Our second day in Colorado Springs was even fuller then the first. We started the morning out at the Manitou Cliff Dwellings. Another set of Jen’s cousins met us there and raged along for most of our day. We have the best extended family and are always excited to spend the day with them. Although after a day bouncing around with us we are not sure they always feel the same. Our kids are loud and silly plus we move through things quickly but stop and read almost every sign we can find.
Manitou Caves were neat and the best part was we were able to climb through them and really get a feeling of what life was like living in cliff dwellings. Although not original to the area, the dwellings were moved to Manitou in an effort to preserve them back in 1906. At the time they were put back together with cement instead of traditional Adobe. This is why we were able to clump through the doors and up on the second floors without destroying them.
After the cliff dwellings we headed back to Garden of the Gods for lunch. When we find a good spot with good food to accommodate our needs we tend to go there often.
After lunch we headed over to nearby Rock Ledge Ranch. This is a living history area with all aspects of historical life from the area. There is an American Indian and homestead area, a blacksmith, and homes from both the 1860’s and the 1900’s. This happened to be sheep day as well. We were able to watch sheep shearing as well as demonstrations of sheep dog herding. There was not one part of this we did not enjoy and learn from. Jen was particularly impressed with the women making lace. It is something we may have to try at some point. A, our entomologist, spent a good amount of time following any trails and identifying species. B, our baker, loved the old kitchens and would like to move to Colorado Springs just to do their junior docent program during the summer. We told her this probably would not be happening but a girl can dream. As we left the sky threatened rain but we ended up with only a small sprinkle instead of the thunder storm we are always hoping for.
Ants! 
Making lace 
We want one of these! 
And these! 
C loves a good dog! 
Making corn husk dolls 
We said goodbye to our family and headed to Cave of the Winds. Stephen rarely passes up an opportunity to see a cave. This was not the most impressive cave we have been in, it seems to be more touristy then preservation minded. It was fun and we got to review all our cave terms. Stalagmites, stalactites, cave coral, domes and of course why you should not touch the walls in a cave. After the cave the big kids took their chance and climbed up to the challenge slide. The little kids watched and learned for “next time”.
We headed home for a dinner of “kitchen sink” basically all the small skillet meal leftovers from the last few days mixed together. It is surprisingly good especially when everything has the same flavor profiles. Another full family fun day in the books ready to hit the road again and see what other adventures we can find.
Chairs made from skis 
Oggy Boggy Man 
Our 6S Full Life 