Garden of the Gods

A view of Pikes Peak from Garden of the Gods.


Some of the interesting rock formations.


Caroline loved riding in our baby back pack.


Rylan is paying close attention to the trail.


Taking a break for a refreshing drink.


Caroline hiking with Dad.


This is an awful picture of me, but cute of Caroline, and great scenery in the background.


Exhausted from so much fun hiking.

Spring has finally arrived in Colorado. We had the most gorgeous day with lots of sunshine, a light breeze, and temps in the low 70's. We decided to hit Garden of the Gods on a hopefully less crowded weekday. The new green grass and budding trees, deep red rocks, and bright blue sky contrasted so dramatically with each other. It made me so thankful again to be able to live in such a beautiful place and to enjoy God's creation.
The last time I had been here was when I was two days overdue with Caroline, so this was also her first visit, outside the womb. It was a little easier hiking with her on the outside! We went on a new trail, the Upper Loop which climbed gradually until we reached a fairly steep ledge. Charlton climbed down first with Caroline in the back pack and then I had to lower Rylan down the side of the rocks into his arms. Then it was a relatively easy climb back to level ground. We were either really stupid or very brave for attempting this trail with a toddler and an infant! Rylan was such a great hiker and managed to stay with us the whole time, tackling some fairly steep climbs, especially for a guy his size. I was so proud of him and encouraged that he may be able to hike along for short distances in Rocky Mtn. National Park in July when my parents come. When we reached the paved trails again, he was pretty tuckered out, but not too tired to talk to other passing hikers and ask them what their names were! He would even introduce himself, "My name's Rylan." This boy is certainly not shy!