“Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever thou hadst formed the earth and the world, even from everlasting to everlasting, thou art God.“
Psalm 90:2
With great anticipation Emmi counted the days! A paper chain hung from our wall and a calendar with tiny “Xs” was scotch-taped to our door. Each morning brought a higher level of excitement and a squeal of delight as she jumped from her bed and ran to tear yet another loop off her perfectly constructed paper chain then mark another day off her calendar! Only on occasion would she become overzealous and mark off 2 days instead of just 1. ;) Finally the last loop was left hanging and there were no more days to mark off. Shivers of delight ran through the her tiny 3.5 foot body and with her backpack in hand it was FINALLY the day she had been ever so patiently waiting for with explosive anticipation! With bags packed, a bus squeaky clean, snacks on board, and a few very sleepy siblings, we were off in the early hours of the morning. Over the Texas hills we went, mile by mile, until snow capped mountains could be seen and “bear crossing” signs were not uncommon. ;) Our destination? Estes Park, Colorado! A trip filled with God’s goodness and such a blessed time with family. Hiking, fishing, moped rides, mountain views, and lots of good food made for a splendid family vacation! We even made a few new friends. Elk tend to be very friendly! ;) As the trip came to an end and we loaded up to head back home, a few of the kiddos got to see snow fall for the first rememberable time. How is that for a perfect end to a great trip?! It was a truly blessed time and I am so thankful for the opportunity to spend it with a dozen of my favorite people. ;) So how about a few photos from our trip?
Estes Park 2016! ✨????????
“God is our refuge and strength,
A very present help in trouble.
Therefore we will not fear,
Even though the earth be removed,
And though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea;
Though its waters roar and be troubled,
Though the mountains shake with its swelling.”
Psalm 46:1-3
P.S. big thanks to Micah, Grace, & Lydia for sharing their iphone photos with me to post! ;)
off with another loop from the paper chain!
There goes another “X” ;)
Y’all, it’s a LOOOONNNGGG drive from South-central Texas to the Mountains of Colorado. 2 days, 1,000 miles, a few dozen rounds of connect the dots, and 2 happy meals later we finally arrived!
Many games of Go-Fish were enjoyed at the cabin! Joel and Emmi made a great team. ;) ♥
A fun afternoon Family hike around Lily Lake was just perfect! Bekah & Emmi LOVED collecting pine cones and golden aspen leaves. When a local duck was spotted, friends were quickly made! ;)
Coffee, Caramel Apples, and candy stores…. Enough said! ;)
Our Lawn Lake Hike is one of my favorite parts of the trip! A 13 mile hike that is worth every step and the exhaustion you will feel afterward! ;) Challenging but the view from the top is breathtaking. This was Nathanael’s first time doing a big hike and he did a fantastic job! Mom also was a wonderful hike-preper! ;)
↑↑ This is what happens when I tell them to smile! ;) ↑↑
Abel’s favorite part by far was fishing! :) He was quite popular with the fish. ;) When not hiking or eating, you could find Nathanael and Abel fishing for hours and hours! Even the little ladies had their fill of fish catching. :)
And there was the “in-between”! Random happenings, moped rides up mountains on frigid days with sisters, standing in line for the world’s best cinnamon roll, making elk friends[as you can see from her photo, Grace became quite attached!! ;], exploring “Hidden Valley”, and even a few haircuts were squeezed in[yep, my dad can cut hair! ;]
“And the heavens shall declare his righteousness: for God is judge himself. Selah.”
Psalm 50:6
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