I can say with 100% confidence that today has been Gian's favorite day since commencing on our RV trip. But I'll get back to that at the end.
Atelei didn't think we'd make it through the first half of our RV trip solely because Jason and Allan, two potential drivers, wouldn't make it until the end of June. With Brandon as the main driver, she knew that he would be too exhausted to drive the 3700 miles to Washington DC on his own. Praise the Lord that He's helped me share the bulk of the driving; together, Brandon and I are covering solid ground and we should make it to DC on time.
This morning Brandon took the first shift as we headed out of the Grand Lake area and up the Rocky Mountains to Cripple Creek, a former mining town situated high above the Rockies, a couple hours drive from Colorado Springs. The drive was windy but it gave us time to view the majestic Colorado mountains that the flood created. We passed quite a few ski resorts that boast an awesome haven for mountain bikers during the summer months. During the hours we spent in the RV heading towards our next destination we marveled at how picturesque Colorado is, and we are actually considering looking into potential land to purchase { God willing } when it's time to move from the city and into the country. With the soaring mountains, pristine air and open space, the Colorado Rockies may be where God wants us to settle. Then again, it's up to Him, not us.
THIS IS WHAT THE KEIKIS DO WHEN WE'RE ON THE ROAD
... AND THIS IS WHAT DAD DOES
THEIR DRINK OF CHOICE
THE ROCKIES VIA OUR TRUSTY RV
Okay, on to Gian's favorite part of today. The reason we headed to Cripple Creek is because of a certain train. No, it isn't an original Thomas the Tank Engine; rather, the train is an old mining coal train used to transport the miners, their gear and the gold during the Gold Rush. The owners painted the steam engines Thomas's signature blue and black, probably to attract little visitors like Gian. And it worked. The entire ride up the mountain Gian refused to sleep and he continually pestered me by saying, "mama, train. Let's go. Choo choo." When we finally arrived at the train station Gian literally bounced off the bed and headed straight for the door. Atelei had to hold him down long enough to change him, but since we are a slow bunch of Filipinos, we missed the first train call. Gian was sad but his tears changed to happiness when he saw Thomas waiting for us.
IT'S THOMAS!
A PATIENT GIAN
STILL WAITING
THE CAR
CRIPPLE CREEK TOWN
THIS PHOTO DOESN'T DO THE VIEW JUSTICE
WHAT CUTIES
ADDING MORE FUEL
MAILE IS MORE INTERESTED IN POSING
MEET US IN DC, BABE!
Mom bought a cool wooden train whistle and the keikis had fun sharing it while we waited for the train to fill up. The ride was beautiful; we saw old mining buildings, learned about the history of Cripple Creek and admired the stunning vistas that this little town hidden high above the Rockies affords. And Gian? Well, he was a serious little rider, focusing on the engineer filing the furnace with coal to create the steam that propelled us on our journey. When we arrived back at the station, the engineer humored the boys and with Brandon's help, they tooted the horn. When we walked back to our RV, Gian lingered behind, stealing glances at the train he loves so much. "Bye, Thomas," he said.
Seven hours later, 0356 { Kansas time }, we are still on the road heading to Wichita, Kansas. I finally get to rest since Brandon has taken over this next shift, and as I finish this post for Day 5 I am happy to report that our family, despite being in such close quarters, is doing so well together. Thank you for your continual prayers; we know we are getting along better than expected because of those prayers.
Stay tuned for more stories of our adventures on the road. Good night!
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