The Maple leaves are turning their fall colors!
Author: Joyce
Colorado Trip–Hiking with Children Part 1
We have tried to teach the children to love being outdoors and how to hike and canoe. It started early, Mark’s first overnight backpacking trip was in Swaziland when he was only a few months old. We have continued taking the kids as often as can.
During one trip in back country Glacier, Allan carried a toddler, while the 4 year old hung unto the baby carrier when she got tired. He carried most of the weight and a required bear canister while I walked behind, 3 months pregnant, singing and telling stories with our 8 year old. It was a wonderful trip, one that the kids remember and still talk about.
Each of the children have their own backpack. Megan carries an “ultralight” miniature pack that only holds her clothes and snack for the day. Everyone else carries their own sleeping bag plus clothes and snacks. We divide the remaining equipment between the packs, according to age and carrying ability.
The children learn the skills they need to hike on their own early. Allan has them all help filter water, and they all help with setting up and tearing down the tents. Andrea learned how to use the cooking stove this trip and Mark has known how to use it for years.
While we do not hike nearly as often as we would like, the kids love hiking. They look forward to our next trip and talk about the ones we have taken. Now to start planning our next trip!
Nora Grace
Congratulations Josh and Angie on your very little princess. Nora Grace was born 29 September and weighed 5 pounds 13 oz. She is such a sweet little girl!
Colorado Trip-Lost Creek Wilderness
We had planned to go hiking in Rocky Mountain National Park while in Colorado. Allan’s aunt and uncle told us about Pike’s National Forest and we decided to try there instead. We were very glad that we did!
Colorado Trip–Tradition
Colorado Trip–Paint Mine People
The Paint Mines were beautiful. Watching my family explore and play was neat too.
Colorado Trip–Paint Mines
Near Calhan, Colorado, is a wonderful place we had never visited before. Aunt Debbie and Uncle Dan invited us to visit the Paint Mines Interpretive Park with them. The Paint Mines are clay formations in beautiful reds, yellows and white layers. There are four miles of trails to explore that wind around caprock and hoodoos- a pillar of rock formed with softer rock on the bottom with a harder rock on top.
The mines are beautiful! We had lots of places to explore and many colors to enjoy since we visited early on an overcast morning. As the sun replaced the clouds, the colors faded and were not so vivid. We left soon after.
We often get into Colorado near sunset. I have already asked Allan that the next time we visit, could we please stop at the mines for our last rest stop. I would love to explore them at dusk!
Colorado Trip-Hummingbird
I am not sure what kind of hummingbird this is. She was bigger than the ones we have at home and I could hear her as she flew by. She visited us a few times, but never stayed very long.
Colorado Trip–Society News
Following tradition, Audrey and Andrea McGuire hosted a “high tea” for relatives soon after arriving in Colorado. Both girls worked hard making the event the highlight of the week. Using freshly picked wildflowers as a centerpiece, the girls finished decorating with tea cups discovered by their great-aunt.
The girls provided chocolate cowpies, chocolate chip meringues and pecan cookies they lovingly prepared earlier. Special treats were also brought by the girls’ Oma and great-aunts. Assorted teas were offered. Entertainment was provided by the girls’ uncle and brother who sang “Buffalo Girls”.
Each year, the formal tea party grows in number. The hostesses were pleased to discover that they were the very first to have ever invited Grandma Green to a tea party!
Knowing the next tea will be eagerly anticipated, the girls will continue to expand on their culinary skills and search for exquisite teas to offer.
Five Years Old
Megan turned five years old!
She is not officially in kindergarten, but Megan is learning to read and has some workbook pages that she loves to do. She listens while the other kids do their lessons and she always wants to help with science experiments.
Megan loves to give hugs to her friends. Pastor Randy says that she has the hugging ministry! I know that she has encouraged many people with her wonderful hugs.
Happy Birthday Megan! I love you very much.