Exploring Pikes Stockade

Today we took a wandering walk at Pikes Stockade. I forgot about the dishes unwashed in the sink, the unmade bed, the toys scattered around the living room and we jumped in the car and headed south to go exploring. The drive down South River Road is beautiful right now, with the water in the fields, birds everywhere and of course, baby cows. The highlight was watching Mason throw rocks in the river...he couldn't get enough! Here are some photos from our walk...

Christmas in Creede

This year we spent the holidays in Creede, and I loved every minute of it. As a break from my usual blog format, I present:

The Top Ten Reasons I Love Christmas in Creede (In no particular order...) 1. Witnessing my mom's first sledding experience. (That's her laying down in the snow.) 2. Being close enough that friends come to visit. 3. The Blue Spruce tree came from the forest by the house. 4. Dad sledding. Enough said. 5. The snowmen have dove chocolates for eyes. 6. Mason's first sledding experience (tied to mom and sleeping...). 7. It might be below freezing outside, but in Grandma's house it's always warm enough to run around in your diaper. 8. Plenty of space to cruise your new ride. 9. Quality family time. 10. My mountain man looks great in his element.

There are actually many more reasons that I loved Christmas in Creede, like cozy fires, plenty of time to knit, yummy food, games, laughter, snowballs, and family and friends. It was a wonderful way to spend Mason's first Christmas!

Hello Holidays

Here are some photos from our Thanksgiving travels this year. Mason went on his first airplane ride (actually 6 since there were quite a few connections) on our cross country trip first to Texas, then to Indiana. He was unbelievably amazing, like always. Here he is with his 6 month old cousin Logan. Thanksgiving is one of those holidays that, for a while, I didn't really want to be a part of given its violent historic roots. Thanksgiving dinners at La Puente Home (the organization I work for) changed that for me. It became my job to coordinate a huge meal and celebration for 200 plus people at the local homeless shelter, and though a lot of hard work, the day became one of love, celebration, and yes, giving thanks. While I still refuse to celebrate some of the traditional historic events surrounding the holiday, I've found a way to make the day my own. I love the gathering of family and friends, the wonderful homemade food, and the opportunity (if you take it), to truly reflect on the year and to give thanks. That being said...here are some photos from our family Thanksgiving get together this year.

Great Grandma Granny Jane with her three new great grandsons.

Three new babies, Mason, Logan and Aidan...all born this year!

Three new babies, Mason, Logan and Aidan...all born this year!

Mason pulling cousin Stacia's hair. Mason and cousin Kylie!

Mason in the cockpit on his first airplane ride!

Mason and Aaron in the cockpit.

Yum...bunnies!