendary athlete and coach was exciting for the boys.

Our Colorado vacation was a perfect blend of family time, natural beauty, and nostalgic visits. From the family lunch near Denver to the stunning landscapes of Colorado Springs, and the quaint charm of Breckenridge, the trip was filled with treasured memories. We returned home with hearts full of joy and minds full of beautiful images.

I’m grateful that we all agreed that as much as we LOVE Colorado, we are GRATEFUL to call MINNESOTA our HOME! Though our years in living in Colorado will always be treasured, Minnesota is where we belong!

Click here for a Colorado Springs Bucket List

Click here for a free things to do in Breckenridge

Click here to read my heart-wrenching post of about leaving Colorado and moving to Minnesota.

July 13, 2024 By Kathryn

0 In Book Review/ Colorado/ Colorado Springs/ Free stuff/ Giveaway/ Things to do in Colorado

A peek inside Climb, Soar, Swim, Explore!

Because I’m a teacher at heart – I wanted my first children’s book to be FUN and EDUCATIONAL!

Climb, Soar, Swim, Explore takes you on an ADVENTURE to the top of Pikes Peak (a Colorado mountain) and teaches you fun facts about the animals who live there.

I worked with a talented local artist who hand painted each illustration.

You can purchase a copy for $10 shipped!

Click here for PayPal, add $10, and I will send you signed 1st edition!

Prefer Venmo? Scan this:

Thanks for your support!

December 12, 2019 By Kathryn

2 In Colorado/ Colorado Springs/ Faith/ Inspiration/ Joy/ Memories/ Moving/ My Journey/ Peek into our Week/ Things to do in Colorado/ Traveling

My Volunteer Vacation

One year ago, New Life Church was hosting an amazing children’s/family ministry conference called The Gathering. It was during this conference that my husband accepted a job with Target, which meant we’d be moving to Minnesota.

I love Colorado, and I also loved working with this team at New Life. I was struggling with the idea that this chapter would be ending soon.

On the last night of the conference (last year), each person who helped lead the conference was given a box of cereal from Dr. Michelle Anthony – my (former) boss and Family Ministry Pastor. She gave me a box of S’mores and told me that she would like S’more of me. It took everything in me not to burst into tears right then. Just a couple days later, I’d be sharing the news that we’d be moving and she’d be getting S’less, not S’more.

I went home from the conference and shared how I was feeling with Ted. He encouraged me to come back to the conference in 2019 and volunteer.

So this year, I went to Colorado for a Volunteer Vacation! I came to assist, learn, and connect with my New Life friends!

When I first arrived in Colorado Springs – tears filled my eyes. This city has such a special place in my heart, and I was so happy to be back.

The morning of the conference, I drove over to New Life Church with my friend Holly, and helped with the last minute details. All morning I was greeted with love and hugs from friendly faces. It was pure joy.

Because my kids weren’t with me, I got to focus my whole week helping wherever needed … AND catching up with SO many dear people. I loved every minute of it.

In a season of all things new, spending several days in a place that holds so much familiarity & treasured relationships, felt like a well-timed gift.

Though I didn’t sleep much, I came home from my Volunteer Vacation refreshed and full.

If you have some vacation time coming up and aren’t sure what to do – consider a “Volunteer Vacation!” Take the opportunity to go somewhere and help with something. Every non-profit organizations can use an extra set of hands. And when you make time to bless someone or something, you always get blessed in return!

Here is an (affiliate) link to a book filled with ideas on short term adventures that will benefit you and others!

July 9, 2019 By Kathryn

0 In Colorado Springs/ Motherhood/ Raising boys

6 Simple Steps to make a Great First Impression

Recently I was asked to interview a handful of 5th grade students in preparation for an upcoming field trip. The students were going to BizTown where they would have a “job” to do.

Before I asked the first interview question, I was to watch for and answer this question:

“Did the student come in and shake your hand, make eye contact and state their name?”

Honestly, most 5th graders came in and looked down, nervously. They didn’t know how to introduce themselves.

However, I watched as George came in, reached out his hand, gave a firm hand shake, made eye contact, and stated his full name with a smile on his face.

This simple action made my heart swell – I was so proud of him and I know he made a great first impression!

However, I can’t take the credit for teaching him how to do this. My husband, Ted, started teaching our boys how to introduce themselves from the time they started talking. George also learned and practiced simple manners, like introducing himself, in Cotillion.

Ted or I will often remind our boys how to meet new people before we enter a building where they may encounter strangers or new friends. The morning before his “interview,” I practiced with George and reminded him how to introduce himself.

Parents, it’s really easy to teach our kids how to make a GREAT first impression. This is NOT something that our children inherently know how to do, but we get to teach them how to do it! This simple lesson will be a GIFT to them!

