St. Mary's Glacier 7/27

Saturday afternoon we hiked St. Mary's Glacier with our Care Group at church! It is a "must do again" hike! We had attempted this same hike back in April when Annsley was here and it was covered in snow. We couldn't even see the trail head. Grateful our 2nd attempt was successful. Colorado really is a beautiful place of adventure for our family! And, to all those people who love to come when we are buried in snow, please come in the summer some time. There is so much more to our state than skiing.

Our CG leader allowed Carter to drink from his CamelBak. Obviously not a germ a phobe!

Part of our CG

Look how handsome he is!

Glacier in the background

Mount Falcon

Today we went to Mount Falcon for the 2nd time with some friends from church. The weather was questionable, but the Lord kindly kept the rain away until the very end.

"The story of Mount Falcon is largely the story of John Walker, who once owned 4,000 acres of land. During the early 1900's Walker lived in an elaborate stone house on Mount Falcon. Walker's home burnt in 1918, and all that remains of this once splendid edifice are the massive stone walls and numerous fireplaces of this unique mountain castle."

I didn't take any pics of the remains today, but you can see them on my Jan 19th post.

"Walker planned the construction of a summer home for Presidents of the United States, which was to have been located on a ridge to the east of his home. The construction of the Summer White House never proceeded beyond the laying of the foundation. American involvement in World War I, combined with a waning of Walker's good fortunes, brought an end to this project."

Look closely and you can see Denver in the background

Storm rolling in!

Red Rocks in the distance!

Make a wish!

Quiet. Very quiet. Time for reflection.

I just dropped my Dad and Cindy off at DIA and returned home. This is the first time in a month I have not been surrounded by family. I've been sitting alone on our couch since 6:30am. It kind of feels like my first day in Colorado 371 days ago. Reality will hit hard today, but it will be good.

God has been so kind to me this past year. There has been many unexpected challenges (maybe calling them "opportunities to trust God" would be more appropriate) and many hard adjustments, but I don't doubt or question God at all. I know this is where He wants us to be. He confirms that truth frequently. Our dependence on God has grown, our love for Him has grown, and our faith has been strengthened significantly.

While home, I was able to see many people I hold dear and always will. Friendships that have been built over many, many years. Friends that know me best and still love me! I miss those people. And, of course, I miss my family terribly. But, you know what? While in FL, I found myself missing new friendships here in CO. That is God! In just a short year, He has brought many people into my life that I enjoy and I've become eager to "build" here! Our church family, particularly, has excelled in caring for us, encouraging us, and investing in us. We feel so loved by this body and are excited about the opportunity God's given to serve alongside them.

I really failed in the picture taking while on vacation. Poop. Here are a few I took and some that other people took. It was refreshing to be home for a bit. Family Reunion Days at the lake, Beach Days, BBQ Days, Boat Days, just hanging out with Friends and Family Days - all terrific days! Looking forward to next time, but until then, I will thoroughly enjoy no humidity, no bugs or lizards, beautiful mountains, cool mornings and evenings..... And, I will continue to trust that His plans for us here are much bigger than I can ever imagine.




REUNION

FOURTH

BOATING

SWIMMING

BEACH

RIDE HOME

I am so thankful that Dad and Cindy could drive me home. Dad drove the entire way never allowing us women to drive! Approx 28 hrs in 2 days! He even had the very swollen legs to prove it! He was a rockstar - a pretty patient rockstar I might add! It definitely wasn't a quiet ride! But, Dad and Cindy can now say they know the words to every children's song ever written.

Cindy did a great job photographing our journey. Here a few of my fav's.

The perks of having boys!

Hilarious! This family dove up to the Cracker Barrel in their tractor equipped with a wooden platform to hold the child carrier. They were Amish Mennonite I do believe.

Can't leave out the St. Louis Gateway Arch! Amazing every time!

Here are some from the few days Dad and Cindy were here.

I better run.... literally! A month vacation is showing!