I am not a water person.
My issue is not with being near or even on the water but the whole getting in part. There’s not really fear involved; my mom divulged I just never really liked getting my face wet and two subsequent nose surgeries haven’t helped my disdain for being dunked.
My old brother Pat, on the other hand, is a water/wakeboarding/kiteboarding/surfing fiend. Every spare moment they have during Calgary’s short warm season, they are in his new state-of-the-art boat. Their favorite vacations are to Cuba and spending 1-2 weeks on the lake in British Columbia.
They’ve invited us to B.C. for years but this is the first time we have gone and had such a spectacular time I’m committed to making it happen as often as we can. If you’re not familiar with Canada’s landscape, Alberta is notorious for our gorgeous Canadian Rockies but we’re rather lacking in warm-water lakes. Enter: British Columbia. Not only do they have some gorgeous peaks (the 6-hour drive from Calgary to Vernon via Banff National Park was mind-blowing) but some of the most beautiful lakes set in the lushest of settings: the Okanogan Valley.
My memories of this area as a child were of verdant orchards and vineyards as far as the eye could see and fruit stands at every corner. And so my one requirement during our visit: we had to stop at a fruit stand. My dad delivered by pulling over at The Mother of All Fruit Lands: The Log Barn outside of Vernon. This 1912 barn not only provided a nostalgic experience with culinary traditions of Mennonite pioneers and a huge array of old-fashioned sausage, baked goodies, jams, syrups and jellies and fresh fruit but it had Dave’s Goat Walk.
Log Barn
Yes, that’s right, folks. We could buy goat feed for 25 cents and pour the corn in a cup that was attached to a pulley system that rose to the top of an archway that extended across the road. When the food reached the top, the goats could see and hear what they were doing so would race up the arch to grab their food.
It it wasn’t raining, we could have stayed there for hours.
But we dragged ourselves away and we’re so glad we did because this was our home for the next five days.
Mana Manor
- Okanogan lake
- Nightly s’mores roasting and campfire chats
Okanagan lake Lake is a large, deep 84-mile-long lake in the Okanagan Valley of British Columbia. My kids aren’t accustomed to lake life so I anticipated they’d get bored after a few days. Never happened. In fact, they didn’t wear shoes all week and settled rather nicely into our private little beach area.
Daily fishing expeditions off the dock.
- Fun on the boat watching Pat surf
- Meet the Parents
- Bode’s real birthday: an ice cream birthday cake
I’m having picture formatting issues to stay tuned for Part III!
Oh Canada: Part I of My Home and Native Land
How do you summarize a multi-week, 3,000-mile trip that covered two countries and six states (Colorado, Montana, Washington, Oregon, Idaho and Utah)? You really can’t so I’ll only attempt to share some highlights over the next few days!
First things first: my kids are fabulous travelers. Never once did they complain about the 50 hours they spent in the car and though it was taxing (particularly the 12.5-hour drive from Vernon, B.C., to Boise) the trip was broken down enough that we had plenty of downtime before we had to hit the road again.
Jamie drove with us from Denver to Billings, MT to Calgary and stayed for a week before flying back. Something about work. And paying our mortgage. And (mostly) pumpkins. But we crammed in some fabulous fun while we stayed in my childhood home.
The Flood
One of my favorite things about returning home to Calgary is navigating the extensive network of bike trails along the city’s waterways. However, the flood damage was significant in these areas.
Surveying the floods on the ridge where my brother lives
But I soon learned things like a little broken trail that had literally fallen into the river weren’t enough to stop my dad.
Broken Fish Creek Park trail
This was after we snuck around the DO NOT ENTER TRAIL CLOSED SIGN. Dude is a rebel.
The Mud
One of our favorite activities from last year was playing in Fish Creek and then discovering some hidden mud pits towering above in the cliffs. Unfortunately, the water levels were too high so we headed straight to the muck with our cousins.
Fish Creek Provincial Park Mud Pits
I’ll spare you the details of how we cleaned them off afterward without being able to dunk in the water. Let’s just say we got creative.
The Bulk Barn
I’m convinced of two things: 1) You are an optimist if you buy a convertible in Canada (but we sure had fun cruising around in the perfectly mild weather) and….
Bulk Barn
2) Bulk Barn, Canada’s largest bulk food store that carries over 4000 products, is the most marvelous store on earth.