A proper introduction is a tool they will use, and benefit from, their entire lives!

A fun book to read with your kids about manners:

March 29, 2019 By Kathryn

0 In Colorado/ Colorado Springs/ Family/ Memories/ Motherhood/ Peek into our Week/ Raising boys/ Things to do in Colorado

A PEEK into our WEEK: Breckenridge, hiking, time with friends, and racing!

Our Fourth of July

We took some red, white and blue pictures in Colorado Springs, but spent the 4th in Breckenridge! The boys loved the Parade and playing in the huge pile of snow that’s still on Peak 8. Ted and I enjoyed getting one last visit to Breckenridge before our move. We always enjoy the drive there – you never know what wildlife you’ll see. We stopped to watch some Buffalo roam on this trip.

Spent time with a childhood friend

Becky, a childhood friend, and two of her kids came to visit from Broomfield, CO. It was so fun having them spend 24 hours with us!

We hiked and explored, cooked together, and enjoyed catching up. We’re both Indiana girls and been friends all of our lives. I’ve enjoyed spending more time with her since we moved to Colorado.

Overdrive Raceway

The #eglyboys have been begging me to take them to Overdrive Raceway! We finally made it there, and they LOVED it! Clark drove as fast as he could – speeding around corners and weaving in and out between other drivers. George was slow and steady; cautiously driving around corners, and leading Paul “safely” around the track.

Hiking

We explored the Starsmore Nature Center and hiked in Cheyenne Canyon with friends. There are all kinds of trails you can follow in Cheyenne Canyon. However, Clark remembered one specific hike from a field trip and insisted we follow him. He promised us it would be beautiful! Somehow, he found the right trail, we followed him up a narrow passageway and from the top, we had an incredible 360 degree view of mountains and The Broadmoor! He makes an amazing tour guide for an 8-year-old.

The trail Clark insisted we follow.

One of my favorite things to do in Colorado is hiking and exploring with my boys!

Admiring the view!

That was our final ‘regular’ week in Colorado.…now we are packing and wrapping things up at home before we head to Minnesota! What did you do this week? Leave me a comment!

July 11, 2018 By Kathryn

15 In Colorado/ Colorado Springs/ Faith/ Family/ Finding our place/ Moving/ My Journey

Life is Either a Daring Adventure or Nothing – Helen Keller

When we moved to Colorado, we thought we’d be staying here forever.

Ted found a good job.

We found a beautiful home.

We met so many new (and old) friends.

I began a job that I love at an amazing church.

I’ve become a writer in Colorado:

I write for YOU (Thank you for reading!)
I recently began writing for Colorado families through the Colorado Springs Mom blog,
I write for churches and families throughout the United States through Homefront Magazine,
I write for mother’s through the Help Club for Mom’s Bible studies
I even published a Colorado children’s book – hoping to make it a series.

Our family has thrived here, and we absolutely love this place. There is so much beauty all around us every day. It’s soul-filling.

However, changes are ahead.

We are about to embark on a new adventure: We are moving to Minnesota.

Life is either a daring adventure or nothing. – Helen Keller

My husband has accepted a job with Target Corp. He will be working in Executive Leadership Development at the Target headquarters in Minneapolis.

Until a couple of weeks ago, I had never been to Minnesota.

The only two things I knew about Minnesota were:

Minnesota was not on our radar. It was not in the plan.

I guess sometimes we go off script and follow the adventure of the unknown, unfamiliar.

After I went through the stages of grief, I’m choosing to move forward in joy, trusting we will find and create beauty in a new place.

Though we chose Colorado as our place, my true place is with my family. Wherever they are is home. Where they are is my place. They are my people.

My people. My place is wherever they are!

My favorite quote over the last couple of weeks has been:

“Don’t cry because it’s over, smile because it happened.” Thank you Dr. Suess!

Our friend and pastor, Daniel Grothe, reminded my husband that when we moved to Colorado, we were ALL IN! He recommended we have the same attitude in Minnesota. Be ALL IN. This is such a good reminder, such wisdom. Thank you Daniel!

I’ll be re-reading the book: This is Where you Belong: Finding Home wherever you are. I’ll also refer back to this POST: 8 ways to LOVE where I LIVE – as we adventure into a brand new place.

I’ve begun following the Twin Cities Mom Blog, and other blogs and checking out Pinterest to see all there is to do in Minnesota.

I’m looking forward to:

meeting new people,
finding a good church,
discovering the best places to eat,
learning how to stay warm in winter,
exploring this beautiful state!

Have any of you been to Minnesota? What can you recommend we do and see? Where should we go?

