Hiking Boys

We started

out early on Thursday morning to head to Bear Lake in RMNP to get up there before they close the road for construction at 9am.  That meant rolling out at 7:20am... something my kids are NOT used to.  Armed with cake pops in hand, because mom needed some Starbucks, we were ready for our long drive up the mountain. 

We snuck into the park with two minutes to spare, phew!  After being incredibly thankful to get the last two parking spaces at Bear Lake, Kendra and I unloaded our crazy kids and started the hike.

We heard MANY times all day long from the people we were walking on the path with that we were very brave.  If they only knew what it was like to stay home with all these kids, they would realize it's just as hard to rangle them at home.  We walked, ran, jumped in puddles, climbed on fences, chased chipmunks, and chatted with park rangers. 

The twins did great making it through the hike, but they sure could use a lesson on listening.  I know in six months they will be a little older and easier to communicate with, but for now we will just be happy that they are cute as they run down the path.  I do love thier confidence but I wish they would stay a little closer. 

Tristan and Blake are at such a fun stage.  These fences provided much entertainment for them while our pace slowed a bit to give Piper the chance to experience the hike now that she is a pro at walking! These fences were filled with "bad guys" that these super heros had to fight.  I know Tristan was Wolverine and I think maybe Blake was Batman?

RMNP you will see my kids again whether you like it or not.  I love it up there!  The air is so fresh, still, and quiet.  Without trying to fastforward this next exciting year, I am looking forward to seeing what next summer is like at Bear Lake with my kids.  I think it will look a lot different that this day of hurding cats in the beauty of the mountains.