The Stampede
Despite being there during the Calgary Stampede, we didn’t go and Hadley wasn’t feeling well when we planned to attend one of their infamous pancake breakfasts. The only Stampede-related event I did was volunteering for the second year with my friend Stacey at the rotary club’s popular Stampede Roundup. After we had a blast serving dinner, we joined her brother and wife for the Cheap Trick and Def Leppard concert, which consisted of a bunch of drunk 40-somethings reliving their youth.
Turned out, I hated those bands when I was a teenager. Time did not endear them to me so we left early. #KillJoy.
The Pampering
A visit to Grandma B. also means some quality pampering that included getting pedicures and a day at cousin Ashton’s salon with Hadley’s first-ever streak in her hair.
The Real Highlight
I thought that was the highlight of her life until my childhood bestie Rachel (an accomplished horse trainer) invited Hadley out to ride at her 50+-horse property.
Do you know all the cool things I’ve done with Hadley over the years? All rendered insignificant after one afternoon with Rachel.
The Birthdays
Mom and Bode celebrated birthdays during our trip. My sister-in-law Jane traditionally invites us over to her house for some quality trampoline jumping and beef tenderloin.
Something about my family: we’re serious about our tenderloin and so when I saw my 17-year-old niece Emily had invited a friend over, I very firmly informed her that she was a vegetarian so as not to share the highly-coveted 4.5-kg hunk of beef.
“Do you see these people, Jamie? Do not look at them as family. Look at them as competition.”
Turns out Em and her friend ate the very best, rarest pieces. Game ON for next year.
On my mom’s real birthday, we went to a tasty Italian restaurant with the whole family.
Still as beautiful as ever!
The Market
One of my must-do items is taking a scenic drive to the Millarville Farmer’s Market, a quaint rural community south of Calgary. For me, it showcases the best of Canada with fabulous views and fun booths with delicious locally-made Canadian delicacies, home and garden wares, custom clothing, jewelry and so much more.
Our lunch of champions: more samples than I can count, the most unbelievable peas grown by the Hutterites and three different kinds of fudge (root beer was my favorite).
The Golf Cart
My childhood home is on a golf course and my kids looooooove going for rides in the golf cart. This year, Grandpa let the kids drive it, which I thought was endearing until they took me down to the gully and started swerving along the hills, doing crazy turns and nearly dumping us out.
Riding to church in the golf cart
The kids learned very quickly Grandpa is waaaaaay more fun (and tolerant) than Mom.
The Father’s Departure
After a fun-filled week, Jamie went home. The kids and I were more than a little bit sad he would not be joining us for the next leg of our adventure: a lakeside cabin in Vernon, B.C.
P.S. Don’t tell him how much it sucked to be him to miss it. Stay tuned for details.
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Oh Canada Part I: My Home and Native Land
Oh Canada Part II: Home on the Range (errr, boat)
Oh Canada Part III: How Not to Die When Surfing Behind the Boat
Happy 7th birthday to my little buddy!
Dear Bode,
Despite my best efforts and house rule of “No Growing Up” you’re doing just that. Age six was my favorite year yet that was full of bitter-sweet moments. You are starting to growing wings, which means those bus-stop kisses and snuggle attacks are more fleeting but I’m so proud of the boy you are.
You’re a generous, conversely serious, sober child with a quirky little sense of humor. You live in a world of black-and-white, good vs. wrong, were pre-wired to do what is right and already have a close relationship with your Heavenly Father. I have one of your class assignments pinned to my office bulletin board where you detailed your “needs” vs. “wants” in your economics class. Under “My Needs” you put “clothes, family, air, teachers, house, friends and Heavenly Father.” For wants, you listed “video games, homework (?!!) and candy.” I’d be worried about the latter point if you hadn’t come back from the dentist with yet another cavity-free visit.
Big Time Jump 7th Birthday Party! Back: Noah, Nolan, Seamus, Rowan, Brody, Nickey, Hadley, Vinny. Front: Sean, Bode, Carson
You find the good in people and love to leave little notes for everyone in the family. “Mom, I like you. Love, Bode.” I found this note after I’d been traveling: “To Hadley, You have been good this weakend. Love, Bode.” Your father jokes you like to make rules about rules and he’s correct. Well, with exception of keeping your room clean. Which is a rule so you should follow it. #CuteSlob
You loved first grade and your teacher Mrs. Dorough. You are beloved by all your classmates and since preschool, your teachers have told us you are a great leader who guides by example. You and your new friend Brody were inseparable and I’m constantly amazed at your ability to find instant friends no matter what situation you are placed in.
