Exploring Colorado

It was summer when we moved to Colorado, so we were determined to take advantage of the good weather and do some exploring. I knew wildlife was going to be more abundant here than where we had lived in Massachusetts, but I wasn't prepared to have a family of deer living in our neighborhood! I spooted these beauties on my way home once, just a stone's throw from our house. Look at the cute fawn!

One of the first places we decided to explore was Garden of the Gods near Colorado Springs. Here's the view from the Visitor's Center.

And here it is up-close.

Aubrey enjoyed doing her own exploring.

She also tried some rock climbing, such as it was.

Daddy helped Aubrey scale this big rock. It's even higher than it looks!

Pretty!

Carter wasn't walking yet, so he got to ride in the stroller. I had to take him out for some pictures though.

Carter and Mommy!

And this is one of my all-time favorite Carter photos. *swoon*

I love the cool formations of the rocks! Every part of the place was photo-worthy.

With all the walking and climbing she did, Aubrey got pretty tired on the drive home. 

We also explored Pike's Peak by taking the train to the top of the mountain with Nana and Papa. Pretty view, eh?

We even got a rare full-family shot at the summit!

Anyway, some of our exploring involved staying closer to home. Here we are exploring our own neighborhood pool!

And not too far from our neighborhood are several cool hiking spots. We explored Gateway Mesa Open Space, which was a nice, easy hike for Aubrey with some cool things to see.

We also hiked the more challenging Castlewood Canyon, where we did a two-mile up-and-down loop that Aubrey rocked! She did the whole thing without being carried once. She's awesome.

There's a beautiful stream going through the canyon. Aubrey had to touch the water, of course.

Pretty!

And, of course, we hiked Castle Rock. Here's the view from the parking lot.

And the view on the way up.

And here is what it looks like at the top.

Once again, Aubrey enjoyed climbing around on the rocks. She's my little monkey!

And here's Daddy with Carter on his back!

There's something awesome about this picture of Aubrey staring into space while sitting in the dirt.

Such a pretty view of Castle Rock from Castle Rock. :)

We've hiked Castle Rock a few times now, and it remains one of Aubrey's favorite hikes. She always wants to do it again!

More on life in Colorado to follow...