Five Going on Fifteen

Two weekends ago we took an adventure up to Pike's Peak. Well, almost. The first scenic outlook we came to was probably the most fun for the kids as they weren't bulked up in their complete snow gear just yet. 

I had dropped my camera a few days prior so as I was taking these photos, I was literally holding the guts of my lens in place. At least until it just decided to die.

Yep, right up there on that mountain my 50mm lens breathed it's last breath. 

I was thankful to get a few shots of our teenage son, I mean, five year old. He looked so grown up in his mountain man duck boots and new coat. Something about those long legs that keep getting longer and his 'I'm gonna climb this whole mountain' demeanor. 

As I mentioned in the last post, I've been slowly thrifting snow gear for the family but we weren't decked out it most of it. Brett has Army issued stuff that he's wearing above. I think he'd get lost in a snow storm if his hat came off, though. Most of what we've got doesn't match but since they'll be a little bigger next winter, I didn't mind. 


When Polarn O. Pyret contacted me to see if I'd like to review one of their shell jackets I was pretty excited. Not only did I get to pick out something I liked for Sebastian, it got here just in time for our trip. I made him put it on before we left home and he sure was glad after two minutes out in that wind at the scenic lookout. Once we got out at the reservoir I added the matching snow pants and layered a hooded sweater under the shell jacket as well as his hat and gloves and he stayed toasty warm while we ventured out to the edge of the frozen water. 

What I love about this jacket is that it's not only going to see him through next winter's weather, it works well for chilly spring mornings right now. Since it's water proof I won't have to worry about him getting soaked to the bone or missing any chance to play in the mud afterwards.

I appreciate a bargain at the thrifts but I also appreciate a high quality piece of clothing that does it's job while looking great. In fact, I already have my eye on this one for Ruby for next year. I also appreciate getting to do reviews on product for companies I can get behind and share with you as a reader. You can always trust that I'd never share something that doesn't fit the aesthetic of Smile and Wave and I do hope reviews like this one can be helpful for anyone searching for a similar product! 

I've already had a request put in from Ruby to go back up the mountain. Looks like another weekend trip is on the horizon. I grew up near Yosemite in Central California so I'm used to seeing the mountains to my East. It's funny being on the other side of another range and getting used to that being the West. Either way, I'm thankful we have the chance to let our kids enjoy them for awhile.

Do you have any mountains you call home?

-Rachel