Hamp Hut, Troop 953

The Hamp Hut is a girl scout cabin located in Garden of the Gods. Our girls were lucky to get to camp there the weekend that school got out. Bree reported that her favorite activity was the night hike! She had a great time with Katherine, Alexa, Meg, Alyson and her troop leaders. 

A Hail of a Storm

Weather in Colorado is never dull. These pictures look like a spring snowfall. Don't be fooled! This is hail, from a fast moving storm on an otherwise beautiful day. Luckily we didn't sustain damage. (Lots of hail but not too big.) It sure made for an adventurous afternoon. 

2015 Garden of the Gods

We found a beautiful sunshiny day in January to get out of the house and spend some time in nature at one of our favorite places.

October in Bear Creek Park

Mommy and kids took advantage of beautiful fall weather for a day of fun at Bear Creek Park! We enjoyed playing in the fields while collecting acorns, the play area, and a hike. Bree was a planner and brought her first aid kid (she loves that thing) along. Turned out, she got to use it when Ben fell and needed a band-aid. Good job Bree!

Seven Bridges Trail

Once in awhile I feel an irresistable pull to get out into nature. Seven Bridges Trail in Cheyenne Canon is an absolute favorite hike of mine. 

our attempt at the Colorado Balloon Classic

The Colorado Balloon Classic has been a favorite event of mine since childhood. When I heard that this is the last year they are putting it on at Memorial Park, I was determined to get our family there to see these majestic balloons launch. Unfortunately, the wind was against us and the balloons that did inflate, did not take off. We still got to enjoy the atmosphere and see a few of the gorgeous balloons. Here's hoping things may change and the Classic may return next year? 

The Ladybug Hunt

We are lucky to be friends with a ladybug expert. Mrs. Starr (center) taught at Springs Ranch for many years, spending her free time helping out with ladybug research projects such as The Lost Ladybug. She is a fountain of scientific and natural knowledge and when she invited us to join her group out at the Paint Mines, we happily accepted! Bree happens to be something of a ladybug whisperer herself, and I had been wanting to visit this nature park. 

We met up with our group in one of the parking lots and began our hike. We lucked out with cloudy, cool weather to begin our day, and Mrs. Starr led us to areas full of ladybugs. When we found them, we photographed them to share with the Lost Ladybug Project. Mrs. Starr, being the naturalist that she is, would then release the bug onto a plant where it would lead a happy life with plenty of food. Bree, being 7, would attempt to KEEP ALL OF THE BUGS to bring home and raise in her bedroom. 

It was a great day with friends exploring our natural world. I look forward to doing this again soon!

This is a fun picture for me. George is Mrs. Starr's son. He was in my 2nd grade class the year that Bree was born.

Milkweed plant