Leighton turned 5 a couple of weeks ago. We decided to go on a hike on his actual birthday as a family. We did one for his 1st and 2nd but missed #3 and 4. We had initially planned to go on one of our favorite hikes up in Rocky Mountain National Park, but with the flood last fall the trail was still damaged and closed, so we decided to stay closer to home and go to Chautauqua Park in Boulder and do the 1st and 2nd Flatirons. We thought it would be cool for him to hike something that we can see from our house every day.
We set out early because their was some rain and storms in the forecast. I had Caedmon on my back in the Ergo and he was very happy back there. The trail was steep, I won’t lie, but it was gorgeous.
Leighton was like any other 5 year old, there were times that he got a little whiney but we found ways to keep him entertained and motivated, we told stories, laughed, talked about other things and kept his distracted. He did great. I think he really enjoyed it too.
We at lunch at the top. The top of the trail actually twists arounds and ends up on the back side of the flatiron. We could look out and see for miles and see some snow capped peaks off in the distance.
We started down shortly after finishing out lunch because the clouds looked a little threatening. Again Leighton was a trooper, as steep as it was going up there was now a big decline going down that made everyone a little nervous. With his hand firmly in daddy’s and our constant encouragement he did great and even had a great smile at the end, especially when he could point out how far and high he had gone!
Hiking has been a big part of my life, and Clint and I’s lives pre-kids. It has been so great to get our boys involved and enjoying it too. Yes its harder with kids, and sometimes instead of being mentally tough and pushing through a long hike, I have to go slower, not as far, and start to teach and instill that mental toughness into my boys. The reward is worth it and I look forward to many more hikes as a family together.
Hiking Mommy 