The Great Stupa Trip

For our first weekend together (no work!!) we decided to take a trip to the great Stupa in Fort Collins. It is located at the Shambala Mountain Center where you can go to many Buddhist meditation and yoga retreats....if I had the money and time I would like to go to one.
What is a Stupa you say?
Well this is what I got from the website, "Stupas are said to promote harmony, prosperity, longevity, good health, peace, and freedom from ignorance. They subdue fear, corruption, and pollution, and bring blessings to the environment in which they are built, to those who build them, and to those who visit and venerate them. In this way, they ensure that the living quality of the Buddhist teachings will always be available."
It's a very beautiful place and like all places that people come to contemplate it has a special energy to it.
This place is special to me because two years ago in Oct. we went to see the Stupa for the first time and it was the day I found out I was pregnant with Elliott. I told Taylor at a gas station on our way up. Lauren was also there and we told her later that weekend. When we went up to the Stupa that day it was cold and wet and everything had frozen ice on it and it seemed as though the forest was covered with crystals. As Taylor and I sat staring at the beautiful view, a deer came down from the forest and stood watching everyone and grazing. It was such a peaceful and surreal experience.

This second trip to the Stupa was on a warm summer day. We hiked all around the grounds and Elliott loved running around in the fields. Please note that in the pictures Elliott is wearing 2 different shirt due to a big blow out! Luckly, I always pack an extra onesy.











HERE A A CUTE VIDEO OF THE BOYS PLAYING AT THE STUPA: