When the Snow Boots leave Puddles in the Carpet

While the rest of the country seems to be experiencing a heat wave with higher than normal temperatures this winter, here in Colorado, it is snow as usual.
We have had a few snow days where schools have shut down, and if you know anything about Colorado weather, this is pretty exciting.  
I've really struggled as a mom in the past to make the most of winter. Blame it on my Southern roots, blame it on our lack of a fenced  backyard, blame it on the effort it takes to bundle up three little people who lose gloves, get cold, and refuse to walk, but making winter fun has always been a personal struggle of mine.
Winter is actually a favorite of mine, but having three kiddos all seven and under, and parenting alone as David works long hours, has made it feel like an Olympic sport. 
I want to be a mom who makes snow and cold magical and exciting- instead of whining about all the dripping snow boots scattered on my hardwood floors.
So this winter, I've given it a go!
It hasn't been perfect, but we have ventured out almost every day it has snowed {it sometimes snows everyday} and I have embraced the cold and the schlepping of supplies up and down the apartment stairs.
I've had wet coats hanging on the dining room chairs, icy boots leaving puddles of water in the carpet, and frozen mittens piled into my kitchen sink.
I've also had three smiling children with magic in their eyes, piled high on Daddy's lap, reliving our mountain adventures with gusto!
Embrace the seasons, mamas! The good news is that each season only lasts for so long. : )

Harbor's 7th Hiking Birthday Party

Now that Harbor is old enough to have party preferences, he was really instrumental in helping me plan his 7th birthday.

We agreed on a hiking themed party and began scouting for the perfect outdoor location.

Having an outdoor party in November is tricky. Especially if you live in Colorado.  

The weather ended up being chilly, but totally doable.

We lucked out as it snowed just a few days after the party ended.

We settled on a local park with mountain views that backed up next to public hiking trails.

This made it easy to incorporate a scavenger hunt.

I made everything myself: the cupcake toppers, the scavenger hunt bags and labels, the water bottle labels. and the shadow silhouette posters. It was all a labor of love- and because I started over a month before the actual party, it was an easy and carefree endeavor.

We had a trail mix bar and the kids meandered in between the park and the main pavilion.

A dear friend of mine, Melissa, took the photos, and it made the day so much more enjoyable.

Happy 7th birthday, Harbor!

You are one of my great true loves.

Life without you is no life at all!

We love you!

Me giving the directions for the scavenger hunt

A close up of the scavenger hunt labels I designed and attached to the brown paper bags:

Their reward were graham cracker bags with labels that say:

{Feel free to right click and save!  They will print as an 8x10 on photo paper}

Harbor had an amazing turnout, especially when you consider we had no family present since live out of state.  He was able to invite his entire 1st grade class and his entire Boy Scout troop.

All the kids had a great time!

And so did the mamas! : )