July 9, 2018 By Kathryn

0 In Colorado/ Colorado Springs/ Giveaway/ Peek into our Week/ Product Recommendations

Peek into our Week – Campin’, Buildin’ and Bookin’

Monday – Thursday:

We are blessed to have a church that puts so much intentionality into what they do! My kids and I had a great week learning and laughing together at New Life Church Kid’s Camp. The theme this year was Supernova – discovering God’s Great Galaxy. The music was incredible, great teaching, fun games, engaging skits, and service projects.

Clark and some of his friends

Ted completed his Go Fund Me campaign and we ordered the first copies of his debut book, “Conversations with a Billionaire!” Ted signed and shipped out all of the pre-orders!

Friday:

George loves Legos. Occasionally when I find a great deal on a set of a legos, I’ll buy it for him. Clark and George recorded themselves building their Legos, then George edited the video and I uploaded it to their youtube channel: “The Free Range Eglys.” Here is one video George recorded and edited.

Saturday

Ted and I had our first Duel

Book-signing at a local (beautiful) coffee shop, The Roost! It was a great morning where we met some new neighbors, saw some familiar faces, and sold some of our books!

If you’d like a copy of Ted’s amazing book, click here!

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Giveaway winners – Mary Kathryn S. ($40 Gift card) and Judy B. ($50 Tillivery)!

That’s a peek into our week! How was YOUR week? Leave me a comment!

June 30, 2018 By Kathryn

2 In Book Review/ Colorado/ Colorado Springs/ Free stuff/ Giveaway/ Product Recommendations/ Things to do in Colorado

You are invited … to a book signing and a chance to win a $40 and $50 gift card!

Colorado Friends!

I’d like to invite each of you to Ted and my first ever duel BOOK SIGNING!

In the last few months, my husband and I have both published our first books.

Mine is a children’s book is entitled “Climb, Soar, Swim, Explore: A Pikes Peak Adventure Story. (click here to read more about my book).

Ted’s book is entitled “Conversations with a Billionaire.” His book is an amazing story on life and leadership (click here to read more about his book).

Till Kitchen has invited to come do a book signing at their beautiful coffee bar/restaurant. We’d love to meet you and sign a book for you and your children! PLUS, for every book you purchase, your name will go in a drawing to win a $40 gift card to this fabulous restaurant! (which is on my list of best places to eat in Colorado Springs!) Also, Till Kitchen has offered to give away a $50 gift card for “Tillivery” – their delicious meal delivery service!

Here are all the details:

What: Ted and Kathryn Egly’s book signing

When: Saturday, June 29th from 9-11AM

Where: The Roost Coffee Bar inside Till Kitchen – 9633 Prominent Point | Colorado Springs, CO 80924 | 719 282-8004

Why: Have a cup of hot coffee and a delicious pastry, meet your neighbors and local authors, purchase a book that we will sign with a personal message, and be entered to win a prize!

For each product you purchase, your name will go into a drawing for a $40 gift card to Till Kitchen OR a $50 gift card for Tillivery!

PS – If you mention the secret word “KathrynEgly.com,” you will get $2 off my book – making it only $8 for you! The is the best price you’ll find anywhere, ever!

Ted’s book is available for the low price of $12 – the best price you’ll see anywhere as well!

Hope to see you there!!!

UPDATE: Giveaway winners: Mary Kathryn S. ($40 gift card), Pam ($50 Tillivery)

June 25, 2018 By Kathryn

5 In Colorado/ Colorado Springs/ Family/ Things to do in Colorado

In-laws, not outlaws

“In-laws” have a bad rap. In fact, I went to Pinterest and Google and searched “in-law quotes” and could not find one GOOD quote. They were all negative. So, I’m here to put some positivity out there and say that GREAT in-laws do exist in this world! Let me tell you about two of them.

Kevin and Shirley Egly (my in-laws) are as good as they get! When people talk negatively about their in-laws, I for one, can’t even comprehend it. And two, have nothing but good things to say about mine.

Let me brag on them a little bit!

First of all – the raised Ted Egly! I could just stop there…but I won’t…

They love their grandsons and me so well. They encourage us and help whenever possible.

They watch (aka: wrangle/chase/spoil) all four of our boys so that Ted and I can get away! OHHH SOOO NICE!

While we are gone and when we get back, they help with lots of stuff around the house. Kevin completes household projects and Shirley helps me clean and organize.

Not only does Papa do yard work, he teaches our sons how to do it too!

They also play lots of “UNO!” I love that all four #eglyboys can all play now! (Luke is on “my” team)

We do take breaks to eat and explore. For instance, I had to take Kevin and Shirley out to experience King Chef’s Diner.

Voted best breakfast in Colorado. It’s that good!

After breakfast at King Chef’s, we hiked at Red Rock Canyon Open Space.

