Noah “Hikes” The Maroon Bells in Aspen, Colorado

child with down syndrome portrait maroon bells

Hanging out at Maroon Bells!

This summer we took a trip to visit the boys grandparents in Colorado. I have to say, I hit the in-law jackpot when I married my wife. Not only are my in-laws super great, but they live in one of the most beautiful parts of Colorado (just a short drive from Aspen!) The view from their back porch looks like something you might see on the front of a postcard.

It’s breathtaking.

Maroon Bells

The Maroon Bells is located in Aspen, Colorado, is part of the Rocky Mountains, and as I mentioned above, is a short drive from my in-laws house. I’ve been visiting my wife’s family for almost 17 years now and this was the first time I’ve visited the Marron Bells. I don’t know why I haven’t made the trip out here before…that’s seriously my bad.

It was fun watching the boys see such a beautiful site and watch them just play around. I love making memories like this.

grandchildren with their grandpa at maroon bells aspen colorado

The boys and their grandpa!

We went twice; once with the boys and their grandpa, and another time as a family. The title of my post is a bit misleading. Ok, it’s actually not true at all. Not didn’t “hike” up the mountain. We drove our car up the mountain, parked, got out, walked a few feet and ended up at these amazing views. But..he was on a mountain, so… we he basically hiked it! 🙂 (Noah’s also been up a few other mountains in his young life; he took a ski lesson once, and my wife hiked up 7 Falls with him to name a few.)

mom with two children at marron bells aspen colorado

Abbie and our three boys! (She was pregnant with Koen here.)

husband and wife in front of maroon bells aspen colorado

I love her

I’ve said this before, but my wife is seriously a superhero. If you don’t believe me, check out this picture of my pregnant wife chasing our son (who is a runner) in the mountains of Colorado. #SheNeedsACape (And before you leave a comment, yes…I was taking a picture while my pregnant wife chased one of our sons. #HusbandFail)

mom chasing running after child with down syndrome outside

He’s a runner!

family picture at marron bells with goldendoodle

I love this family!

dad with sons at maroon bells aspen colorado

My boys!

maroon bells colorado child with down syndrome-first-hike7

Brothers

maroon bells colorado child with down syndrome first hike

I love the love these two have for one another

Maroon Bells really is an amazing place. If you ever have a chance to go, I’d encourage you to do so! The pictures don’t do it justice.

maroon bells Aspen colorado child with down syndrome first hike

Maroon Bells

If your a new parent of a child with Down syndrome you may wonder if your child will ever do “typical” things. I hope this blog encourages you when you see Noah and his brothers doing normal things that kids do like “hike” up a mountain, play together, and just be boys. I mean it when I say it: our life isn’t sad. I love being Noah’s dad. Having a child with Down syndrome isn’t a sad story. Don’t let yourself, or society, convince you otherwise.

Have you ever been to Maroon Bells, or another mountain with your kids? How did they like it? Leave a comment and let me know.

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About Rick Smith

Hi, I'm Noah's Dad and I'm passionate about giving the world a window into our life as we raise our son who was born with Down syndrome. I also enjoy connecting with other families, so let's stay connected.

Comments

  1. Elaine Browne says

    I volunteered with a charity that helps Downs children and think they are lovely, love to Noah he is so sweet

  2. I absolutely loved this post. It is wonderful. It is so good to see boys being boys! What a blessed family!
    hugs and continued blessings, Jakie

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