We've driven from Denver to Summit County hundreds of times over the last 13 years, and nearly every weekend for the last five years since our oldest son was born. We couldn't wait for Friday afternoon to roll around to pack up our weekend stuff, load up our adventure gear (bikes, skis, hiking gear, whatever) and head up the hill.

Then, Sunday would roll around and it would be time to head back to the city.

For those of you who don't live in Colorado, the stretch of highway from Denver to the mountains is I-70 and on weekends, it is almost as busy as the highways in the city on a weekday morning during rush hour. We're clearly not the only ones who enjoy spending time in the high county.

Most of the time, it's about an hour drive and can be really pleasant. But, with traffic or bad weather, it can take a heckuva lot longer, so a 1.5-3 hour return trip is pretty normal. But, we had gotten used to it and it was our rhythm of life. And, we wouldn't have traded those trips up and back for anything.

But, what we hadn't realized was the stress these Sunday return trips were having on our weekend. Until today...

June 10, 2018 is the day our family has officially reclaimed Sunday!

We've been in Summit County the last three weeks and are totally loving it. The slower pace of life is apparent. And, it is what we've been craving. Kelsey's mom was in town for two weeks to help out (thank you x 1 million, Laurie!), while I was on a work trip for a few days, Kelsey was commuting daily to Denver to finish out the school year at Skinner Middle School, and the boys were between daycares. Last weekend, his Dad and friend Margaret were here (also super fun, come back soon!).

So, today was the first Sunday with just the four of us.

Our oldest has been asking the last week or so to "go climb a mountain." So, we chose an easier out and back trail on the top of Loveland Pass that was sure to offer some impressive peak views. We had a great hike. Although it wasn't without some struggling. Our four-year-old was having a hard time for a bit, but with a lot of positive talk and some fig bars (thank you Costco!), we were able to make it to the summit at 12,940 feet. We found some shelter at the rock shelter (basically a small wall of rocks to create a break from the wind), ate some lunch, played in the dirt and rested for a bit. Then, we braved the blustery wind and made it back down safely. Well, there were a few slips, slides and tears (thankfully I just slipped and didn't cry, thank you...)

“Pro tip. If you are on a hike and your child asks “how much further to the top?...the answer is always, we’re almost there! ”

— Us.

The biggest win of the day was that our oldest son hiked the whole way (up and back!) all on his own. We kept asking the other hikers along the way if they had seen any other four year olds. He thought he was pretty cool to be the youngest kiddo hiking on his own. His little brother, naturally had the best seat in the house in his Osprey Poco Premium (seriously one of the best investments we have made as parents). We were prepared to carry our oldest and hard brought along our Ergo Baby Carrier since he can still fit in it backpack style. But, we didn't need it! He made it all on his own.

And, major mom win too! I love it when I just have to carry snacks, water and layers!

We took our time on the hike. Heck, I didn't even wear a watch. We got back home and had a snack on the deck, our little guy (and hubby) took and nap, I worked for an hour or so, our oldest watched a show.

Then, it hit me...

We didn't have to pack anything. We didn't have to check the traffic. We didn't need to hurry. We could just relax and enjoy Sunday.

Then, my husband took our oldest to the Silverthorne Rec Center to swim. After the little dude woke up, I took him for a walk by Lake Dillon. Then, we all met back at home and enjoyed a simple Sunday dinner on the deck.

Now, the boys are playing outside, Kelsey is checking off a long list of garage to-dos while I'm taking time to capture these thoughts. And reflecting on the joy that is bubbling inside.

While this simplification is kind of a big one (and took 5 years to realize!), but it got us thinking of what other small changes could we make to have a simple life?

So, the takeaway...don't wait. If there is something that will bring you happiness (with some struggle mixed in along the way) that results in joy, do it. And, if it isn't possible today, do everything you can to take the first step. It took us five years of dreaming, scheming, and a small bit of risk-taking mixed in, but we're here in the mountains and we couldn't be happier.