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Today our adventures led us to Castle rock, CO. We hiked the rock and then did some outdoor ice skating at the Rink at the rock. The Castle rock proved to be a perfect hike for the kid's skill level. We also saw tons of bunnies and a few trains, keeping the kids entertained. The views of Pikes peak kept me going. The mountains out towards Denver proved too far to photograph (at least with my camera:).  Overall, good views throughout the hike and especially from the top of the rock, where there are benches and a picnic area from which to enjoy them. Tristan enjoyed his second Ice Skating experience, while Anastasia fussed a bit. I think the combination of a long hike (she hiked most of it) and the fact that it was getting towards naptime ruined it for her. Overall we had fun. The rink had such a cool vibe and the midday croud consisted of families of elementary aged and younger kids. I loved the location of the rink also, sandwhiched right downtown nex...

This morning, the kids and I kept up the Pickering family Tradition of making Sticky Buns! I'm sure ours aren't up to Mom-mom's caliber, but they turned out great! Mom-mom's recipe is a bit of a secret, ours are close! We are excited about having them with Shirred Eggs tomorrow for Christmas Brunch! Jason kept up the old tradition of saving some shopping until today and he ran out to get some hours at work, and at the Target while me and the kiddo's baked. After lunch we decided to start our own tradition, we took the kids Ice Skating. It was their first time on the ice and they both did very well! Jason and I haven't been ice skating in years either, it was really fun! Anastasia's little size 6 ice skates were the sweetest thing I've ever seen! Worth the price of admission!!

Christmas weekend! Everyone is getting excited and gifts are all bought, wrapped, and distributed. We decided to visit the Garden of the Gods this morning for a little walk. It was stellar! Colorado Springs is so beautiful in the fall/winter. We saw some blue birds, and a bunny rabbit. Pikes peak glistened in the sunshine. The kids had some fun and then we came home and had lunch. During lunch, our neighbor came by and informed us that Santa is in the neighborhood. We all piled out to see Santa riding through the neighborhood on a firetruck. So cool! The kids loved it. Merry Christmas! Ho Ho Ho! Thank you to our Colorado Springs Firefighters. You guys are awesome!

This past Friday night I attended the ladies' tea at my church. The founder of Restore Innocence spoke and we all brought stocking stuffers for her girl's Christmas Party. Before that evening, the most I knew about Restore Innocence is that they sell merchandise in the Focus on the Family book store. All of their merchandise has a black bow on it (to be explained), so it stands out. Anyway, Michelle spoke to us about how she began Restore Innocecne in 2010 to help victims of human trafficking in America. She wore a black bow in her hair at her first anti-trafficking walk and others wanted one, that gave her the inspiration to put one on all of her fairly traded merchandise. The black bow represents the evil that surrounds these girls' situation and yet the innocence that they should have. There are an estimated 100,000-300,000 victims in America, and there are very few ways for them to get out and get help once they are out. Restore Innocence works with the FBI to provide...

This afternoon, I swung through Starbucks drive-thru. I have a few dollars left on my card and I've been saving it. Excited for my treat, I drove up to pay only to hear that the woman ahead of me paid for my latte and wished me a Merry Christmas! I was shocked for a minute; not sure what to say. Finally, I asked if anyone was behind me and they said, "No". So, I wished the barista a Merry Christmas and I'm still enjoying my latte praying that the woman in front of me has a very blessed holiday. This incident reminded me of the reason for the season and an on-going conversation I have been having about living out Christ in our daily lives. I believe that Christian individuals can make a difference in our country and in our world. It can be as simple as making friends with your neighbors (you know, the ones with the really annoying dog:) or letting the flustered shopper in-line behind you at Wal-mart cut in front, or bringing cookies for your fellow students at the sta...

One way that I love preparing for Christmas day is by reading verses everyday from the Advent Calendar, and getting a piece of candy every day! Last year, I made my own and the verses I use are from teachingmom.com ( http://www.teachingmom.com/features/advent.html ). They are prophecies and verses about the life of Jesus and also many verses are about John the Baptist. I find it so encouraging to read the prophecies and I have learned so many attributes of God and descriptions of Jesus, beyond his human characteristics. I hope that you are keeping Christ the center of your holiday this year. Amid all the hurry to get gifts wrapped, baking done, remember something for the Sunday School teachers, and the neighbors, it is nice to remind myself and the children every morning that Jesus is the reason for the season.

Saddness reigns in our country this weekend. My heart is broken. Yesterday morning as I did my Bible study before a prayer vigil at our church, my heart was heavy. The devotional in Jesus Calling, by Sarah Young spoke of hope. Hope! A looking forward to Heaven and a future with God that is made possible by faith in Jesus Christ. It's a hope that only the Holy Spirit can give and it endures hardship and adversity. I pray that for those mourning this weekend. Later yesterday morning, I read the verse in our advent calendar with the kids. Isaiah 60: 18-22 "Violence shall no more be heard in thy land, wasting nor destruction within thy borders; but thou shalt call thy walls salvation, and thy gates Praise. ...Thy sun shall no more go down; neither thy moon withdraw itself: for the Lord shall be thine everslasting light, and the days of thy mourning shall be ended...A little one shall become a thousand, and a small one a strong nation: I the Lord will hasten it in his time." (...

We got to enjoy the snow Monday morning. Jason stayed home half the day and as the morning sun warmed our back yard we headed out for some fun. Anastasia seemed to like it as well as Tristan and that is really exciting, since last year she hated the cold and snow. Hopefully we'll get some more soon!

Yesterday, we decided to hike seven bridges trail knowing snow was on its way. We got to two of the seven bridges before the cold got the best of us. It was still beautiful to get out for a few hours with the family. Today, we were not dissappointed! Snow!

Yesterday, while following a treasure map (one we stole from pirates:) the kids and I discovered a fallen bird nest under our deck. I got pretty excited about it and that excitement caught on until Tristan picked up the nest and decided it was "yucky". Then we resumed our treasure hunt.

today on our walk around the neighborhood we saw a large mule deer buck running down the road. why don't I carry my camera with me on my daily walks? it was so cool!