Memorial Day fun!

Russ and I love backpacking, but it isn't feasible with a baby/toddler. At the end of last year, a friend told us about this place that you only have to hike in 1 mile and there are bathrooms and firewood provided. We were so excited to go, but couldn't fit it in last year. Every memorial Day we have a traidion of going camping. Since Caden is a good hiker, we took advantage of the chance to go on our first backpacking trip as a family! We were SO excited! It was a beautiful place and it even overlooked Denver. It was so peaceful to sit in the wilderness with our family under the stars and see the lights of Denver in the distance. So great!

We started off for the trail SO excited! Caden's adorable face tells it all! He picked two dandelions for me which I wore behind my ear almost the whole day. So sweet!
We followed his map. :)
We found a geocache with a beautiful view. Caden traded a toy for a silly band.
We pumped water...or tried! I love his legs dangling in the air!
We climbed on rocks. Caden was in heaven!
We savored the beautiful views!
Much to Caden's delight, Russ helped Caden search for grasshoppers in the HUGE open area.
and searched....
and by some miracle, they found one!
We loved seeing all the pretty flowers.Caden drew in the dirt.
We are not big s'mores people, so instead we roast starburst! Most divine thing ever!!
the Denver city lights
In the morning, we ate breakfast and then hiked back to the car so we could see Ryan and Rose (Russ' brother and his family) that came into town. It made it so perfect to hear Caden sing "pioneer children sang as they walked....and walked....and walked...and walked...". He was such a champ! We were proud of him!