Vacations aren't always easy. Our camping trip was no exception. Along with the laughter & fun there are still the normal family disagreements & bickering kids. There are still times when you just need a second to be alone & times when you truly enjoy being together. There are ups & downs but it's not like a National Lampoons Vacation-type situation or anything. I know it's not always relaxing but no matter the difficulties I would do it over & over again for the memories.
Recently, I have been struck with the realization that life is ever changing & that nothing remains constant. As they grow up the time we have with the kids seems fleeting. It's not that I don't think the kids will ever come back once they leave home to go to college. It's just the knowledge that things won't be the same. If I'm not careful I can let those thoughts take over & prematurely start mourning the present even though it's not yet gone. It's literally robbing me of something that is right in front of me - a thief of joy. Even as we were enjoying the trip it occurred to me how much I loved camping when I was a kid & how I don't remember what ended up being the last time we all went camping together.
All that to say - it's been just over two weeks since we got home from our camping trip & I'm already ready for another vacation. I thrive on routine which means that the structure of every day life is appealing to me. But there are times when a retreat from the grind is a welcome change.
It helped to relive the last day of our trip.
First, what it looks like when you're twinning with your sibling. They were thrilled about it, in case you couldn't tell...
First, what it looks like when you're twinning with your sibling. They were thrilled about it, in case you couldn't tell...
We headed out that day for a hike on the Van Sickle Rim Trail which overlooks the lake & turns out it is directly below the gondola that we took from Northstar last year...
It was a pretty steep incline but well worth the climb...
The winter rains provided a picturesque waterfall halfway up the trail...
We continued our hike & saw gorgeous views...
and ended up right under the gondola we took last year...
Some Lion King posing...
"Yeeting" of bags off the cliff...
And lastly, a stop at the state line...
1 comment:
WOW!! Those are some beautiful photos and the views look fantastic! Did you all go paddleboarding? I saw a photo on the previous post with Ashlyn and Olivia in a boat and it looks like Landon is on a paddleboard. Love the Lion King pose, the ones of you and Chris, all three kids and there is one of all three where Ashlyn looks gorgeous. Also, the bacon - yum!
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