Camping ’09

Can I just say, “I LOVE COLORADO!!?”

We are so blessed to live in a state that is so lovely. There are so many wonderful areas that we could spend our whole life exploring places around here.

Why am I going on about this so much? Well, as crazy as our summer wasn’t supposed to be (but IS), it was such a blessing to head out of town to the mountains a couple of weeks ago. We packed up the tent trailer and headed over to 11 Mile Canyon and set up camp for 2 days.

I admit, that once we set up camp it took each of us a little time to adjust to our lives without our computers, tv, dogs, chores and toys. Even though Kip and I think we spend a good amount of time with our children, sadly it was evident that we could and should spend a lot more.

However, once we remembered what to do, we had so much fun. We had no set schedule, which if you know me, I LOVE. We took our time and we just were. We read, we played in the woods, we cooked, chatted, cuddled, enjoyed the wildlife around us. Each day we were cooled down with a nice rain shower & thunderstorm, God is gracious and amazing.

Hayden became quite the camp fire person and was a great help to dad when it came to setting up and taking down the pop-up. Gillian, jumped right in to help me with clean up after each meal (It is apparently more fun to do dishes in the mountains). Gillian is just radiant outdoors and I can tell she has a passion for its beauty just like her daddy and I.

On day two, Aunt Nicole came up to join us and the kids thought that was so fun. Hayden started a game of “Pinecone Dodge Ball”, which I am sure you can figure out didn’t end well. I keep wondering why I even took part in this game. But, really…I felt everyone was safe if you consider that I rarely ever hit a target. But, of course, since I was trying to ‘not’ hit anyone I hit my precious son on the cheek, hard, with a…..pi….pi…pine…..cone!!! I really feel awful about it and am so thankful that he can now laugh and tease me about it.

We of course made s’mores and enjoyed a yummy pasta dinner. The best part is that we all went to bed early. I have such special and wonderful memories and I pray that H & G will also cherish these experiences with us. Time goes so fast and I am so grateful that we have these precious times without the distractions that life seems to throw at us daily. I look forward to a couple more this summer.