If there are two things Hadley loves in this world, they are art and the outdoors. Combine the two and that girl of mine is in her element.
In November, she joined all the sixth graders from her school to attend Outdoor Lab, the longest continually running outdoor education program in the western United States with two locations: Windy Peak and Mount Evans. For five days, she was immersed in an outdoor academic setting while learning about herself and how she fits into the world around her.
We thought that was the end of it until we were notified that her art teacher Mrs. Counterman nominated her to attend Outdoor Lab’s High Achieving Week during summer break. It’s an honor to be nominated in any subject–from astronomy to art to wildlife forensics–and only the best and brightest attend from our entire county. I really wanted to do it but with the uncertainty with our move and finances, I didn’t think we could swing it so was grateful when Jamie’s mom offered to send her.
Unbeknownst to us, Hadley’s two very best friends at school, Alex and Ellie, had also been nominated for the art program at Mount Evans. Talk about serendipity!
Their week went something like this:
Mandala
As we were leaving, there was a prominent ranch gate displayed with this quote from John Muir:
Climb the mountains and get their good tidings. Nature’s peace will flow into you as sunshine flows into trees. The winds will blow their own freshness into you, and the storms their energy, while cares will drop off like autumn leaves.
We couldn’t agree with him more.
I'm a Canadian-born mom of two, former Denver Post columnist, family travel writer, editor of MileHighMamas.com and 9News contributor. Expert on all things Utah, Denver, family and travel. Lover of laughter and life. Happily married to a man obsessed with growing The Great Pumpkin. 