Toddler Hike

Since moving to Longmont, I've joined up with a mommy's toddler group that goes hiking every Wednesday. It's been good for me for many reasons: it's a good way to meet other mommy's, the kids get to make new friends, we all get to enjoy the outdoors, and it changes up my workout routine. 

Today's hike was by far the hardest. I know this pic below makes it look like an easy hike - but it didn't stay flat like that long. And to add toddlers to the mix, changes everything. 

Plus, I carried Eagan on my back almost 3/4 of the way.

35+ pounds really put my legs and butt muscles to work!!

We hiked the Canyon Loop Trail, just West of Boulder. It's a 3.2 mile loop.

It was a 45 minute drive just to get to the trail head.
The upside to driving so far: the scenery is more beautiful the more you get into the foothills, and there's more shade.
The downside: it's a 45 minute drive.

Today there were 6 mommy's and 8 toddlers (+1 baby). I rode with a new friend, Joanna, and her son. After about 45 minutes of being on the trail, we had to stop due to some meltdowns (which is always normal). But due to time restraints, Joanna needed to get back home by 1, which meant we had to leave the rest of the group and book it.

Let me tell you, hiking in a faster pace with Eagan on my back - remember it's an extra 35 lbs - was not easy!! But we made it back just in time.

Eagan had to be coaxed and encouraged to keep moving!

 so sweet...

 

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This is a glimpse of what we'll be doing Sunday - Tuesday. We're super excited to try camping with the boys for the first time. B keeps asking how many more days 'til we go. I think he's more excited about the s'mores than anything else! :) I don't blame him.
We've been getting a lot of rain here, almost on a daily basis. So it turn out to be quite an adventure! I'll be sure to post pic's and our experience.

Tilapia Dinner

Tonight's dinner was Lemon Garlic Tilapia, with a side dish of Greens with Carrots, Feta Cheese and Brown Rice. Click on the links to get the recipes. 

In our approach to eating healthier, there's this challenge to learn new recipes. 

Jamie and I liked it. Breeson did okay, and Eagan we had to spoon-feed him. At one time when Jamie was about to give him a spoonful, he took his fingers, pointed at the food and acted like he was shooting it!! :) He's a hoot.

(we may and may not have used ice cream to entice them to eat - we are not above bribing)

Visit from Granny

Jamie's mom (aka "Granny") came for a visit from Mississippi. She came last Monday and left today. I'd have to say this was one of the best visits with her. There was a lot of one-on-one time with her and the boys, and we just enjoyed our time together. 

We didn't too much "touristy" stuff this time around. We did go into Estes Park one day and played.
This is the aerial tram we rode. It's worth doing it if you have time. We didn't go into Rocky Mtn National Park this time around. The boys get bored sitting in the car for a few hours looking at scenery. :)  So this took the place of RMNP.

  

We tried Fun City where we rode...

the big slide (several times over)

  bumper cars

 and race cars

Mom was gracious enough to let us slip away for a date night:

 

We went to the last summer concert on Main Street here in Longmont, where eating Gelato and dancing took place...

Granny getting jiggy wit it...

On our way to church and then to the airport for Granny:

I am here, kind of.

Well, it's been a while blog world. I've not only neglected writing on here, but I don't even spend the time reading other blogs as much.
This is not going to be a lengthy blog - but I'm just writing a quick blurb letting you know I'll soon return with an actual post.

Since April, we've bought a house, moved in, and have been doing a lot of remodeling, unpacking, and settling in to our new life, in our new town.

Until next time...