camping

Well one of the reasons we wanted to move to Colorado was to go camping!  We love the mountains, the sights, the sounds, the 4-wheelers, the tent, the marshmallows, and even the roasted hot dogs.  Looking for the first star and trying to find the moon, telling stories around the camp fire, and taking late-night trips to the potty....it's just a one-of-a-kind experience every time!  And we love it.  And no better night to go camping than a clear wednesday night when no one else is there!  {We're blessed to have flexible schedules with Jared's work and homeschool to have that kind of freedom.  It's awesome.}

But this camping experience was historic.  Benson has been saving to purchase his own motorcycle for years now.  He has an impressive amount of cash he has set aside over the years...enough to pay for a new-to-him {Craigs list special} motorbike.  We agreed to pay half and let him save his money for  another special purpose.  The right one finally popped up on the internet and the deal was done!  Benson now has his own mountain-riding motorbike!  Scary!!!

We just had to try his new toy out as soon as possible.  And so we did!  Fun was had by all riding our big red wheeler, using the hatchet to chop the wood, playing with rocks & dirt, and watching with smiles and clinched teeth while Benson took his first stroll.  The bike ended up being a little big for Benson...and we don't think he could ride it on any mountain trials quite yet...but his first few times on the flat, dirt road went pretty well.  He was nervous but proud of his accomplishments. His confidence will continue to build as his experience increases.  It was a good first-run and a great 24 hour trip to the beautiful mountains of Colorado!!

Mabel's favorite thing.  dirt.  rocks.  dirt.  mud would be better but dirt is good.

Riding with Uncle Ben.

It's a tight squeeze but it works!  

The first few rounds with Dad teaching him the ropes.  

Roasting up some goodness.  

starburst.  hotdogs. marshmallows.  repeat.  

Not necessarily in that order.  But maybe.  

Mabel even got a turn with daddy on Benson's bike!

The mountains are beautiful!  We loved exploring after a long trip on the 4-wheeler while the engine cooled down.  It's as if the big rocks were just beckoning to be climbed on...so we answered their call!  {And were glad to have Uncle Ben along to be the photographer!}