Paint mines

I mentioned in the previous post that I went on a hike with my parents, aunts and cousin. We hiked at an area called the Paint Mines. The area is quite interesting, it is located just outside Calhan, Co. The Paint Mines are somewhat of a hidden gem amidst the short-grass prairie. 

There were some very interesting features, hoodoos, spires, chasms and other various formations. It is an interpretive hike, so there were a number of signs along the way with geological and historical  information about the area. The Paint Mines were used by Native Americans for pottery as well as ceremonial paint. It's easy to understand why, the colors were vivid and very beautiful.

 

Although the rock features are not as impressive as what I've seen in Utah, it is a really neat area. It is clearly a unique place. It doesn't quite seem to belong. Almost an alien world out on the prairie. I am glad that I was able to see it and would certainly recommend checking it out!

Busy, busy!

That last week has been pretty crazy, but also fun-filled! We have been packing in activities lately. Seeing a lot of people too. Even though it can get exhausting, it's wonderful to have so many exciting things going on!

The weekend of May 18, John and I attended our CORE adoption training. This is a requirement in Colorado for anyone adopting. The class was all day Friday and Saturday and covers topics such as attachment, culture, development and parenting. We really enjoyed the class and felt like we received some good information.

Since my parents were in town to watch Aaron during our classes, it worked out perfectly for Aaron and I to ride out to western Colorado with them. My dear friend and her family are about to move out of state. So getting a chance to see them was a big priority. It was wonderful to meet their little guy. Aaron and their oldest played together beautifully! I was a little sad to see the evening end!

Aaron and Sophia being silly

We got together with John's sister and her youngest two kids. I feel like I barely know my nine month old niece! It was great to see Olivia's little personality starting to come out. Aaron and Sarah always play (and cause trouble) together well. It was a short, but good visit!

Cousins

I was also able to spend some time with two other friends. I am so thankful that these friendships have continued. Even though I haven't lived in the same town for quite a few years, each of these lovely ladies make time for me when I am in town.

 The week flew by and before long it was time to head to southern Colorado with my parents. John met us there so we could spend the long weekend with more family. The drive would have been great except Aaron came down with a cold. Aaron has some problems with asthma/reactive airway so his breathing wasn't too good. Once I was able to talk to his doctor and get the "ok" to increase the dosage of his medicine, things improved! It did make for a long trip over the mountains though.

We had a fun memorial weekend spending time with family. There was lots of good food and conversation. Sunday I hiked with my parents,  aunts and cousin. Our time seemed to go pretty quick. Monday evening we headed back home. Even though it was a busy trip, we enjoyed all the time with family and friends. I certainly feel blessed!

Hiking at the Paint Mines (Calhan, CO)

Exciting news!

"I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you." John 14:18

Many of you already know, but in case you haven't heard. WE ARE ADOPTING! That's right! Our family will be growing through adoption in the next year or two. We have decided on adopting internationally. There are many reasons for this decision. I will probably write more about that in another post. We have not settled on which country. Right now we are interested in Uganda, Panama and China. Hopefully we will narrow it down in the next couple of weeks!

Why adoption? With so many children that need loving families, why not?! John and I had always imagined that we would adopt at some point. We were thrilled when we realized that our timeline was being changed and that God wanted it to happen much sooner than we had originally anticipated!

One reason we thought adoption would happen down the road is because it is so expensive. We simply assumed it was out of reach financially. However, the more we prayed and researched we found that it was more of a possibility than we expected. It will still be a huge step out in faith for us. We do not currently have all of the fees. We do not know where the money will come from. We are trusting God to meet those needs.  God has always been faithful to his promises and always provided so generously to us.  We often pray that we might find a way to extend those blessings to others.

John and I have much, much more to write on this topic. We will be updating the blog with more news and information so keep checking back. :)   For now, please pray for guidance as we decide from which country we should adopt.  Pray that our hearts and minds are prepared for a new family member and how to be the best family possible for one of God's children.   Here is something I have come across that I thought was inspiring: 

While not everyone is called to adopt a child into their own family, there are many ways we as Christians can provide for orphans. Pray! Pray for children who are without a family; that they might have safety, provision and shelter.  Pray for adoptive/foster families, that they would listen and heed God's prompting.  Other great ways to support adoption is by sponsoring a child though Compassion International, supporting others who are fostering/adopting, providing respite care for foster families, providing financial help for those adopting, supporting orphan care groups at church, mentoring a child, the list goes on and on!  Please join us in our excitement as we start another new adventure.

A Cold Colorado Camping Trip

Although May is pretty earlier for camping in Colorado, we were still excited to get out for the first time this year. We had talked to our friends/neighbors, and all of us were excited to plan a trip. Mother's Day weekend was decided on for the outing. We knew it would be a little cold, but we could bring plenty of warm clothes.

