Getting back to nature

So part of this post will cover an event in which I did not participate, but I figured we still havc some cute pictures. Apparently Ryan had on his "bucket list" both camping in the Rockies and camping with our sons. I didn't know that this was the case until the week before we left for CO. He made reservations to camp with the boys, and I said, "More power to you!" They left for the site at around 6, stayed up until 10 playing games and reading books, and woke up at 5:45 to a chilly morning (around 45 degrees!). I think they all had a fun time and made great memories. I'm not sure that I'll be up for the next camping experience, but we shall see. You certainly cannot beat the view!

Ryan and the boys with Grand Lake in the background

the campsite--It was a bit different than Indiana camping with open space instead of trees and gravel instead of grass on the ground. Ryan was glad to have a mallet to drive in the tent stakes!

the view from inside the tent

another view of the campsite--as you can see, not too many trees

The next day we decided to go hiking to Adam's Falls over by Grand Lake. Ryan had heard from someone that it was a good hike for kids so we figured we'd give it a whirl. When we saw the sign that said it was only 0.3 miles, we knew we were in the right place--especially when Grant refused to walk and had to be carried in the Ergo!

Here is Caroline's first experience in the hiking backpack. She did great! I always love seeing people's reations to babies in hiking backpacks. We hiked in Rocky Mtn. Natl. Park when Jack was Caroline's age, and this is such a great thing to do! We've decided it's much harder when they are out of the pack and get tired easily.

Here is a view from the top of the falls, but it's hard to see how beautiful and powerful they were from this angle.

We found this great place to eat a picnic lunch. The boys touched the water and pronounced it "ice cold," which is to be expected when it's coming from the snow melting in the mountains.

Having fun in the mountains!