Life in the Fast Lane

Life in the fast lane, sure to make you lose your mind! Life in the fast, yeah! : ) My blog absence can be contributed to three phrases: moving, renovations, house-flipping. For the last three months, I've been taking pictures with my cell, and thus, not blogging from lack of  high quality pictures, but my blog is so much a part of who I am that I feel more compelled than ever to keep recording our experiences. I've been blogging since 2007 and the last nine years are such a treasure to have in a written format. So, kids. This blog is for you! :  ) Spring brought to Colorado a slight break to the harsh, winter weather. Any day you get into the 50's without snow {in April,} you seize! We spent a full afternoon hiking a winding trail, crisscrossing the top of a smooth plateau, admiring the many hoodoo formations and caverns, carved out over time by mother nature's strongest elements: weather and time. On the way home, we spotted a herd of grazing mule deer, also enjoying a brief moment of full sun. Such a great, carefree day!

For an end of year 1st grade project, the students completed a research paper over their favorite animal, its habitat, and closed by creating a giant replica of their chosen animal. Harbor chose a penguin and we really enjoyed researching and studying about it for a few weeks. 

The kids continue to grow and grow.

Why not?!

: )

One afternoon, after school let out, we had another unexpected break in the Spring weather.

David had to work late, so I pulled on my bravery and loaded the three kids and our gear by myself for a hike through Garden of the Gods.

It was glorious!

Red rock formations towering overhead, late afternoon sun, and well-beaten dirt paths made for a splendid end-of-week celebration.

The following weekend, David suggested we explore a popular rock climbing area just a few miles from our home. It was a bit colder, but bearable.

The kids really showed amazing endurance and kept a quick pace.

We encountered lots of free-climbers using no equipment, other than good climbing shoes and a steel gut.

: )

Colorado is full of lively people.

My sweet girl is almost two years old.

These pictures mean so much to me.

It might take months, but I am making a promise to myself to get caught up. Hope all my friends and family are well!

Hiking Cheesman Canyon

Last weekend, we splurged and drove two hours for a hike at Cheesman Canyon.

We had never been there before, but David was itching to see the reservoir.

Located just outside of Denver, close to the tiny town of Deckers, it is remote and stunning.

We knew it was our last chance to have carefree fun for sometime:

we closed on our house last week and are currently knee deep in renovations.

The drive was peaceful and serene.

The town of Deckers is nationally renowned as a major hub for fly fishing and

the kids really enjoyed seeing all the people in waist deep water with their lures.

We stopped and bought sandwiches for a picnic lunch up top and continued on until we finally wound our way to the base of the trail head.  

The area, back in 2006, was hit hard by a wildfire and we passed hundreds of burned and singed acres. We bounced back and forth between heavy pines and singed outcroppings. 

, 

As we climbed several steep switchbacks, we could finally glimpse our prize:

the Cheesman Rervoir, 

The burned areas were really odd.

New growth creeping up, but towering crooked trees, looking much like something out of a Tim Burton movie, poking overhead.

So grateful for this Papa of ours who can carry more than his share of the weight.

: )

The air was crisp and clean.

It was warm, but the snow capped Rockies were a great reminder of the high elevation we were hiking. 

The Lord always seems to speak to me in the clearest voice while in the untamed places.

We hiked off trail to an outcropping of giant granite boulders for our picnic lunch.

Have you ever seen a prettier picnic location?

: )

We snacked on cold subs, veggies, and crackers.

They were heavenly after such a climb to the top!

We set up our camera on the rocks and used the timer to snap a family momento.

This series of shots make me smile.

It is proof that my kids aren't always the "happiest of campers" on these long trips.

Ha!

And then we were off, leaving our picnic place just as we had found it.

We continued to climb higher, traversing thick wooded areas and then coming into singed clearings.

I'm always on the hunt for pretty little lovely things!

: )

Such a beautiful, quiet place.

We took a few breaks here and there.

I didn't realize Henry was sipping water when David took this picture.

He is growing up into such a big kid! 

This ended up being my favorite shot of the day.

"Grab your coat, leave a note, and run away with me."

What an incredible gift to raise our family in such rugged beauty.

 

And after we finally made it back down, the only one with any energy left was little Hollin!

She is such a sweet little thing.

I snapped this shot as we drove away.

I think the old adage is true:

sometimes you have to get lost in order to find what matters.

It was a perfect "last hoorah" weekend!

If you have followed our blog for several years, stay tuned for house renovations, decorating, and goodwill salvage posts!

We are in love with our new home and are putting our own touches on it this month while we transition out of our temporary apartment.

Yesterday we ordered all new appliances and today we picked up new hardwood flooring for the entire lower level in weathered barnwood grey.

I am so ready to unpack and settle.

Hope all is well with you, dear friends!