This year, Hadley started piano and we were not going to enroll you until Fall 2013 because we figured you were too young. We were wrong. Not only did you start teaching yourself to play but you also started sight-reading her music. We enrolled you in January and you have not shut up since. I mean that in a good way but you are moderately obsessed with piano and you are constantly composing new songs or transposing Itsy Bitsy Spider in 100 different keys. I’m not complaining because there are worse obsessions. You know, like growing over-sized orange fruit.
Solo flight to Utah
In terms of your activities, you finished off your third year with your soccer team and their name “Angry Piggies” was a personal favorite. You’re becoming a great skier and tackled your first blue (intermediate) run. You continue to enjoy biking, your new WiiU, building ships and buildings with your LEGOs and blocks, playing with stuffed animals (Tabby is still your favorite), your interactive globe and the ocean.
In fact, you blew away your Aunt Lisa, Dad and me at dinner at The Broadmoor when you gave your sister an informative lecture about the layers of the ocean, starting with the disphotic (twilight) zone. “Where did you learn all this?” we asked. “I read about it,” like it was the most obvious answer in the world for illiterate folk like us.
Space is another passion and Dad bought tickets to go to your first planetarium this summer. On the night of the Super Moon, I couldn’t pull you away from the window and so I let you stay up as late as you wanted watching it. Later that night when I came to close your blinds, my heart strings lurched when I discovered your space book propped up to the ledge as you compared the photographs of the first quarter, gibbous and full moons. I am raising a geek!
You love to travel and your especial favorites this year were Disney World (where you were on TV for the second time this year!), The Broadmoor, Park City Mountain Resort, and of course, your solo flight to see Grandma Johnson in Utah. Hawaii is now the top of your bucket list (you and me both, kid) and as I write this, you are in Canada celebrating your birthday on a beautiful lake in British Columbia.
You have it good and you are so deserving of all the goodness in the world.
Much love,
Mommy
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For a stroll down memory lane, birthday letters 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 (though the pictures no longer show due to switching blog platforms).
Mother-son trip to YMCA of the Rockies
Learning to fly. -YMCA of the Rockies
- Piano Boy
Playground
- Ziplining at Copper Mountain
- Getting interviewed at Disney World’s New Fantasyland
- Stealing the show on 9News’ fashion show
Bode and Hadley’s 2012 pumpkin
Literal Lap of Luxury at The Broadmoor
How you know you’re grasping for straws
We are extremely active in the summers. While everyone else (for some reason) loads up on activities while kids are also juggling school, we save our busy-ness for the summer.
Believe it or not, I think it’s important for kids to have a lot of downtime and so when we are home, I try not to be too demanding.
That said, I still require some structure. You know, like getting dressed, keeping your room reasonably clean, daily reading, etc. They’re both such curious kids that I love to see what they come up with themselves and they’re constantly devising new games and ways to stay entertained. Last week, they each decided to research and do a presentation on different animals. Hadley chose a marmot and Bode, a tiger.
Bonus points to Hadley for use of the microphone and face paints.
Then, there was Science Day when we did some various Test Tube Adventures including making touchable bubbles and ink disappear.
Confession: Bode was in his PJs all day. Mom score card: science experiments +1; PJs -1.
Last week, I asked Bode to do a few minor things but received no response. Around 1 p.m., I called out to him while he played upstairs.
“Bode, have you done anything I asked you to do today?”
“I made my lunch.”
“That’s good. [But rather self-serving; kid’s gotta eat]. Anything else?”
“I remembered to breathe.”
“Nope, didn’t tell you to do that.”
Summer hiking group fun and why Bode can stay in his BOY corner
One of my favorite things in the entire world is exploring and discovering trails, particularly in my own backyard. So imagine how thrilled I was to recently stumble upon some new-to-me sites intermingled with my long-time favorites.
The Hike
My church friend Dawn organized a summer hiking group on Tuesday mornings. Early-June, Dawn decreed our first hike would be the Castle Trail at Mount Falcon Open Space, which is is a great, moderate trail for younger kiddos.
One of my favorite memories is when I was REALLY pregnant with Bode, we decided to go for a hike and picnic. We were only a few minutes into our hike when our little 2-year-old cherub decided she was not walking another step. And when stubborn miss doesn’t want to do something, she will not do it. Nice parents that we are, we didn’t give in to her meltdown and so she threw herself onto the middle of the trail and raged for about 10 minutes.
