Wishing we were still on our camping trip. We visited 4 National Parks, a few National Forests, and a  National Monument here and there...all in Colorado.

I learned that I could live in our sweet little camper...we had everything we needed and could go where ever our hearts desired.  We would wake up in the morning, make coffee for me and hot chocolate for the kids and send them out the door to play while I started making breakfast.  The National Parks were amazing and the kids became Junior Rangers at each one.  We fished.  Saw moose and a bear.  Went tubing.  Just explored.  We would come back to our camper at night and climb into bed - so tired but so full of the sights and experiences of the day.

It was fun. And exhausting. And refreshing.

Colorado is a beautiful, diverse state.  There is something new to see around every curve of the road.  I feel lucky to live here.  We're ready to go on the next little adventure in our little turquoise camper.

Good Morning

Good Morning!

This is my ideal morning - my mug filled with coffee, a beautiful view  and a fun day ahead.  

Days like these make me question why I don't live in the mountains in some off the grid cabin that is only accessible by ATV. 

For now, I am grateful for the time I can take off to go see new things and spend time with family and with nature. 

Time to got find some adventure!

Devil's Head

For years and years I have had the hike to Devil's Head Lookout on my list of things to do.  I can finally cross it off my list - it is a great hike if you have never done it before. 

Once you hike the 1.4 miles up to the lookout, you are greeted by 143 steps to climb.  

It was worth every step.

I read about piles and piles of ladybugs and since then I have always wanted to see it...

this is what we saw when we reached the top.

The End...hee hee hee!

Perfectly Unperfect 4th of July

Growing up every 4th of July was spent at the swimming pool.  We would get there early early to save a good spot and just play all day long.  There would be millions and millions of water guns everywhere - it was an all day water fight. Late in the afternoon everyone would gather around the diving tank with their toes in the water for the bellyflop contest.  Broken ribs were a guarantee for the contestants - it was amazing to watch. We would go home as it got dark and light fireworks in the street in front of our house, eat more popsicles, light some sparklers, play late into the night.

4th of July has looked different for our family the past few years - we've gone to Washington, gone to BBQs at our friends, just had a laid back time at home, but there is nothing that we do every year.  We had nothing planned this year - no fireworks were allowed in our county due to the danger of wildfires for the last few years.  Those of us in wildfire areas are going to have to figure out a way to celebrate the 4th sans fireworks. This year, we went to a park, had a picnic dinner and listened to  a great cover band. The kids played and danced until dark - loving every minute of it. On our way home from the park we were lucky to find a spot where we could view several large firework displays - ones that were allowed.  Dancing, cookies, bubbles, friends and family, music, warm weather, fireworks - a perfectly unperfect 4th of July.

Snowball Fight

Snow

Snow.  Finally.  We've been waiting for it all winter long.  

There was a time when I didn't really care for the snow.  My winters were spent in flip flops despite the piles of cold white stuff on the sidewalks - I would just ignore it, dreaming of summer days. Now,  I've grown to love it.  

I love the feeling of snuggling up at home, working on a project as the flakes start to fall - while others are running to the store for milk and bread before a storm I have to contain my panic to get to a craft store so I can get supplies.  

Making hot chocolate. With whipped cream.  And marshmallows.  And homemade chocolate chip cookies. 

Going sledding until you can't feel your toes or your nose.  

I especially love the big snows.  I hope that every year we will be granted at least one snow day - it should actually be a law.

So thankful to live in Colorado - am amazing mix of snow and sunshine.

Candy heats and chocolate kisses...

Kids are in bed.

Backpacks packed with candy hearts and chocolate kisses.

The girls have their red skirts laid out on their beds.

Plans are made for a before school trip to Starbucks to celebrate all the love.

The boy will be spending the day in his pjs due to a fever that just won't leave him alone.  I still couldn't resist putting together his Valentines...

Hope your day is filled with candy hearts and love.

4 Years

 4 years ago today we finally arrived in Ethiopia and our family would forever be changed. Today was the day we got to meet our Brecken Hope for the first time and we were blessed to become a family of four.  After two of the longest years of paperwork and waiting and having to change countries and adoption agencies and 48 hours of traveling with a three year old we were finally in Ethiopia meeting our daughter for the very first time.  I look at her now and see my sassy, funny, independent, sweet girl. Our life would never be the same without her in it.  

Brecken Hope Arsema - I am so blessed to be your mama.  You challenge me, you make me a better mom.  You have grown so much over the last year. We are so proud of you.  You have come a long way B-Hope and I pray for the year to come that you will continue to grow and spread your sweet wings. Love you sweet girl.