Rocky Mountain National Park

"Nature heals the weary spirit."

---Stefan Michalak

Once again, these pictures do not do justice to the beauty we were surounded by.  On Sunday we ventured up to Rocky Mountain National Park in Estes Park.  Hands down my favorite day.  It was beautiful and we were all there and we all had so much fun.  Very short naps were taken in the car and we ate at resturants (rare for us) and we hiked and hiked until it was way past time to drive home.  We made it home at around 9:30 our time and you know what....our car was filled with laughter, singing and joking the whole ride home.  Rhonald totally laughed at me because as we oulled into the driveway I told him and the kids how much I loved the day and spending time with them and how proud I was of all of them....he said "the altitude is making mommy lose it!"  Oh the joys of motherhood!  Anyway...the day was fabulous.  The park is unreal.  You can drive through and then park to walk on different trails.  It would take days and days to see the entire thing and one day I hope to.  We played in a beautiful and freezing cold waterfall and climbed on the largest rocks we had ever seen.  We explored in gigantic forest areas and took the most amazing 1/2 mile walk around a lake nestled in the mountains.  We made Lily Kate ride in the back pack most of the time - she is a dare devil and it was too dangerous.  The lake area was pretty tame so we let her out and boy did she go!  She ran/walked the whole 1/2 mile, she climbed with her cousins and brother and she explored.  That girl took full advantage of her freedom and I absolutely loved it.  She laughed harder than I have seen her in so long and it was heart warming.  Rhonald and Mark fished the lake for a little bit...no fish were caught but it was an experience to just be there.  Cole ran and ran after the big boys and tried to do each and everything they did.  We were in God's country - literally, and we were thankful.  Just looking back over the photos I am thankful for what we saw and experienced and with the family we enjoyed it with.  This was out last major outing (by Monday we were so worn out we stayed home and just played in our pj's all day) and I am so glad we went out with a bang!  I am so proud of my brother and the family that he has raised and I am so proud of my own.  We are blessed and we were reminded of that over and over throughout the week.  What wonderful memories to hold in our hearts!