We walked a safe distance away. No, we were not worried about her safety (because who would take her in that condition?) but rather, ours. We pointedly ignored the other parents who judged us while we let her scream it out. If she’d been in a store, it would have been another matter but since we were in the great outdoors, we let her roar with the mountain lions. It ended up working. She eventually gave up, jumped up, dusted herself off and kept on walking. She was a delight the rest of the day.
Here Hadley is seven years later at the scene of the crime. Doesn’t she look so much more docile? 
We’ll compare notes again at this spot during the hormonal teenage years.
The Castle/Meadow Trail had all the makings for a perfect outing: a wide trail, beautiful wildflower-strewn meadow and rocks for climbing. The boys reenacted being chased by Orcs in Lord of the Rings while I tried not to take offense of being mistaken for a sallow-skinned, fanged humanoid.
Our final destination was the stone-wall remnants of the John Brisben Walker family castle that boasts stunning views of Denver. Though the ruins are fenced off for climbing, we were fully engaged as we read about his rags-to-riches story that included the fire that destroyed this early-1900s dream home.
Parmalee Gulch
The easiest route to Mount Falcon is via U.S. Highway 285. Take the Indian Hills turn-off and follow the open space signs up Parmalee Gulch Road. On our return trip, my kids and I were stopped in our tracks at a stunning property just outside of Mount Falcon with a white fence that stretched as far as the eye could see. When we saw the “For Sale” sign, we pulled in.
Because we just happen to be in the market for a multi-million-dollar property.
As we dreamed of having a mountain retreat, we eventually wound back down to a new-to-us part of Parmalee Gulch Road, happening upon a fantastic playground within Parmalee’s town limits. “We HAVE to stop!” my son announced and I agreed.
For the next hour, we scaled logs, climbed rock walls to the top of the slide and climbed on bears at this awesome playground.
Turned out I wasn’t too good at the latter, which is probably a good thing.
Bear Creek Canyon
I frequent Bear Creek Canyon regularly when en route from Denver/Morrison to Evergreen. After driving down the canyon, we landed in the funky mountain town of Morrison, devoured sundaes at The Blue Cow, threw rocks in Bear Creek and I then told the kids we were crossing the street to visit two shops I’ve driven past a hundred times but have never set foot.
Both were love at first sight: Sundance Sensations appealed to my Bohemian side while La Boutique des Bourdreux was a whimsical, vintage gift and clothing shop where Hadley and I were enthralled at every turn and could have spent an hour in there.
If it wasn’t for Bode.
As every minute passed, he grew increasingly inpatient. When Hadley and I started trying on the large selection of hats, I cooed, “Hadley, I want this hat.”
Bode interjected. “Mommy, WANTS ARE NOT NEEDS.”
It would seem he’s been taking lessons from his father on more than just pumpkins.
Our Out-of-this-world Indepence Day
I usually look forward to the Fourth of July. The fireworks are shot right above our neighborhood so we shut our street down for a huge party. However, this year, our fellow partiers all went on vacation so I feared our celebrations would be a bust.
The Ice Cream
We decided to make our own fun, starting with a holiday tradition that would be an even better tradition if we remembered to do it every year: homemade ice cream. The night before the holiday, Hadley and I made the most unbelievable snickerdoodle ice cream but here’s a tip: the recipe only made 1.5 quarts.
If you want to keep your man happy, you will go back in the kitchen and make two more batches. Good thing we all benefited from it.
While the ice cream was churning, we had the best time playing on the front lawn and doing shadow puppet plays with the flashlight on the porch. Hadley and I went for a walk around our neighborhood in our PJs.
Because we’re those kind of neighbors. #SunglassesatNight
The Breakfast
We always start our July 4th by waking up early for our church’s stake pancake breakfast and patriotic program.
Gotta love the tongue in this one. Pancake-eating takes a lot of concentration.
The Day at the Museum
Then, because we had no plans, Jamie suggested we go to the Denver Museum of Nature and Science. Bode is obsessed with space so Jamie bought him a Living Social deal. Little dude was in his element and we were shocked that the normally cram-packed museum was nearly empty. We raced from exhibit to exhibit without any lines and delighted in the Planetarium’s Cosmic Journey: A Solar System Adventure. 
Our tickets included an IMAX. We really wanted to see Great White Shark 3D or Galapagos 3D but the show times didn’t work for us so we reluctantly settled upon Flight of the Butterflies 3D. It. Was. Unbelievable. IMAX always does a great job not only telling a story but sharing a journey and this one literally had me in tears…as I marveled over butterflies. Go see it; you won’t be disappointed.
