Sweet times with friends

 On our way home from Colorado, we stopped in Eddyville, KY to spend time with one of our best friends - Kyle & Emily and their three kids. They serve long-term overseas as missionaries and are home for a 6 month furlough.
We hadn't seen them in 3 years, and we never met Aubrey, their youngest. (Aubrey and Lilia are riding the car pictured right.)
Kyle's parents retired and bought a beautiful lake house that sleeps plenty. We stayed with them for 2 days then drove home Wednesday evening.

 The guys headed out into the woods to shoot some cans with Kyle's dad's gun collection.

 This is Sydney and Lilia. Sydney is 7 months older than Lilia, but they have known each other since they were less than one year old. They connected immediately. Lilia taught Sydney about "BFF's."
I overheard Sydney ask Lilia, "How do you spell best friend?"
Lilia said, "BFF."

Silly boys

 Alex and Stephen are only 5 months apart and were so similar. They both had a stuffed animal they needed to be with/sleep with. They both love super heros and get cranky when they don't eat. Both nights they shared a bed.
Alex loved all the super hero costumes he could dress up in. He wore Captain America for better part of the day.

Boatin' Kentucky Style

We borrowed the neighbors pontoon  boat and headed out into the lake for some swimming and bird watching. We saw a bald eagle, tons of cranes and lots of egrets.

Because Lilia had cut her foot very badly she couldn't go swimming. We didn't want to risk an infection. She was a little bummed, but Kyle did a great job of putting her at the helm and signaling him when there were buoys.
Alex however was super brave and came in with me. We swam around the boat then he got out of the water.

Besties

 Alex, Stephen, Aubrey, Lilia & Sydney

Our time with Kyle and Emily was a taste of heaven. Laughing, having fun, praying, sharing meals, and living life alongside one another.
Dave and I are beyond thankful for the short, but sweet times we share with these two, who truly love Jesus and live life like they do!

"Astounding"

     If I could only use one word to summarize our summer out here I would say, "astounding!"
My classes were incredible. God taught me so much, opened my eyes to the depths of scriptures, brought out my idol of needing people's approval, and humbled me through preparing for my talk.

     The kids had a blast! They played outside everyday for endless hours, made lots of friends, swam several times a week, and had quality time with their dad.






     We certainly got our fill of nature out here. I think I'm ready to go back to the city. However, I will miss the vast open sky, views of the foothills and mountains, access to snow-capped peaks, that unique smell of summer pine (I hope to find a candle that encompasses that smell), and incredible sunsets.




     We've loved our time out here exponentially! It will be hard to leave the beauty of this place, but we are starting our drive back home tomorrow - back to reality. The reality of the city, humidity, school starting for Lilia and Alex, international students flooding campus, and the daily grind. It will be good.

Rocky Mountain National Park

 Friday had marked the finish of 4 weeks of intense classes. Selfishly, I wanted to celebrate by spending the day in RMNP.
We did the longest hike yet with the kids and they did well. It was fairly shaded so that helped tremendously.

 We also headed up the Trail Ridge road to the top of the peaks for a view of the mountain ranges. There was considerable less snow this year than two years ago. This is a growing problem in Colorado. As a result of less snow, there are more beetles that cause the pine trees to dehydrate and die. That adds fuel to the wild fires that are happening more and more.

Dave introduced the app, over, to me. 

Dream Lake

 Our second lake, one mile in, was Dream Lake. It was such stunning views.
We sat for a while, snacking on pistachios and grapes, taking in our surroundings.

The hike starts out at Bear Lake trailhead and heads off to the left. You first pass Nymph Lake, covered in lily pads, doted with yellow flowers. Then you wind around and come upon Dream Lake. The view takes your breath away.

 As we walked along the trail and glanced down into the water, we could see trout swimming along. The water was so crystal clear!

Wild things

This bat was clinging face down to a rock. We didn't touch it to see if it was alive.

State flower: Columbine

Twisted dead pine tree

 These chipmunks were crazy. They are so comfortable around humans that one ran across Dave's leg. I even saw another one perched on a man's leg.
People consistently give them food so they will come over to you or your bag looking for something yummy. We brought pistachios with. The chipmunk consistently come over begging for some.
I just realized that from these pictures my kids are guilty of adding to the comfort level these animals have. (Dave took the pictures. I was busy snapping shots of the mountains.)