What about second breakfast?

Colorado Springs, Colorado

It rained more during the night and today was cool and rainy. I was up early, as usual, and this time I had company! Melissa and Joe were awake too and working on setting up their campsite.

Today we were celebrating Joe’s birthday and my and Nole’s anniversary. A double celebration and father’s day is tomorrow. I’m glad these two days are not travel days and the dads can relax and have fun.

After they finished that, Melissa and I ran to the store. My people woke up while we were out and when we got back, we made second breakfast at 10 am. Cal got creative with the boxes from the grocery store and made a robot costume.

Rain was expected again at 11 so we decided we needed an indoor activity. Melissa recommended the Penny Arcade in downtown Manitou Springs. Parking was a bit of a headache but the arcade was really fun.

It was really fun to watch Cal and Mary play Dance Dance Revolution.

They had some really old fashioned games, some for 1¢ and others for 5¢ and 10¢. The peep show corner was a big hit for 5¢ and this monkey played for 10¢.

Melissa played Guardians of the Galaxy pinball and kept getting bonus balls and got an amazing score!

There was a fun house mirror too and before we left, we all played the derby where you had to roll balls (mini-skee ball style) in a race to move your horse to the end. Similar to the ones with a water gun at the fair. There were 12 horses and 12 in our party so we were guaranteed to win. Nole won the race and got the winners cup. He will be flaunting it all week, I’m sure!

It was time to leave after the derby. After a short rest, the “strenuous hikers” (a group comprised of Asa, Joey and Cal with Nole, Joe and Melissa) walked to Garden of the Gods and explored the southern part of the park. The 4 younger girls hung out in our camper and I took a short nap. The rain made another appearance during their hike and sprinkled on us off and on all evening.

Then we made dinner and welcomed some friends of Melissa, Carrie and Brett. Cal worked the grill and made hot dogs and hamburgers. After dinner we played games until very late. Carrie and Brett even gifted us a game to play together! We swapped kids for a sleepover tonight and finally fell asleep after midnight.

We are lucky to travel with the Yatzecks. This journey is so much more fun when shared with friends!