Camping

We took our first family camping trip this weekend, and it was a great success. Alec loved everything about being outside in the wilderness. We discovered a great spot the last time we went camping with Abby and Ross - it is west of Loveland in the Camanche Peak Wilderness Area, and we were thrilled to visit it again. It is really secluded and hard to find, but people have been there before. There is a little picnic table built right near the fire pit, which is just Alec's size. The spot also has an amazing view of the surrounding mountains and it is w/i driving distance of several hikes and a beautiful river. We decided that we should go for only one night w/ Alec his first time, so we set off yesterday afternoon and stayed last night. Alec took his nap on the way up and was in heaven when we arrived. We set up camp and then headed down to the river for some rock throwing and exploring. As you can see, it was a hit. Alec also loved collecting firewood for dad at the camp site, collecting rocks, and digging in the dirt. He was in great spirits the entire afternoon. Unfortunately, he didn't sleep very well. He was really wound up and couldn't really get to sleep in the tent. Finally Matt and I gave in and joined him and that only led to more tomfoolery. Alec isn't used to sleeping outside of his crib and having mom and dad and Brody in bed with him was a little too much excitement. While Matt and I were trying to fall asleep Alec was screaming, "Hi mom, Hi Dad, Hi dog-dog." Anyway, he finally fell asleep, but woke up about half way through the night and couldn't get back to sleep. So - Alec and mom spent a few hours sleeping in the car, but did end up back in the tent eventually and when Alec finally fell into a deep sleep he was fine. All in all, we had a wonderful time and will be taking many more camping outings this summer!

In route

Setting up camp

Our daredevil dog

Alec had no idea had to handle the plentiful supply of rocks

Smashing wood like dad

Grilling dinner

Someone helped themselves to the trail mix

The view from our spot

Brody sporting his Halloween jacket - he gets cold w/ his summer do.

Alec at about 10:30p.m. - you people think I'm going to sleep?

Summer Fun

I have been neglecting the blog, so this is kind of a random conglomeration of pics. Alec has been having a great time enjoying the summer and the warm weather. We usually can't keep him in the house for more than about 20 minutes. It works out fine, b/c he amused by almost everyting there is to do outside. He could probably push his car around the park for hours on end if we let him. Some highlights from the last few weeks: we made our first trip to the "splash park" with our playgroup, we had Matt's family over for dinner on Father's day and Alec and Reid enjoyed an afternoon together at the pool, Alec met my cousin Reagan's new son Porter for the first time, we ventured up to Golden Gate State Park for an evening with some of Matt's family friends, we played with all the neighborhood dogs at "Bark in the Park" last weekend and Alec has generally enjoyed horsing around and being adorable. We are taking him camping for the first time tomorrow, so we will be sure to post pics when we return.

On our way to the lake to throw and collect rocks

The awesome sunset we saw on the way home from Golden Gate State Park.

Lugging a rock around is a new way to entertain oursleves in the car

Meeting baby Porter

The splash park

The boys on Father's day - yes, mine is the one playing with the beer can

Happy Birthday Brody

We decided to give a little shout out to Brody today since it is his 6th birthday. Funny how he was our baby before Alec came along. Although Alec still is not Brody's favorite person, he is starting to tolerate him more, and we have even noticed Brody being a little protective. Here are a few pics of the birthday boy and his little brother.

This is Alec's first experience w/ hair products. Oh the things mom and Grammy put a boy through.

Hiking

Last Friday we met up with some friends and their kids for a hike in Eldorado Springs. It was a beautiful day and the hike was great. All the kiddos had a nice time, although Alec was ready to be out of the backpack on his trip down the mountain, and the mommas loved it so much we might make it a Friday summer tradition.

Attempts at getting a pic of all 5 kids, and a little bit of Katy

True outdoorsmen - running and smelling flowers

Alec and James got in a game of chase before we started - these two were dissappointed to learn that they were going to be carried up the mountain instead of hiking it themselves.

James, Alec, Audrina and Lacey.

Golf aka Hockey

This is Alec's early attempt at golf - Matt thinks it looks like he is doing a hockey face-off. I am trying to push golf over hockey!

Summer

Just a random assortment of early summer pics. Alec has been having a blast enjoying the warm weather - he loves nothing more than playing outside, so he has been having a great time thus far this summer. Plus, it has actually been fairly cool here - so we haven't had to deal with any sweltering heat. Only bummer is that we haven't made it to the pool yet, which we know Alec will love. He has actually had a great time showing off the skills he learned in swim class in the bath tub - blowing bubbles, sticking his face under water and floating on his back, so we know he will love the pool.

Out for a romp after the rainstorm

Check out the poor Westie's summer haircut in the background

Showing off his Landings Stripes - I can't beleive he still fits in this outfit. Thanks Retta and Grandpa Randy

He LOVES to color - a great indoor summer activity

Sporting both his summer hats at once

First smore - we made them on the bbq grill, not nearly as good as the campfire. This is Alec telling me to eat it

What is this stuff?