In the past I have always ran on sidewalks, roads or the treadmill. But our new neighborhood sits right on the Ridgeline Trail. I just couldn’t think about concrete when I could be up on that foothill looking at all of beautiful Colorado. So I did it! I set out for my first trail run. I planned to walk out a mile and then see what I could do to get home. I may have jogged for a second on the way out. But that was it — one second

It was beautiful! The Rocky Mountains were to my right.

And the Red Hawk Ridge Golf Course was to my left.

I decided not to wear my headset. I figured it IS a warm rocky path in Colorado…

and there very well could be snakes and/or other wildlife. The only thing that got me was nearly 1,000 grasshoppers. They were everywhere!! And let me tell you – the hum of grasshoppers can make you listen really hard for rattlesnakes. There were a few places that I heard a rustle behind me as I ran, but I did not look back. I just kept moving forward. It was pretty windy up there and very sunny. I felt like the path was plenty wide for running. It may have been a tight squeeze in some places if I had passed a mountain biker or another runner.

So did I mention it was beautiful. Not only the views but the places where my feet were hitting the ground. How on earth does something so beautiful pop up in the middle of no where with no water?? No idea! But I took a picture!

Then there was the concerning and not so beautiful. I know deer. I know rabbit. I know bison. I don’t know this.

Just keep running! Just keep running!! I did manage to run quite a bit more on the way home. My pace ranged from 17:00 to 10:24. The 10:24 is pretty good for me even on a treadmill. So that number made me pretty happy. I ended up going out a mile and back a mile. My breathing was better than I had ever expected. Yes. Yes I was breathing hard. But I still felt like I could get air. When we first moved here I felt like my lungs were on fire when I tried to walk this trail. (It is at about 6,600 feet.) But today I just felt out of shape. I never felt like I couldn’t get the air I needed.

It was a beautiful outing. I hope to be able to say “it was a beautiful run” in a few weeks.

We believe this one may have been from the bell.

This is a combo of playground and scooter wreck (in our driveway).

But this is the scary one.  The other day, she found a patch of water (on our patio) and wiped out. It could have easily been her head. It could have easily been stitches and a trip to the ER.

She’s 4. She wears a helmet because I require it. It is a good habit. I wear a helmet. My husband wears a helmet. And our kids wear helmets. Be safe friends.

First we went to Hannah’s classroom where the girls had fun with a bean bag toss. Abby kept hitting the hole in the back of the chair!! Once they hit a hole on the board they got to pick a sticker.

Then we went to decorate eggs next door in the art room.

Next it was time for the cake walk! Hannah won the very first time.

Next we went to get some face paint.

(Back at the cake walk) Abby said she was going to play until she won. And win she did!!

I decorated a cake to contribute to the fun! One of Hannah’s classmates won it! So exciting!!

And the big finale was the Easter egg hunt. They had several different hunts and divided the kids by age. The girls had a blast.

Hannah grabbed a picture with Ms. Jean before we left. Such a fun morning!!

You are a blessing to me, Daddy and Abby and the entire family. You give us the biggest hugs and most precious smiles. You are one tough little girl! Climbing and jumping and balancing!! It takes quite a bit of blood before you even wince. You have grown so much this year!! We moved to Colorado this past October. You were just terrified of school — and now you are upset when you don’t get to see Mrs. Kim. You are learning to ski and you have mastered the 2 wheel scooter. You love to change your clothes 14 times a day. And 12 of those outfits usually involve a skirt.

We usually grab an ice cream cake on our actual birthdays — then we get bigger cakes for our party. This year we picked out a Baskin Robins white cake with chocolate pb ice cream. Purple is one of your favorite colors and they just happened to have one!

Ah! I caught that smile! So beautiful!

Proud of your accomplishment! I think you did it it two puffs!

It was REALLY good. No fork necessary I suppose

Present time! We got you a marble race.

This is an ironing board with an iron that makes real sounds from Gma and Gpa Feger.

And here is your Mermaid LalaLoopsy!!

Gma and Gpa McCrary wanted to Skype. I stacked your presents from them up so they could watch you open them!

A Happy Birthday sign.

And four candles to blow out! Blow Hannah BLOW!!!!

You did it!!! All the way from Colorado!

Your very own star light for your bedroom!

And a Barbie with puppies!!! So exciting!

We finally got you calmed down from all the excitement and sugar. Once we got upstairs we got your new loopsy in her new pjs.

And you wanted to try out your new pjs too! It was a three piece set. You choose to do all three at once

We love you Hannahbelle! Happy 4th Birthday!

She helped me wrap the box. Then we built the shiny lure inside.

Next she placed the stickers exactly where they needed to be.

And finally a completed trap! She was so proud!

When I got back we all took a quick walk. It has been storming a lot in the mountains and they have been a little foggy or overcast lately. They were crystal clear today! So beautiful!

She’s a runner!

Hannah and Jamey

Loves her Daddy!

And some Mommy time too!

Sleeping Indian/Giant

Just a BEAUTIFUL day!

Happy Hannah!