The day after Thanksgiving we woke up to six deer in in our backyard. They must have talked to the Turkey's prior to Thanksgiving and then decided it was free and clear to come out on Black Friday.
Speaking of Black Friday, we didn't get anywhere near the stores. In years past, it sounded like a festive way to kick off the shopping season, but I have finally come to the conclusion that it's not as much fun as it sounds when it takes longer to move through the parking lot than I really desire. However, we did do plenty of online shopping and took full advantage of free shipping.
Back to the deer in the backyard.
What a treat to wake up to this view from Kellan's room.
This guy spent much of his time on guard.
We have heard from neighbors that one winter when this house was empty (remember, it was bank owned for a few years) the deer made our backyard their home base. I don't think we want to recreate that, but it's fun having them stop by for a visit now and then.
When we got downstairs, the boys opened the back door and the deer didn't really seem to care. They just looked at us, so I took a picture.
The deer spent over an hour in our backyard and we eventually lost interest in watching them until they jumped the fence to leave. The kids thought that was quite exciting.
After breakfast, we opted to hike to the top of North Table Mountain for burn off some Turkey dinner. We loaded Kellan up in the Ergo and hoped he would ride for much of the way up the 600 ft incline. He made it about 10 minutes.
We're off!
As we started to hike up, Oliver took a hand for added support on a steep and slippery spot.
Kellan opted for a ride on Dada's shoulders instead. I suppose the view probably is a bit better up here but poor Dada's shoulders.
Much of the hike up is a road sized trail so that the utility workers can get to the top. It's a nice hike for the whole family and we often see people riding their horses up there as well.
Kellan eventually wanted to be carried on Keith's front side so we slid the Ergo under him. Kellan has never been a fan of being in a carrier, but he didn't seem to mind this time. Keith has never been a fan of it either, but he did say that it was much easier with Kellan's weight on his hips instead of in his arms.
Feel free to tease Keith next time you see him, but don't tease him too much or he'll never use this contraption again. Don't worry, the ergo is good for up to 40 lbs and I recently had Oliver in it on my back. He's about 40 lbs... maybe 41 on a heavy day. Kellan rings in just shy of 30 lbs so we've got some time left with him.
Kellan decided that it wasn't a bad way to ride and Dada was good at blocking the wind.
Once we finally made it to the top we took a snack break on this rock.
We also attempted a family photo.
We spent some time at the top exploring. It was a chilly but beautiful day.
These two had a great time goofing around.
Kellan is like Oliver's mini-me. Sometimes we use this to our advantage. Often times we have to remind Oliver that his little brother will do and say everything he does and says. This is usually followed with directions to stop doing what he's doing or saying because we don't want it mimicked. Life is hard as the oldest child (and the youngest child... and every child in between if you're one of them like Keith and I)
Without a doubt, these two are each other favorite people.
Mommy and Daddy self portrait.
Ahhhh!!!
Kellan was in search of ants and bugs.
We thought it would be too cold for them, but we eventually found and ant hill that sent a few soldiers out to defend the fort.
At the top of the mountain/hill are these big power lines. The artistic side of me wishes they weren't there so that I could take a scenic photo. The practical side to me is glad that they are there so that we have power to our house and community.
The view of downtown Denver with power lines across the skyline.
Finally, we decided to head back down. Lunch and nap time was approaching.
The view to the North of North Table Mountain.
There are two Table Mountains that surround Golden (and the brewery). Ironically, they are labeled South and North.
This photo is to give perspective to the mountain (hill) that we climb up. Like usual, the photo doesn't do it justice. We feel fortunate that we have this gem in our backyard and we enjoy hiking up it as much as possible for a convenient outing.
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