Today was Colorado's Birthday. It was also "We Believe in Colorado Day" to encourage everyone to get out into the outdoors and enjoy everything our state has to offer. In honor of the day I wanted to check out one of my favorite places that was affected by the horrible forest fires that plagued our state last month. First stop was a drive through a neighborhood that was struck hardest by the fire. It was hard to tell where the damage was at first as I drove through streets, a majority of the neighborhood remained untouched. But with the presence of police cars and traffic cones decorating the streets and the smell of burnt material still hanging in the air you knew that massive destruction was nearby. The heavily damaged area was closed to the public for good reason, houses were completely burned to the ground leaving nothing but their concrete foundation. Such disaster sends a powerful message that nature stops for no one.
Just a few miles down the street was my favorite park in Colorado, Garden of the Gods. Thanks to the diligence of our firemen and some strategically placed fire roads the garden was as beautiful as ever untouched by the deadly fires.
Johanna donned her hat and hiking shoes and was ready to check things out.
There was a rock climbing class in session while we were walking around so Johanna got to see first hand people scaling the boulders. Of course she had to give it a try too!
And she's up! She spent a good ten minutes climbing up and down the small rocks.
She also had to bring along her new umbrella for shade.
JJ was enjoying the sights too. He was thinking 'When do I get to get down and climb all over those rocks?!' Next year buddy :)
Johanna is definitely a future hiker, this girl did not want anything to do with her stroller.
Doesn't she look so tiny?
Where's Johanna?
After a busy day of hiking we picked a nice shaded spot for our picnic lunch.
Johanna didn't want to leave the park so we will have to make sure to visit again soon.
We love you beautiful Colorado, Happy 136th Birthday!
What a fun trip! It really does look beautiful! I think the most amazing thing about visiting the burned area is driving by all of those houses with banners on their fences saying, "Thank you firefighters, for saving our house!"
ReplyDeleteThe red rocks are just soooo cool! Love all the cool parks you guys have!
ReplyDeleteSo great to see this park kept safe!
ReplyDeleteJohanna is quite the adventure(er):) She is adorable w/her princess umbrella keeping that hot sun off. i love that she tries all this stuff, but still maintains her "inner" princess!! J.J. looks like his enjoying being outside w/mommy & big sis.
great pics Em
xo's
I know!! But it's Barbie not princess, I know this because she spent about ten minutes chosing between Barbie, princesses, Minnie mouse and tinker bell. It was quite the decision. But Barbie also had cupcakes on the umbrella so that was it.
Deleteohh sorry :) Barbie & cupcakes trump princess!
Deleteshe's a shopper!!