A lift for the soul

I can't begin to describe how wonderful these past 2 days have been for us. The Wehner family were our old neighbors. Keith's job took them away from us and to Fort Collins about a year and a half ago. It was a sad, dark day. Sherry homeschooled all 3 of her kids (who are a bit older than mine) and really took me under her wing when I started. We never thought we'd be able to see them out there but this trip made it happen! From the second we pulled in with an "R7 Parking" sign in front of us to the moment we left with the largest bag of gluten free goodies you've ever seen these people did nothing but serve and love on us. We want to be the Wehner's when we grow up❤

Those mountains coming into view

Before we left for the Wehner's I took this photo. Let it be known that Mr. Trip has spent 90% of his tablet time watching the Rocky series!

What you can't see in this photo is Sherry and Keith with their noses pressed to the windows waiting for us :)

When we arrived we spent at least 2 hours chatting with Sherry and Keith at their kitchen table catching up and laughing until our sides hurt. Their 3 kids took our 5 kids and we didn't hear or see them the entire time. We love this family and when we're with them it feels like home.

For lunch we loaded up the troops and headed to a local river where you can swim or bring rafts and float. Sherry packed a bangarang lunch and we hung out for a bit. We didn't last as long as we hoped because the water was snowmelt cold and I didn't have the boys' water shoes which made the rocks tough on their feet. But we had a great time nonetheless.

Hollis and Jet had fun

Sherry and Keith throwing and catching the little guys

Brooke had a little shadow the entire weekend

Claire is the sweetest!

The river tuckered him out

This sweet lady made a mexican meal for us that was out of this world!

Always a homeschool mom. Inviting those kids right onto her lap to show them new and exciting things.

After dinner we went for a walk in their neighborhood and the sky was amazing. There was a swing that launched the boys quite high. It was a highlight!

The next morning we headed over to the Wehner's for belgian waffles and fruit (yum!). Then we drove to go on a hike that would start us on our journey to Wyoming. What we weren't ready for were the views on the way to the hike. Absolutely breathtaking!

Can we all take a minute and thank the Lord for tablets!

The hike was just what we needed. Time together and amazing views of creation. It was perfect!

All the kids!

A nest from a paper wasp

A very kind lady let us pet her horse, Bubbles

This weekend was a real treat for us! After the hike Sherry and Keith set up their camping grills and had a lunch of hotdogs and mac n' cheese. They sent us off on our way to Wyoming with full bellies and full hearts. What a blessing. We'll never forget it!

A blast from the past

Paul was a groomsmen in our wedding and one of JT's best friends in college. It just so happens Paul's parents live right along the route we were travelling. JT was always fond of Doug and Nancy. We offered to meet at a park but they immediately said we were bringing the boys to their house for dinner and they weren't taking no for an answer. It's rare to find such an invitation with so many kids. I'll tell you these 2 handled our chaos like champs. They were so welcoming and accommodating. The boys loved the zipline in the back and played with every toy instrument they could find. This family is a special one and I'm so glad we got to hang out with them for an evening. Thanks Doug and Nancy!