Ah, we love hiking! Before we came here I thought the boys would be the outdoorsy type but I didn't really know until I saw them come alive out here. I can give them toys all day long inside but nothing captures their spirits like the outdoors.
This was the first hike we took as family. It's called Potato Hill and was supposed to be an easy hike as we figured we would start small. The problem is when Trip sees 2 paths, one leading the easy way around and one leading straight up the mountain that kid will use every ounce of will power to get the family up the mountain. Before we knew it 5 boys were all chanting "up the mountain" to convince us of the more challenging path. As a couple who loves adventure JT and I were all in. Up we went!
Notice the personal water cup that Pace is holding... drinking from the backpack is waaay cooler.
A note about Cruze. If he's nervous he'll take any and all advice you have. I love that strength about him. He's not too prideful to try your way. This hill doesn't look big in the photo but it was quite steep to go down. Not to mention we didn't have good shoes at the time. So he asked how to get down. JT told him to put his arms out and walk baby steps. He did it!
This was also what we thought was going to be an easy hike. Turns out we chose the path to go to a suspension bridge which has drop-offs that made me quite anxious. But the adventure was amazing!
The views are absolutely stunning out here. Worth every step.
We did this hike yesterday. It's called Donut Falls. The path was quite crowded. When we got to the falls we realized why. You get to walk all through the river and then if you're able you can climb the falls and sit in a cave that is shaped like a donut with water coming through the center. Pace and I hung out at the bottom throwing rocks while the older 4 and Daddy scaled the falls.
This is JT's view looking down at Pace and I from about half way up the falls. We are on a log about a third of the way from the top of the picture. The next picture zooms in so you can see us...
I have been reminded of my roots during this trip. My soul feels free when I'm here. I take one look at the mountains and it's like the burdens of this world fall away. That's one reason I've always liked to run. The second I begin my cadence I enter into a different world. One where it's just me and my creator. Me and Jesus. Here, I don't have to be on a run and I don't even have to be alone. I see our 5 boys hiking through creation and am reminded over and over of God's faithfulness. That even the rising and setting of the sun is proof that he's there. If you ask my parents and my brothers I was never really made for make-up and dresses. While all the other girls were figuring out how to look better I was wearing my umbros and playing board games. I was getting dirty, playing sports, and laughing until my sides hurt. I'm thankful for this experience. I'm thankful God has afforded me an entire family adventure centered around an activity that draws me closer to Him. But it also reminds me that I should be searching for Christ even in the activities that don't feel so good. While breaking apart fights (again), cleaning the floors (again) and folding laundry (again), Jesus is there. So here's to enjoying those things that God wired in us to feel close to Him but also searching for Him in the mundane.