The Party
Though 99 percent of the world bailed on us for our evening festivities, we had our good friends pull through. Bonus: they have six kids so that means it’s an instant party wherever they go. My friend Eva is an unbelievable cook so brought a full spread of food and we threw in our ice cream and made patriotic dessert pizzas (delish recipe here) for good measure. It turned out to be a fun night of great conversation, croquet and fireworks.
And the biggest announcement of all? We slept in the next morning, which rarely happens. I’m usually awake between 5:30-6 a.m. and crashed until 8:45 a.m., Hadley slept ’til 9:30 a.m. and Bode achieved a personal “high score” for sleeping: 10:24 a.m.
It was a winning holiday for all. Happy Independence Day, everyone!
June Travels: Our Crazy Life According to Instagram
My work-life balance has been nil with waaaaay too much playtime with the kids. I’m hoping to write about all our hiking adventures (and believe me, there are MANY) but until that time, my iPhone tells the story of our first month of summer break.
Chautauqua in Boulder
Our month-long party started with a glorious getaway to Chautauqua in Boulder complete with a charming cottage, emerald hikes bursting with jeweled wildflowers, a gourmet meal at the Dining Hall and Snow White reenacted by Theatre-Hikes Colorado.
Chautauqua in Boulder
- Chautauqua meadow outside of our cottage
- Snow White Theatre Hike!
With a kickoff to summer like that, it’s hard to go wrong. And we haven’t.
Giving Back
One day, we did a tour of the Food Bank of the Rockies where we learned about their kid’s program Kung Food Fighters to teach kids how to help fight child hunger.
Food Bank of the Rockies
But obviously not how to do Kung Foo moves.
Kicking It
Then there was the Colorado Rapids, our first-ever professional soccer game.
Colorado Rapids
We expect greater things from our soccer-playing son now.
Cave of the Winds
OK, technically our trip to Colorado Springs and The Broadmoor was late-May but I need to fit in our awe-inspiring cave tour of the 500-million-year-old Cave of the Winds, which was discovered in 1881.
Cave of the Winds
An exciting new addition to the already-cool caves is the Wind Walker Challenge Course. This three-story obstacle course is located on the rim of a 600-foot drop into Williams Canyon and has a challenging maze of steel beams, swinging ropes and ladders. Bode barely met the height requirement and I was proud of him for trying.
Wind Walker Challenge Course
Though it may take him a few years to recover from it. #Scary
Utah Fun
While Hadley was at Camp Chief Ouray for a week, Bode took his first solo flight to Utah. But then I crashed his party on the last day by scheduling a business trip in Park City where I also crammed in a quick hike to the Living Room, roller-bladed the Jordan River Parkway for the first time in 10 years (we’ve both changed!), had a cousin sleepover with the edible twinnies and storytime with Grandma.
Utah!
Talk about a memorable trip!
Carnivores Unite
Then, Bode and I headed straight up to YMCA of the Rockies near Winter Park where we got a tour of Hadley’s camp and had some fun adventures of our own. Sane people would have turned around after picking her up but not us. We headed further west into the mountains for our Father’s Day tradition: the Frisco BBQ Challenge where we met up with carnivore-loving Jamie.
Golden Breckenridge
But the fun didn’t stop there during that masochistic week (I crammed in four trips, but who’s counting?) Breckenridge is just a 15-minute drive away from Frisco and if we were to have a cabin anywhere, it would be there. It was like coming home as we spent the morning at Peak 8 Fun Park, which boasts the most awesome line-up of summer activities of any of Colorado’s ski resorts with an alpine coaster AND slide, gold panning, a maze, bungee trampoline, miniature golf and a bounce house.
Breckenridge Peak 8 Fun Park
We were thrilled to be in Breckenridge during Kingdom Days, which celebrates the town’s colorful history.
Or rather, lack of color as you can see from this old-fashioned photo. Note to self: Next time stay and watch Kingdom Days’ uproarious Outhouse Races.
Breckenridge was founded back in the 1860s thanks to the many gold discoveries. I have always wanted to go on a mine tour and was thrilled when Country Boy Mine Tour was a part of our itinerary.
Country Boy Mine Tours
There is still gold in them thar hills but it costs more money to extract it than it is worth. Following the tour, we panned for gold and Hadley unearthed a real sliver of gold, which I then proceeded to lose.
So much for our chance at millions.
