Now that we're fully into the swing of back to school, it's only appropriate to share a little bit more from our family vacation in Vail last month (thought feels like many more moons ago than that). Nothing makes getting used to our new earlier morning schedules like remembering all the freedoms, such as that family hike in beautiful Colorado.
You can't go to Colorado in the summer time without hiking, and I LOVE hiking! So, we looking into ones that we thought our kids could do with us, since this was obviously a family vacation, and we all wanted to get out there. We landed on Booth Falls Trails which was marked as moderate and about 4 miles long. Sounded perfect.
And it was great, but the last mile to the waterfalls was STRAIGHT up and completely rocky. It was a challenge that Liam, my 4 year old, probably did the best at conquering. Nora did great, too, and thankfully for my parents, they took her and turned back about 1.2 miles in (2.4 miles roundtrip). It had started to get steep, and hot out, and Nora was slowing down, so it worked out.
I was so proud of Nora - at only 3 years old - she powered up and on and then back down like a big kid! She was really fun to hike with, too. She loved the dirt (evident by how much dirtier she got then the rest of us), all the different wild flowers and snacks along the way.
If I would have known this hike to be a bit harder than we originally planned for, I might not have done it - but I'm glad we didn't know, and glad we did it! It was a fun challenge that Liam talked about for weeks after. And it was a beautiful hike! I haven't even mentioned that yet. The views were breathtaking, and the hike took us across streams, fields, ledges and more. So much variety, I was certainly never bored (a challenge).
So, if you're up for a family challenge and find yourself in this area - I do recommend this hike!
I'm sharing a few photos of the hike below!
Going down might have been the hardest part, actually. I had broken my toe a few day before (really bad stub situation), and the steep decline shoved my toes into the front of my sneakers. Ouch!
But thankfully, Liam had found us some awesome walking sticks to help us!
I was so proud of this little guy. Liam was the best hiker out of the bunch! I can't believe how easily (he) made it up to the top and then back down. I can't even remember him complaining - and I know the adults were certainly complaining some... ;)
And a true sign of a tiring hike? This lil chic passed out straight up on the floor - full snore and all - about 2 hours before bedtime (with her shirt on backwards...).
The day has come. My first baby is in school. Liam started Kindergarten this morning, and I almost made it out tear-free. I swear, I was so close. Seeing Liam at his table, working on his welcome assignment, glancing up to see Greg and I start to leave (backing away slowly), giving us a nervous, toothless smile... teary-eyed instantly.
The last few weeks, Liam has been SO excited for Kindergarten. But the last couple of days, after his last day at his pre-school with his friends, I think it really hit him, and the nerves set in. The most heartbreaking thing was when he asked me "what if no one wants to play with me?" What do you say to that?!
But today, I feel good. His teacher is so nice - seems so great already, and all the kids seem really sweet. I think the hardest thing for him, and me, too, is that we are going into this school not really knowing anyone. We know one kid/family from Pre-School, so that's nice - and I know we'll look back in a few weeks/months and feel more comfortable!
So, I told Liam that he just has to be nice, and say 'hi' to people, even if he doesn't know them. And just start playing with the other kids. If they're running around, go run with them. If they're playing cars - go play with them. And it might feel weird at first, but that after a few weeks, this will all feel normal. We are also starting soccer in a few weeks and will be playing with his school/class - so that will help get to know people, too.
And as for me, I am feeling more proud of him than nervous/sad - but it's a great reminder that time flies. And that change is hard at first, but we'll find our new normal quickly!
Thinking about all of you with kids starting Kindergarten this new school year!
Minnetonka & Lindsay Stewart of Free Range Mama collaborated on a mommy & me hand painted collection that celebrates young imaginations and the people who help nurture them! Just in time for back to school, Nora selected the limited editionSplash design, and I totally copied her. But what I love even more than semi-matching (I prefer coordinated) with my threenager, is that a portion of the proceeds go towards funding classroom projects in partnership withDonorsChoose.org.
Nora's had little Minnetonka booties every fall/winter since she was 10 months old, so it's fun to see her style and personality shine as she picks out her own pair, this year with the fun splattered print. And I'm loving the mama-slip on sneakers that are SO comfortable (key). Minnetonka is always a staple in our back to school/fall style - and now I'm ready for some cooler weather!
Nora's fall outfit is my most favorite. It's funny, one day I work up and I was having way more fun dressing her (and now watching her dress herself) than I was with my own clothing and style. Personally, I've really started to turn to pieces that are versatile, comfortable, simple and a splash of something special to make the look more unique.
Our Outfit Details:
Make sure to check out the other mama's and their mama & me Minnetonka style, and add these to your back to school wardrobe update to support classrooms. Carly is giving back to school tips and Sandy is sharing how her and her mini style the tan style!
