It’s Thursday. We didn’t go to Garden of the Gods. I am most certainly itching to get back there. But as a matter of fact, my boys and I have been discovering (ahem…re discovering) some gems that this, here, city of ours has to offer. And, as much as you might hear me hem-hawing and wishy-washing about living here, I’ve got to give it just a little bit more credit and I will start with its beauty. There, I said it. I realize all cities have their less-than-lovely, look-the-other-way parts to them (yes…even Fort Collins), but really, I am stunned by some of the things I have been seeing around here lately. And, it’s been under my nose for the last 12 years!! Am I admitting that I like it here? Well…hmmm…ok maybe a little.

Instead of galavanting around the red rocks of Garden of the Gods today, we went a little further south to America the Beautiful Park which is just west of downtown. This is two visits to downtown Colorado Springs in a matter of one week, nay…in three days! Who says nay? I do! Just did!

A beautiful sight

At America the Beautiful Park, there is this sight to behold! The Julie Penrose Fountain! It very slowly rotates while dispensing water from the top of the circle.  Around the bottom is a continuously flowing current of water that, at its deepest, is ankle deep. And that is Pikes Peak right there through the center of it!

Oh! How did that get there?

Yikes! It’s cold!

The boys thoughts the accessibility of the water was fantastic!

Gorgeous view from below…

Hiiieee Ya!

Logan took this opportunity to practice his ninja moves…or was it his International Super Spy moves? It changes from day to day!

Just makin’ my way, mom!

Sweetest Eli thought crab walking was the way to go!

Slide, slide, slide!

Just between you and me, I feel like this maneuver wasn’t as successful for my big guy as he had hoped it would be. Even though there was plenty of water, it wasn’t that slippery!

Hey you guys….!

This was our rest spot just off to the side of the fountain. I just can’t quite say for sure what’s happening in this picture. So, I will leave it up for your own interpretation!

Logan: Hey, Eli! Check it out! If you stick the top of your head in the water like this, you can get your hair all wet!

Eli: Oh! Awwweesommme! I’ll try it, too!

Lonesome Sandal

We even played a game of chase the sandal down the current!

To Chill: verb. – To calm down; to be easy going. Urban Dictionary

As if the fountain wasn’t enough excitement, there is a wonderful playground at the park, too! A perfect way to relax before the long ride home!

Look at me, Mommy!

These guys…

The playground had some sculptures that people could write on with chalk! I thought we ought to leave our mark!

Here’s to a wonderful Thursday adventure!

I love Thursdays!