Breckenridge is part of an extensive paved trail system that connects to mountain towns Frisco, Dillon, Keystone, Copper Mountain and Vail. That evening, Hadley was exhausted after her week at camp so Jamie stayed behind while Bode and I took to the trail. I had an epiphany: almost exactly two years ago, Hadley took her first solo flight to Utah (like Bode) and she first tested out her new mountain bike on Breckenridge’s trail system, just as Bode and I did that evening on his newly-minted mountain bike.
New bikes on the Breckenridge bike path: Hadley (2011) and Bode (2013)
His ride went smashingly on the dirt trails…until he ended up slowly smashing into the bridge. Luckily he made a quick recovery.
Party Boy
For the past few years, we have been in Canada for Bode’s July birthday, which has resulted in a number of “pretend birthdays” leading up to the real deal. He wanted to celebrate with his buddies at Big Time Fun Trampoline Center and it was the cheapest, easiest party I’ve ever thrown: Invite friends, buy cake, show up.
Big Time Partiers
Why have I been killing myself all these years with parties, food and entertainment at my house?
Finally a Fish
For the third year in a row, I organized summer swim lessons for some of my good friends from our ward. It is a two-week pool party for the kiddos and a lot of fun to hang out with the Real Housewives of Jefferson County.
And most noteworthy? Bode has finally figured out how to swim and graduated from Squids, which is the first time he has ever passed a swim class. There may be hope yet.
Camping Disasters
I was looking forward to our camping trip yesterday to Camp Dick in the Roosevelt National Forest. Like so many of our adventures, it started well with blue skies, beautiful hikes, creek-playing and boulder-scaling.
Camp Dick
But then ended so very, very badly. Details tomorrow.
Lyons Soda Fountain
But I suggest you drown your sorrows with ice cream sodas, floats, freezes, phosphates and classy sundaes at Lyons Soda Fountain, one of the state’s best preserved and oldest soda fountains in Lyons, Colo. Because ice cream makes everyone feel better.
A Little Bit of Magic
Lest you think we haven’t had any downtime in June, think again. Every chance we got, whether we were at the park, in the car driving 14,265 feet to Mount Evans’ summit or in the basement, I was reading the kids their newest obsession:
Time well spent in what turned out to be a magical month.
The Dratted Marmot/Beaver at YMCA of the Rockies
You’d think as much as I rave about YMCA of the Rockies that I worked for them (maybe someday?) One of the bonuses of enrolling your child in Camp Chief Ouray is taking some time to play at YMCA of the Rockies Snow Mountain Ranch. My son Bode and I timed our 30-hour visit perfectly: get a tour of the camp, attend the dance and closing Vespers ceremony and spend the rest of the time exploring.
We’ve frequently visited Snow Mountain Ranch in the wintertime but this was our first summer visit. With 5,100 acres, it is considerably larger than its more popular 860-acre Estes Park counterpart, which meant more to conquer. In the winter, we’ve focused on outdoor (Nordic skiing/tubing/snowshoeing/skating) and indoor (roller-skating, swimming, archery, climbing wall and gym play) so this time around, we tried to do some different activities. From miniature golfing to making a Father’s Day gift at the impressively-stocked craft center, to capitalizing on the playground at Indian Peaks Lodge to snuggling up by the campfire.
See that stuffed animal on the top left? I promised Bode I’d buy it for him at the gift shop if he did the 3 mile round-trip hike on the Waterfall Trail with me. Normally he’s a great hiking buddy but he was dragging that day and a little extra motivation was necessary.
The trail is perfect for families and was both beautiful and fascinating. The area boasts an active beaver population so not only did we pass dams and ponds but also gnawed-off trees. Upon arriving at the waterfall, we skipped the crowds at the base and followed the trail to the top of the waterfall where we spent the next hour throwing and then watching rocks and sticks fall to their death over the bustling waters. 
We also marveled as a Colorado kid tied a hammock on each side of the creek right before the falls and then leisurely hung out–one false move would have sent him over the waterfall. #OnlyInColorado
Good thing I am not his mother
We were so inspired after our hike (Bode was boasting about our adventures through some “perilous” marshlands), he declared his souvenir de choix from the gift shop was going to be his very own beaver.
P.S. We later figured out it was actually a marmot. Close enough.
