One of the fantastic things I’ve loved about living in Skyline Estates is the network of trails that run from our backyard down to Stenger Soccer Complex along Van Bibber Creek all the way to Van Bibber Open Space. I’ve spent hundreds of hours walking, running, biking and roller-blading the 1.5-mile trail and dirt paths through this wetlands habitat for waterfowl, amphibians and insects.
And young boys on a Friday night.
A few weeks ago, Bode’s besties Nicky and his brother Vinnie were hanging out at our house. Our plan was to bike to the 7-Eleven a few miles away but along the way, Bode suggested we stop in one of our favorite haunts in Van Bibber. The boys were game.
Now, something you should know about these boys: their parents run three of our town’s most successful pizza joints but they’re not really outdoorsy. Bode’s friendship with them involves hanging out around the neighborhood, playing video games, having killer lemonade stands and biking.
“This is the farthest I’ve ever been on my bike,” Vinnie observed when we were about a mile from his house. That kid was in for an adventure. When we arrived at our secret spot, we hopped off our bikes and Bode and Vinnie immediately jumped into the creek and it was so rewarding to see Vinnie come alive like I’ve never seen him before. “This is so much better than 7-Eleven! Let’s stay here!” And stay there we did.
It was the best boy’s night ever as we climbed trees, jumped streams, played with sticks, found a decomposing animal and explored to our heart’s content. And not to be forgotten: Snips and snails and puppy-dogs’ tails.
It’s what little boys are made of.
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. 