Every time I go to Red Rock, I spot different types of wildlife. Once, a deer crossed the trail right in front of me. On this visit, we discovered a big Hawk’s nest with baby hawks inside.

Luke didn’t want to hike, he wanted me to hold him. Since this will probably be the last summer I can “hold” one of my babies while we hike, I held him for the first half of the hike. Then we crossed paths with a kind lady and her adorable dog. Luke wanted to walk alongside the dog and followed him through the second half of the hike and all the way to the parking lot. (This made me want a dog.)

Thank you, Little Dog Lucy, for giving Luke something to chase while we hiked!

While the Egly’s were in town, I also had to take them to Hurts Donuts. Papa loves donuts, and so do his grandsons.

I’m grateful for such amazing in-laws! They set the standard high. I hope that I have the same relationship with my daughters-in-law one day!

Kevin and Shirley, I love you and am grateful for you!

#twinning or Raggedy Anne and Andy?! Me and my father-in-law

Can anyone else share a good “in-law” story! Please leave a comment!

Also, if you have a GOOD quote about in-laws, share that with me as well. I still haven’t found one!

June 21, 2018 By Kathryn

2 In Colorado/ Colorado Springs/ Things to do in Colorado/ Traveling

10 Best Hikes for kids in Colorado Springs (All FREE & FANTASTIC!)

1. Garden of the Gods:

Voted one of the best parks in the US – everyone should visit Garden of the Gods at least ONCE in your lifetime. You can park anywhere and find an amazing and beautiful hike! The main parking lot gets crowded, so start early. It was our favorite place to hike when Luke was in a stroller because the paths are paved. However, you can park anywhere in this incredible park and find an easy path to explore.

2. Fox run park:

Fox Run Park

Fox Run Regional Park is on the north side of Colorado Springs and has lots of trails, a pond, a creek, and a couple of play areas! You could spend the day here or just an hour. My kids love this place. Click this link for a map of the trails.

3. Palmer Park:

Enjoying the view at Palmer Park

Palmer Park is an amazing place to visit at least once. You can drive up to the top of the mesa and enjoy the breath-taking view of the city and Pikes Peak. There are some easy trails at the top or bottom. Make time to stop at the huge playground off Maizeland on your way out. Click here to look at some trails.

4. Red Rock Open Space:

Red Rock Canyon Open Space

Red Rock Open Space is similar to Garden of the Gods, but even more “natural” – meaning no paved areas, no bathrooms and lots of winding trails. There are beautiful hikes no matter where you start! I could go here every week for a year and find a new trail. It gets a little confusing – trails split and you need to understand the “map” they have provided on signs throughout the park (I’m not that good). However, if you just keep walking, you’ll find your way again (or, ask someone else hiking which way to go). No matter what your age – two or 92 – you will love this place! Click here to view the trails.

5. Paint Mines:

Paint Mines

The Paint Mines Interpretive Park is about 30-40 minutes outside of Colorado Springs, but worth the drive for an awesome adventure. Your family will love the gentle hike through the colorful caverns.

6. Bear Creek Nature Center:

Bear Creek Nature Center

and the

7. Fountain Creek Nature Center

Fountain Nature Center

George – Bird Watching at the Fountain Creek Nature Center

Take a hike around the lovely grounds and enjoy the shaded trails, creeks and marshes. Then stop by the Nature center(s) to play with the interactive exhibits and learn about the animals that live in the region.

8. Pulpit Rock:

Paul at Pulpit Rock

I wrote more about this amazing hike here.

9. Helen Hunt Falls:

Helen Hunt Falls is a gorgeous spot to visit any time of the year, but with kids, I recommend you visit in the summer. There are lots of steps and they get slippery/icy in the winter. There’s a handrail all the way up to the top of the falls. Then, enjoy a beautiful and easy hike at the top. The Starsmore Nature Center is nearby with beautiful and easy hikes all around as well. We absolutely love Cheyenne Canyon and all the adventure it offers our family.

10. Seven Bridges:

Seven Bridges makes us Crazy for Colorado

We love Seven Bridges. It’s a fantastic spot to explore and take in the beauty of Colorado Springs. With all four of our boys (ages 3, 5, 7 and 9) – we only made it to the FIRST of the “Seven Bridges” and then played in the creek before we hiked back. As they get older, we hope to conquer ALL SEVEN Bridges!

Would you like to purchase a copy of our book? It’s a great souvenir! The Egly boys take a hike up Pikes Peak and teach the reader about animals that live on this glorious mountain.

You can purchase a signed copy by clicking here, adding $10, and I’ll ship your book!

Thanks for your support!

To discover 20 free, fun, family friendly things to do around Colorado Springs, CLICK HERE!

May 30, 2018 By Kathryn

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