Snow Day!

We've had three snows so far this year, and Samuel has been very excited each time.  This time, however, it was enough for a Snow Day, so he got to stay home and enjoy it!  It was still snowing and very windy when we got up this morning (at 5:15am when we got the no-school call) but this afternoon the sun came out, and it's a beautiful blue-sky day.

Playing in the back yard.  We discussed that it was ok to eat the snow, as long as it was not yellow, haha.

Justin and Samuel on the trampoline.

 A snow-covered swingset is the best kind.

The beginning of Justin's snowman.

Snow angels.

Justin's finished snowman.

My pretty snow girl.

Jack and Sam.

 After lunch we went up to the school yard a couple of blocks from our house for some sledding.

And snow eating.

I tried to get a shot of the snow-covered mountains beyond our neighborhood.  It's not the best, but you get the idea.  :)

Echo Lake - Fall Break

A couple of weeks ago the kids were off school for a few days for Fall Break.  We took the opportunity to go to Idaho Springs and Echo Lake.  It is a beautiful drive from Denver to the mountains.

This gold mind is in Idaho Springs.  
I always think it's cool, but never take it's picture!

And this waterfall is also in Idaho Springs. 
 I almost always take it's picture!  
This time it was decked out in fall colors.

We ate lunch at Beau Joe's, as usual.  Yummy!

The rest of the pictures are of Echo Lake and the scenery around it, including the hiking path.  

We are so blessed to live in such a beautiful place.
(And there might be a few pictures of us in there, too!)