Third Grader!

First day of school!  Kaylynn is ready.  She was even spoiled with a pedicure for the occasion!

Hanging Lake hike

Cory, Dad and I hiked up to Hanging Lake near Glenwood Springs this past weekend.  It was a beautiful hike.  The canyon is amazing.  I will definitely do the hike again - with a tripod next time!

Reflection in the river:

 

  

 This is near the start of the trail.  The hike is like climbing a staircase for 1.2 miles!

 

 

There were lots of little waterfalls along the way.

 

 

 

 Near the top looking back down the canyon we hiked up.

 

 At the top - beautiful!

 

 

  Playing with different shutter speeds in the next few shots:

 

 The water coming through the moss was very cool.

 

 Above Hanging Lake.

 Spouting rock - the water comes right out of the rock!

 

 

 Back down to enjoy the rest of a gorgeous day!

 

Busy in the Black Hills

I am finally getting back to posting more pictures from our trip to the Black Hills. 

We started off the trip by trying to strike it rich by panning for gold.  Guess what?  We found 4 flecks of gold - we are not rich, but it was fun trying!

We did see real wildlife.  These deer were not fenced in!

Our first of many views of the heads.

 

And then from much closer!

The birthday girl at Mount Rushmore!

We blend right in.

At dusk.  Right before the lighting ceremony cut short by a severe thunderstorm rolling through.

We also rode the 1880 train.

Looking for more wildlife along the way.

We hiked around Sylvan Lake - always picturesque.

It was freezing, but kiddo thought it was warm enough to wade in!

The drive along Needles Highway was beautiful, too.

Ever had a day when you felt like this?

Kaylynn was able to finish the Junior Ranger program for her badge!

A successful trip!