Deer Sighting

A few weeks ago, we walked Barr Lake and were lucky enough to run into several deer. They didn't feel quite as lucky to see us based on their quick exit, however.

Getting started near the trail head.



The Nature Center.



Our favorite part....and the most nerve-racking for me....the boardwalk.





I love this....big brother pointing out the deer to Jack.

Lainey seemed more interested in playing in the dirt.

Tree tunnel.



"Bye, geese!!!!!" as they fly overhead.





As we drove out, we saw even more...

Barr Lake

While in town, Blake alerted Carter and me to the fact that he'd never been to Barr Lake.

Huh? We have walked that lake over a dozen times, visited the nature center, had picnics, took friends to visit, and more. How did Blake miss (he might say "avoid") all of this fun?

So, we ventured out on a cold evening before he flew out to Kansas City. The lake is just a few minutes from our house and has become one of our favorite Colorado destinations. Bald eagles - and a pair that nest here each year - are one of 300 bird species that inhabit this area. The trail around the lake is 9 miles long. Half of the lake is for boating and recreation. The other half is a wildlife refuge.

Bossy Laine....fussing at someone. Look at that face!

The nature trail we frequent most is short and easy and lots of fun for the kids. I love coming here because parts of it reminds me of Logoly State Park in southern Arkansas where I visited often while seeing my grandparents.

Carter being silly on the observation deck.

Blake trying to help Lainey see.





Sweet Daddy and daughter.



This is another membership we have and one I highly recommend. State parks offer so much.....they're typically varied in recreation options and activities....and are relatively inexpensive. I think we paid $65 for the year. Check it out!

Eldorado Canyon

On Sunday, I took the kids into Eldorado Canyon for a hike on Fowler Trail. Taking full advantage of our Colorado State Park pass before we won't need it anymore and possibly buy a Missouri one!

Carter has been camera crazy lately, so expect to see more of me than you have in a long while. After seeing a few of the pictures he's taken recently, I'm glad to have them....to document this crazy time in our lives.

My nature lover, Carter, would pitch a tent and stay for days if we allowed him. I have a feeling he is going to be one of those people sleeping in a napsack suspended on the side of a mountain one day. We've always been a family on the go, but our time in Colorado has sparked a camping/hiking/outdoor life loving side of us not yet discovered when we lived in Texas.

Making his mother nervous.

Jack's version of rock climbing.....way more my speed.

How lovely would it be to live here?



Carter checking the trail head.

Off we go. Hiking is always more fun with walking sticks.

So, Carter gave Lainey one, too. It was bigger than her, but she didn't care.

Blues Clues is a big novelty in this house right now and Jack was thrilled to see our trail included them!

And, also a few notes on rattlesnakes.

And, here is where I got nervous with 3 kids walking on their own. That's a rough fall down. Time to go!

A slip and fall brings comfort from Carter.

And, Jack successfully finds the deepest snow in reach and jumps right in.

Funny how Jack was 5 months old when we moved here and Lainey was born here....yet, the snow is just as magical today as it was when we arrived. For me, too. Thank goodness the midwest gets cold weather!

Barr Lake

Tuesday morning included a trip out to Barr Lake. This Colorado State Park is located just minutes from us and now that we've finally been, I'm kicking myself that we waited this long.

Brighton has a larger than usual rare bird population and there have been talks to create a separate refuge for them. Specifically, bald eagles occupy this area and one couple nests and raises babies each year at the park.

Lots to do and learn from this site. I got us an annual pass to all Colorado State Parks, so this and many more are in our future.

The lake.

This young deer was seen at the entrance.

Three kids ready to go. Upon arriving, we visited the Nature Center. The kids dressed up in costumes, saw the resident turtle, and colored.

And, then to our first trail.





Jack working hard to be a big boy.

Saw this crane from the viewing station.



Lots of geese, too.







Sweet brothers.

We rented binoculars from the Nature Center. Had some at home, but forgot to bring them.





I asked Carter to take a picture of Lainey sleeping and being the clever boy he is, he told me to do the same.

Then, Jack had to go "nigh night", too.