All week we watched the forecast. Cold and rain all weekend. No big deal, it may be down-graded by the weekend. Then we receive an email from our friends that the campground we have originally chosen was still closed for the season. There are only two campgrounds open at this point in the year. UGH.

So Aaron and I drove up the canyon on Friday morning before the trip. There were only two campgrounds open. We are hoping to reserve sites at one of the two. No such luck. Both campgrounds were completely filled. Oh well, guess we will drive up later and hope for the best.

West we drive, Friday evening, a caravan consisting of two couples and a total of four kids. First campground, full. Second campground, full. Up Pingree Park Road we head, there is still hope. Ah success. We find and beautiful site with enough room for both families. There is only one problem, it's snowing!

Even though it was snowy and cold, we still had a wonderful time! Our friends that went with us are officially awesome! We are so glad that they were up for such a crazy adventure. It was their first camping trip in Colorado. They did fantastic. None kids even whined or complained. John and I were quite impressed.

We did end up coming home early. The weather the second evening was still pretty iffy. It was cold. More snow had overtaken us while we were farther up the canyon fishing at a small lake.  The snow appeared to be following us as we drove back down the canyon returning to our campsite. Cooking dinner was going to be difficult if it kept raining/snowing. So, we decided to call the trip a success and head home.  Maybe next time, it will be a little nicer out, but we were really thankful for such an enjoyable trip!

Mmm, Smores

I guess next time someone will bring the jumper cables! Oops...

Lost Lake

Getting the fishing poles ready.

Fishing!

A cold but very pretty day.

Our little hiker

Aaron has become quite the little hiker! A couple of weekends ago we took him hiking at a nearby trail. We brought the pack thinking he would walk a bit and then want to be carried. Boy were we shocked when he hiked almost four miles! 

What is also impressive it that we weren't hiking slow. It was a little slower than John and I would hike if it were just us. However, we were not just on a little stroll. Nope, Aaron was almost jogging for most of the hike! We were pretty proud of our little guy. A delicious brownie back at the car was the perfect ending to the day!

Hopefully Aaron's love for hiking and the mountains will continue to grow. He has been on many hikes, starting when he was just a few months old. Of course he was carried on those trips! Once he was walking well, we started having him hike a bit on his own. We try to make it fun for him, and we never have too many expectations. The goal is always to get outside and have fun. If we don't make it very far, it's no big deal. If he wants to stop and play in the dirt or throw rocks in the water, great! 

Since Aaron is not even three yet, we obviously haven't been doing this for very long!  So far we have had many successful trips with Aaron. It certainly helps that Aaron seems to naturally enjoy hiking. John and I both grew up hiking. Thanks to our parents, we developed our love for the outdoors as children and we are hoping it will be the same for Aaron. If those of you with children would like to get out for some hikes, here are our ideas, tips and supplies that we find give young kids the best chance for success.

What to bring when hiking with kiddos:

Plenty of warm clothes are a must! Lots of layers are important, a sweatshirt and water resistant jacket work well. We always pack a warm hat, mittens and snow pants, just in case. Good shoes and warm socks. Sun protection is important, we always bring a hat and sunscreen. Sunglasses are good to bring, although Aaron doesn't keep them on very well. Water. We bring a water bottle for each of us. Snacks! Aaron loves to stop for snacks. Salami, cheese and granola bars are some favorites.

Tips for hiking with kids: 

Like I mentioned before, we don't go out for a hike with many expectations. Taking it easy and stopping for plenty of breaks has worked well. Encourage, encourage, encourage. We are very positive with Aaron while hiking. Giving him sticks and rocks to play with and carry seems to help (as does being dragged by the dog when she's on the leash). Pointing out wildlife and wildflowers helps to keep him interested. Playing little games along the way. Sometimes we pretend to be race cars or jeeps while we hike. Don't forget to climb on some rocks!

Things we love for hiking with our little guy:

The Deuter Kid Carrier!  Aaron usually hikes in Keens or the knock off keens from Kolhs. Warm socks that dry quickly such as Smartwool socks. We have always used California Baby sunscreen on Aaron. A water bottle that won't easily spill like the Camelbak Eddy.

Updated family photo!

I just realized that the most recent photo of all three of us was taken almost a year ago! My how time flies! Of course we have quite a few pictures of Aaron. Lots of either John or I with Aaron. I figured it was high time we took another!

Soon we will get some professional photos. I am holding out until it looks a little prettier outside though! My wonderful, talented, amazing friend Becky Young (who is a wedding photographer) will likely do our photos. She graciously did our previous family photos. Until then, here ya go!

Love it!