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In case you missed them:
A Week of Independence: The Johnson Kids Do Utah and Camp
Dancing Queen: Why It’s Good to Be Young and Sweet at Camp Chief Ouray
Protesting the End of Camp Chief Ouray
Hadley’s Camp Chief Ouray Highlights: Kitchen-raiding Mammoth-capturing Fun
Protesting the End of Camp Chief Ouray
There was great mourning in the land on Hadley’s final day at Camp Chief Ouray near Winter Park, Colo. Bode and I stayed at Indian Peaks Lodge, a (long) stone’s throw away from camp and that morning, I sat on our balcony watching the campers file into the Dining Hall for breakfast. I loved listening to their singing and a lot of laughter while they ate–they were relishing every last minute!
Pick-up wasn’t until mid-afternoon so Bode and I spent the day playing at YMCA of the Rockies Snow Mountain Ranch (details forthcoming). Upon arrival, all the parents were ushered into the upper level of the Dining Hall where Camp Director Marty gave us an overview of their week, introduced the staff and showed a short video that gave a brief glimpse at the fun that was had. (See the video here. Hadley is at 1:06 in pink, and 1:48 and 2:07 at the dance wearing purple).
Then, the parents went outside to see our happy campers march past holding signs of their cabin names.
“It looks like they’re protesting,” Bode observed.
Yeah, protesting having to leave that awesome place.
The parents followed them into the meadow for closing ceremony where each cabin came up and shared their “Camp Magic” that week. For some, it was the raiding the kitchen. For others, it was making new friends and trying new things. For Hadley’s Chippewa cabin, it was “Thank you, David!!”–a tribute to the COO staffer who made all the activities so much fun.
All the parents and kids were then asked to form a large “friendship circle” and hold hands (left over right). YMCA of the Rockies is a non-denominational Christian organization that focuses on core values without in-your-face religious overtones that might make non-believers uncomfortable. A final, simple prayer was shared and we sang the military song “Taps.”
I didn’t know the words to “Taps,” nor were we able to form a round circle but it was nonetheless a touching farewell as Hadley then bid her final good-byes to her beloved cabinmates and counselors, Lindsay and Laura.
Day is done, gone the sun,
From the lake, from the hills, from the sky;
All is well, safely rest, God is nigh.
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Camp Chief Ouray By the Numbers
6 glorious days at camp
5 nights away from family
4 different horses she rode.
3 days she wore the same pair of socks
2 showers over the course of six days
1 experience of a lifetime
Tune in tomorrow for Hadley’s camp highlights!
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In case you missed them:
A Week of Independence: The Johnson Kids Do Utah and Camp
Dancing Queen: Why It’s Good to Be Young and Sweet at Camp Chief Ouray
Dancing Queen: Why It’s Good to Be Young and Sweet at Camp Chief Ouray
Overnight camp. These words have been dripping off my daughter’s lips for months now and last week, all her dreams finally came true: She spent six blessed days and five nights at YMCA of the Rockies’ Camp Chief Ouray at Snow Mountain Ranch near Winter Park, Colo.
I knew she’d love it. I mean, what’s not to love about a gorgeous 5,100-acre mountain setting of streams, meadows and trails and a daily itinerary that included horseback riding, archery, canoeing, hiking, riflery, cabin activities, devotionals and skits at Colorado’s longest-running camp. But I was not prepared for how life-changing it would be.
My son Bode and I were granted special access to come visit on her final night. In fact, by some twist of fate, our room at Indian Peaks Lodge was directly overlooking her cabin.
Chippewa cabin is on the right, Dining Hall on the left
Mom-stalker much?
The Tour
That afternoon, Stephan Rivard, COO’s Travel Coordinator, gave us an animated tour of the grounds that included the Hey O Yankee Fire Ring. The Barn and riding arena. Dining Hall. Carpet ball in the Pavilion. Health Center (free Popsicles, hurray!) Low and high ropes courses. The new Gaga Ball area. Zipline. Kiwani Owapi Fire Ring.
When we entered the boy’s cabin that adjoined Hadley’s, it looked like a bomb had exploded. Clothes and books littered the floor and the sleeping bags on the bunks were the only things that had some semblance of order. I braced myself for Hadley’s cabin but was pleasantly surprised everything was in place–even cleaner than she keeps her room at home.
When I jokingly drew the comparison, Bode came to the defense of his gender. “Boys are just being boys, Mommy!”
Following our mid-day tour, Bode and I had not seen Hadley so returned to our lodge (Camp Chief Ouray is off-limits to the public). As we were leaving for dinner at Schlessman Commons, we spotted her from a distance returning to her cabin. I shouted out across the field. Her bunkmates excitedly pointed us out and she was shocked, then opportunistic. Her first words to us after nearly a week apart?
