Good Views

This was a pretty momentous first day of school - Hamp's last year of high school, and Sam's first year of high school.

I have always tried to be conscientious of enjoying every moment raising my boys - as parents we hear all too often that "it goes by fast" and I don't want to miss it or wish it away. So I suppose my view is that they are ready for the next adventure - whether it be Hamp applying, preparing and deciding for his future after graduation or Sam blossoming into an academic and student leader and loving all that high school has to offer. I know they will have a great year!

Not only have I tried to keep a positive mental view on the end of summer, but I think I've done a decent job of maintaining a nice physical view. In the last two weeks I have been able to go bike riding to the wine & cheese patio, paddle around Trapper's Lake, try all the flavors at the new brewery, and watch the sunset while kayaking around the lake.

Here's to keeping up the good views...

super summer adventures

Hamp finally got to travel this summer for his Ecology Project International trip to the Galapagos Islands! We had been planning and fundraising for two years for this trip and apparently it was worth the wait. After two weeks of no communication, I was thrilled to hear Hamp talk my ear off all the way home from the airport... he told me about all the wildlife and the biology lessons and the teachers and the culture. His favorite part was snorkeling with sharks and rays and sea lions and he wished he could've stayed forever! (I am glad he didn't!!!)

a typical day in the classroom:

Meanwhile, Sam applied to be a member of the Rocky Mountain Youth Corps for two weeks where he camped overnight and worked on trails in the National Forest. He was lucky enough to be assigned the Rocky Mountain National Park and even though the work was tough, the camaraderie and the experience to camp in the National Park was amazing!

Then I was left at home to figure out my own kind of adventure: a new job! 

Not the summer I would've guessed... instead of exploring the lakes and mountains in my backyard, I am exploring my personal ability to learn and manage a whole new career path.

I believe all 3 of us have grown a lot this summer!