{12/52}

"a portrait of my daughter, once a week, every week, in 2014."

Everdeen Kate: Rocks and dirt are your new favorite toys :) 

 Linking up with Jodi :)

a beautiful spring came

Today was the loveliest and warmest day...the perfect way to welcome spring.  Margaret Atwood said once that at the end of a spring day you should smell like dirt. Today we accomplished that.  Everdeen sat and played and played in the dirt while I basked in the warm sunshine. It was wonderful. 

Everdeen's Headband: Vindi Baby

a spring vacation

We were so lucky to be able to spend a few days in Estes Park with my family...the perfect start to my Spring Break!  It was a bit chilly, windy, and snowy, but that gave us many excuses to sit by the fire and do absolutely nothing :)  We are still searching for signs of Spring here in Colorado. A few blades of green grass, a few moments of warm sunshine, birds chirping.  Each day brings us closer and closer to a time of rebirth and rejuvenation. When we can fill our spirits with the newness that this next season brings.

The drive to Estes was sobering to say the least.  When our mighty rivers flooded last September it devastated so many towns and cities. It truly looked like a war zone.  Debris wrapped around trees by the massive force of the river, houses ripped from the sides of mountains, entire roads washed away...it was surreal and a reminder that the work to be done for those affected has only just begun.  

The only part of this house left are a few window frames...

We decided to not make any plans and just see where the days would take us. Just staring at the grandeur of the mountains around us is enough entertainment and can ground the spirit and remind us of what is really important. I think I really needed that...time to clear my head and not think. I had had a terrible day at school last week...a parent literally yelling at me over spelling words. Spelling words...seriously. Don't you just want to shake people and yell "Stop! Look at this beautiful world we live in...stop wasting it being angry over trivial things and just be grateful."   We drove a few minutes outside of Estes Park to the YMCA.  Maybe it was fitting that we spent a few days in a place whose mission is to experience the peace, majesty, and spirit of the Rocky Mountains. 

We walked around the grounds of the camp and checked out the swimming pool.  Everdeen stated excitedly over and over, "Bath! Bath!" and threw a massive toddler tantrum that forced us to run and put on our swimsuits as fast as humanly possible to appease her love of giant baths. 

We found the perfect marshmallow roasting sticks and headed inside to have grandpa light the fire.

Then we snuggled in for the night under the full moon and howling wind through the pine trees.  

The next morning we woke up late and decided to spend the morning walking around town. The little shops are filled with unique mountain attire and there are probably five old fashioned candy and ice cream shops along the main street...which would have been perfect on a breezy summers day. Instead we opted for warm coffee in a little shop inside the old church.  The sidewalks felt a bit empty and quiet compared to when we've been here during the summer.  Usually the streets are packed with tourists from all over the world.  But we seemed to have the whole town to ourselves.

We picked out a beautiful poncho from a Nepalese store for Everdeen along with a bright happy dream catcher.  I secretly wanted to have our Old West portraits taken, but that would have taken some serious convincing for my dear husband. 

We spent the rest of the afternoon napping. It felt so good to be able to take a nap on a Monday afternoon next to my sweet baby girl.

 Soon the snow began to fall lightly again. Storms move in and out so quickly at such high elevations. We watched a herd of deer grazing up the hillside.  Their ears perked high every time Everdeen banged on the window with excitement. 

We headed home today in a light dusting of snow.  Martin took the scenic route home through Glen Haven which makes me squeal with fear every time he drives down the hairpin turns. For being a native Coloradoan I could really do without the mountain driving. I will secretly admit though, that it was an extra beautiful way home. Another reminder of what an incredible place we live in.

{11/52}

"a portrait of my daughter, once a week, every week, in 2014."

Everdeen Kate: Wondering who that sweet little girl is looking back at you  

 Linking up with Jodi :)

{10/52}

"a portrait of my daughter, once a week, every week, in 2014."

Everdeen Kate: You walked your baby around the whole neighborhood waving and saying hi to the dogs passing us by. You looked just like a little lady :)

 Linking up with Jodi :)