Colorado Family Reunion

July 2026 

Colorado Highlights...plus one million pictures!

When we had to part ways at the end of our Utah trip, it was really nice knowing that our Colorado family vacation was only a couple of months away. It was wonderful being together again. ❤️ We were sad two of our Gwilliam girls were missing: Erin, who is in the middle of nursing school, and Aubrey who is in the middle of Argentina.

A huge shout-out to Britney and Adam for sharing their new Colorado home with us and giving us the perfect place to gather for the week. Their home was very cozy, comfortable and inviting.

Some of my favorite things from the trip:

The beautiful outdoors—mountains, streams, hiking trails, and parks. Sweet and snuggly Cal. Mini hikes with Kaide. Exploring Vail Village. Exploring new restaurants. E-bikes. River rafting. Games on the porch and game nights around the kitchen table. Really, games anytime Kaide could convince someone to play with him—which was often.  Cooler temperatures. Nottingham Park. Hot tubbing. Downtime. 

This is a screenshot we took from the Vail Village live feed.

And for sure, just being together.

We packed plenty into the week, but my favorite moments were probably the simplest ones—sitting around visiting, playing games, loving on the grands, enjoying the beautiful Colorado weather, and having everyone under the same roof again.

Definitely a week to be grateful for. ❤️

And now on to the one million pictures....

It was fun to travel w/ Tanner and Kaide. First we flew into Denver and then rented a car and traveled a couple of more hours. Bryn and fam had a 6 hour drive, and Parker earned the gold medal with a 9+ hour drive from Rexburg.  

Brian and I couldn't wait to snuggle baby Cal. The difference between 6 weeks and 4 months was crazy! On this trip he was smiling and almost rolling over. Also, he was just starting to "talk/coo" more. So sweet.

Look at those sweet cheeks.

We did a lot of the things on this itenarary, but not necessarily with everyone or on the day listed.

On Thursday and Sunday evenings Park and then Derek and Bryn made dinner, and on Saturday morning Tanner made breakfast. Having the kids plan, prepare and clean up a meal was Amazing. They did not disappoint. (Parker made burgers, Derek/Bryn made a pot roast w/ veggies and grilled corn on the cob, Tanner made pancakes, bacon and hashbrowns.)

We enjoyed eating out a lot too.

Blue Moose Pizza

We had some yummy pizza and Kaide was so happy to have this sprayground to play in before and after dinner. It made lots of fun patterns, and he referred to it as "water fireworks."

La Cantina

Rocky Mountain Taco-I headed here one evening by myself

Kaide ots of game time in w/ lots of family. He was not shy about asking. He and I also worked everyday on reading from an app I found. (reading.com) He LOVES it, and we are both excited he is learning to read.

Papa and Kaide were the early risers and would get lots of games in before others trickled downstairs.

Brinley and Derek enjoyed the back patio and were often out here playing card games or visiting. 

I had fun making their shirts plus the family reunion ones below.

I need this little guy to live a lot closer. Look at those bright eyes and his sweet little face.

Kaide facetiming his mama.

The "boys" did an all day mountain bike experience. They would ride up the gondola and then bike down the trails. They had a great time. 

Tan ready w/ his new camel backpack and sporting Bri's GoPro.

Mountain bike views

Brinley and I had our own gondola experience and took a small hike at the top. She is nursing so her time away from Cal come is small windows. It was nice to have some girl time together.

Then the next day we headed back up to the village and Kaide and Brian joined in on the Gondola rides.

Papa and Kaide on a little hike at the top of the mountain.

Sunday we went to church to take the sacrament and then hurried back to the house to hear Braddock's fairwell talk! It was kind of cool being in the Birds vacation home and listening to Braddock speak. He did a great job and will be serving in Modesto, California.

Games around the kitchen table.

Nottingham Park

Donovan Park

Park and Tanner went golfing. It was a beautiful course and part of it is directly across from the house.

We wrapped up our trip with white water rafting which was so much fun. A big thanks to Bri who took Kaide and Cal to an indoor play area so Brinley, Derek and Tanner could join. Then we headed to Costco to have pizza for dinner.