The Next Fashion Trend

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Colorado Day 5, The Hike

Mr. Handsome found an iphone app that would identify trails in our area. We chose the Crags trail because it was described as an easy trail with a beautiful view at the end. We thought four miles was a little far for Cupcake, but we figured we could carry her when she got tired.

Cupcake was NOT an enthusiastic hiker, so we took frequent breaks. Her favorite thing was to climb up on a rock and insist that her picture be taken. We have at least 20 pics of this girl sitting on rocks.

Another fun diversion was to stop and feel the cold water each time we got close to the stream.

All things considered, she was quite a trooper. 

And the trail did not disappoint. We soaked in the beauty of God's beautiful creation.

We made it to the top, and Cupcake walked most of the two miles by herself.

This is the halfway point of our journey, but the last photo . . . 

On the way back down, Cupcake fell and slashed her hand on a rock. There was a lot of blood, and a bit of panic as her parents (who were sure she'd need stitches) realized we weren't prepared for this kind of thing. And our car was a good two miles away.

So we wrapped the hand in a jacket. I took the backpack and Mr. Handsome picked up the girl. We made it back to the car in record time. By then there was no more bleeding, and the cut was something a band-aid could fix. 

Fun times. :)

Colorado Day 4, Pike's Peak

Train ready!

Just one of many, many, amazing views!

We made it!  Sub-freezing temperatures were kind of a refreshing change from the 100+ we'd been dealing with at home.

Day 3, Seven Falls

We realized really quickly that Cupcake was going to take forever to make it up the 224 step staircase. So Mr. Handsome carried her. Gasping for breath and hearts pounding, we made it to the top.

We decided to take the 2-mile round trip trail, which was described as being "more difficult". Cupcake wasn't super excited about hiking, but we were so proud that she walked most of the two miles on her own two legs.

At the top!

Eventually, she hitched a ride.

I am not a fan of heights, and was more than happy to get down from those stairs.

Pretty much a perfect day!

Morning Walk in Colorado

Still on Kansas time, we woke up early on Day 2. We decided to go for a morning walk and watch for critters.

Me:  Cupcake, what do we do when we see wildlife? (The answer, of course, is be still and quiet and watch. We had practiced this.)

Cupcake:  Play with them?

Me:  No.

Cupcake:  Doctor them?

Me:  No.

Cupcake:  Put clothes on them?

Me:  No.

Cupcake:  Put sunscreen on them? . . . 

I love her sense of humor. We stopped to admire our view of Pike's Peak.

We even saw a mama deer and two babies, but I wasn't quick enough to get their picture.

Colorado Day 1 and Day 2

We are back from a fun and relaxing vacation in Colorado. We already miss the mountains and the cool temps.

The trip got off to a rough start. Two hours into our drive, Cupcake lost her breakfast all over the back seat of the car. Gross. Thankfully, she recovered quickly. We drove to the next town, which happened to have a Wal-Mart. She was all smiles while her Dad stocked up on febreeze, clorox wipes, and upholstery cleaner.

Six or Seven hours later we arrived at this adorable cabin, which became known for the rest of the week as "Colorado".

We spent the evening exploring the area, and took a walk to this beautiful little lake.

The uphill climb back to "Colorado" was a bit much for Cupcake, so she enjoyed what would be the first of many rides from her Dad.

The next day we went shopping. Not the best use of our opportunity to enjoy nature, I know. I love to shop, and it is fun when you have all the options a nearby big city can offer.

After shopping, we visited my cousin and her family in Colorado Springs for supper. Why I didn't take my camera? I must remember this always if I am going to be a good blogger.

We had a great time with the three of them. As we were driving away, Cupcake (who was overly tired) started crying. "I forgot to say thank you for the supper!"

Our prayers are with that sweet family, as they have since been evacuated from their home due to the fires in the Colorado Springs area.

Walking Down the Street

I love these two. And our town. And our pretty little tree-lined street.

Harvest 2012

Mr. Handsome and I both grew up on farms. Wheat harvest is a big deal for each of our families.

There is something very special about this time of year. Entire families stop everything and work together to bring in one of the most important crops.

We help if we are needed. Mr. Handsome usually drives a combine for his Dad, and I bring food and refreshments to the field. Tonight's meal:  Burritos, chips and salsa, and a banana. I forgot to always plan for foods that can be eaten with one hand. This crowd doesn't stop working for anything, including an inconvenience like eating.

Cupcake did her part, heading off across the field to deliver her Dad's supper.

Of course we couldn't leave without a combine ride.

Just another happy summer day.

And the Cupcake quote of the day, waiting in line at the grocery store. "Mom, do you want plastic, or paper?"  She cracks me up.

Finally, have you noticed that Hello Kitty doesn't have a mouth? The poor girl was concerned about the mouthless cat on her shirt for the entire day.

So Long 8th Grade

Fun times, in honor of my nephew's 8th grade promotion.

We were treated to a super fun celebration. Cupcake LOVED the farm. 

She roasted her first hot dog over a fire. When the hay bale seating was "pokey" on her legs, Uncle Doug came to the rescue with more comfortable seating.

Three nephews, with our honoree on the right.

And the highlight of the evening . . . kittens. At least until she found out this one wasn't going home with us.

Date Night

Mr. Handsome and I enjoyed a somewhat rare night out.

Our sweet neighbor girl came over to babysit Cupcake.

We live in a small town, but there is an amazing professional theatre just down the street. We had tickets for opening night.

There was an outdoor BBQ, live music, and nice conversation with neighbors. And sweater weather in June? A rare treat.

The show was amazing. High energy music and fun, fun, fun!

We should do this more often.

A New Blog

I've been blogging for a while about my job. I am passionate about teaching math, but there are things more important to me. . .

This guy, Mr. Handsome. He is a school administrator, runner, and technology enthusiast. We're rapidly approaching 12 years of wedded bliss.

And this little one, Cupcake. Her entrance into our lives blessed us more than words can say. We just blinked and she's almost three.

Must. Write. This. Down.

I don't want to forget any of it.