We left Wakeeney, KS bright and early Sunday morning (8/2) and arrived at Chatfield State Park in Littleton, CO at 1:00 PM MDT. It is 33 miles from the kids’ apartment in Westminster, CO which is about 7 miles farther than Cherry Creek State Park (where we have stayed the last two visits), but the the traffic congestion is much less because we don’t have to traverse through the city of Denver.
Chatfield State Park – Site #21
Upon arrival, we immediately unloaded all of our “stuff” from the truck so that we could use all three rows of seats to haul the grandchildren and headed for the kid’s apartment. Aaron was already at work by then, but Alysa had completed her shift and was home with the grandchildren. We had a short visit with Alysa and then packed up the grandchildren and headed back to the campground.
When we got back to the camper we had some dinner and then headed off to the beach on the other side of the lake. The beach area is more gravel than sand, but the kids had never been to a beach before and didn’t know what they were missing. They had a great time playing in the water and attempting to build sand castles.
Chatfield State Park – Beach 
Chatfield State Park – Beach 
Chatfield State Park – Swimming
Playground & Pony Rides – Monday 8/3/2020
Today we had 11:30 AM reservations for pony rides at the state park stables. I took the girls over to the campground playground to keep them occupied until our appointment. Alysa had to work, but Aaron came by to see the pony rides. We thought that since they had to ride assisted (by parents/guardians) that they would just walk them around a small corral, but we actually did 3 large laps around their property. The girls were in heaven. After the pony rides and lunch the girls and I went to a local business and bought firewood. When we got back they spent the rest of the afternoon playing in the dirt, running around the campsite, and riding their bikes.
Chatfield State Park – Playground 
Chatfield State Park – Playground 
Pony Ride 
Pony Ride on “Chester” & “Doobie” 
Playing in the Dirt
Family Time – Tuesday 8/4/2020
Today Aaron & Alysa came to the campground and we hung out, barbecued, and got caught up. It was a little warm, but we all had a good time. The girls continued participating in their favorite activities (running, biking, and playing in the dirt) and little Chuckie hung out with the adults in his Pack ‘n Play. We built a fire with the firewood we purchased the day before and cooked steaks, potatoes, vegetables, and corn on the cob over the fire. After dinner Aaron & Alysa took their family home to rest up for tomorrow’s trip to the zoo.
Hanging Out at the Campsite 
Tuckered Grandchildren 
Hanging Out at the Campsite
The Denver Zoo – Wednesday 8/5/2020
Today we went to the Denver Zoo. It was a bit hot, but we still had a great time. After our trip to the zoo we at a late lunch/early dinner (or as Alysa says “Linner”) at Cheddar’s.
Baboon, Penny, Alysa, & Everleight 
Penny Showing off Her Wingspan 
Everleigh 
Aaron, Chuckie, Alysa, Penny, & Everleigh 
Penny on Break 
Everleigh Munching on Cotton Candy 
The Girls 
Grandpa & Chuckie 
“Linner” at Cheddar’s
Jim’s Burger Haven – Thursday 8/6/2020
Alysa had to work today, so we went to their apartment around lunchtime and caught up with laundry while hanging out with Aaron. When Alysa got off work we watched the kids while she and Aaron ran a couple of errands. When they returned we went to dinner at Jim’s Burger Haven and tried out their famous 6″ burgers. The burgers, buns, fries, onion rings, and shakes were all great.
Jim’s Burger Haven
Penny’s Birthday – Monday 8/10/2020
Today we went to the kids’ apartment to celebrate Penny’s birthday. Penny loves to play Super Mario and her favorite character in the game is Princess Peach, so the party was Super Mario themed and Penny received a Princess Peach dress. Everleigh also received a dress for the character Princess Daisy. Penny loves steak and requested grilled steak for her birthday which everyone was happy to accommodate. Aaron grilled steak, chicken, and vegetable kabobs and they were all delicious (I’d rate the steak in my Top 5 all time). The cake and ice cream were also great and Penny was in the height of her glory.
Princess Peach (Penny) 
Penny’s Birthday Cake 
Cake & Ice Cream 
Chuckie Likes Balloons