“I NEED SOME MORE CLOTHES!”
It was, after all, the final night and she had not adequately rationed her clothing.
The Dance
That evening we were granted permission to return for the final festivities and I dutifully delivered some clothes to her cabin. Camp tradition is to hold a final dance, followed by the Closing Campfire Ceremony with games, skits, songs and traditions including the awarding of the Spirit Stick to commemorate the most spirited cabin.
I was the most excited about the dance. Because isn’t it every kid’s dream to have her mother at her very first one?
I still had not seen Hadley face-to-face and I scanned the crowded Pavilion trying to find her. Bode and I perched on a nearby rock and soon she busted through the crowd dancing like a wild woman. I first took in her appearance: purple shirt, shorts and her riding boots.
But then I looked deeper: She was radiant, jubilant and oozing with confidence. She was free. Free from the restrains of deadlines and worldly expectations. Free to figure out who she is and she was bursting with a love of life brighter than the sun at her new-found independence. 
She was thrilled to see us after nearly a week apart and returned frequently throughout the evening to dance. Even Bode busted out some moves while alternating between playing in the adjacent fields and scaling the climbing rock with new buddies.
The Heartbreak
The dance was a microcosm of the pains and joys of growing up. The youngest campers were 7 and the girls lined the benches dancing while the boys rough-housed in the meadow. Hadley’s 9-year-old group of girls non-committedly flitted around dancing with everyone and throwing caution to the wind as DJ Lolly Pop blasted their favorite tunes. The early teens were starting to pair off or stood awkwardly together while trying not to seem like they were awkward.
Oh, those were the days.
Crazy costumed counselors
We chuckled at the heartbreak when a 7-year-old girl confronted her age 10-ish “boyfriend” who had broken up with her. She even pulled his counselor into the drama, demanding he ask her to dance (all the while standing defiantly with her arms crossed and foot tapping a hundred miles a minute).
Even my own 6-year-old Bode had some action of his own. He was hanging out with me on the rock when a tween hottie asked him to dance. Stunned into silence, he turned bright red before literally crawling away on the rock. But she didn’t give up. Fifteen minutes later, she was back and oh-so sweetly repeated her offer. He looked at me to save him.
“Go dance with her.”
He shook his crimson head, steam coming out of his ears. Why did a girl want to dance with him?
“That’s fine if you don’t want to dance but you need to at least say something and politely decline.” It was one of those teachable moments in which I wanted to bust out laughing.
“I don’t want to dance right now,” he mumbled. At least I think that’s what he said before I apologetically thanked the sweet girl and bookmarked the moment for future blackmail.
While 99 percent of the campers were having a blast, they were a few outliers who did not join in. I watched them carefully throughout the evening to gauge their temperature. One boy was in tears and his counselors took turns staying with him before he eventually joined some of his friends to play carpet ball in the Pavilion.
A teen-aged girl sat on a rock and initially appeared disinterested but after a while, I noticed her foot was injured. I watched as her counselors and friends frequently came to check on her before one ultimately stayed by her side, though I’m sure she would have liked to have been in on the action. Most of these kids had not known each other six days prior and here they were perfectly exemplifying inclusivity. Camaraderie. True friendship.
The Rousing End
The conclusion of the dance is when they really brought the house down when the Village People’s “Y-M-C-A” blasted out over the speakers. Everyone tore into the pavilion to act out each letter but instead of singing “It’s fun to stay at the Y.M.C.A.,” they screamed “Camp Chief Ouray.”
Me thinks this is the letter “C.”
Gotta give them props that it still rhymed.
I thought that was the rousing ending; little did I know I was one step away from being trampled. When the final song “Send me on my way” by Rusted Root blasted out, everyone rushed in my direction. I ducked for cover, bracing my newly-recovered lover-boy son as the entire camp literally flew past us and poured outside. A counselor later explained it is camp tradition to race to the meadow and dance like a hippie when that final song came on.
I don’t know about “hippies” but I do know after catching a glimpse of a camp heaped in over 100 years of tradition in the most iconic of mountain settings, there sure were a lot of very overjoyed, deliriously happy kids who were, indeed, being “sent on their way.”
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In case you missed them:
A Week of Independence: The Johnson Kids Do Utah and Camp
Dancing Queen: Why It’s Good to Be Young and Sweet at Camp Chief Ouray
Protesting the End of Camp Chief Ouray
Hadley’s Camp Chief Ouray Highlights: Kitchen-raiding Mammoth-capturing Fun