(9/52) THE MOUNTAINS WERE CALLING OUR NAME...

...and so we hit the road to pay a weeklong visit.

The first stop on the journey was Abilene where we all enjoyed our first night, and where Mae was delighted to stay the whole week.

The next day we successfully drove from Abilene to Winter Park! This was extra exciting and we were so grateful after our too eventful travel day(s) last year.

WP, CO DAY ONE:

We got a good night's rest and woke up for a great morning of worship with friends and family. All 27 people had safely arrived and together we settled into the house, got groceries, rented skis, rode the gondola, and explored.

WP, CO DAY TWO:

We checked thirteen kids into ski school and then skied all over the mountain. As the lifts closed that afternoon everyone gathered at Goody's crepe shoppe and traded stories.

WP, CO DAY THREE:

We worked together to complete the last bit of schoolwork, then it was a snow day of fun in the backyard of the house. A snowman was built, snow forts were constructed, lots of sledding happened, and night tubing too.

WP, CO DAY FOUR:

We hit the slopes again, this time with the kids skiing with us. It was so fun to see them progress and enjoy it too. And of course we finished the day with more crepes, cocoa, and ice cream.

WP, CO DAY FIVE:

On the final ski day my dad was in Winter Park too. What a treat it was to ski with two grandparents, 

and for them to join Adelaide and Graham as they both skied their first blue/black run. That night an epic snowball fight occurred, hot tubbing too, and part five of Evan's tinies stories at bedtime.

WP, CO DAY SIX:

The final day we soaked up as much remaining mountain time as we could. We found souvenirs, explored the woods, went out for pizza, did the final laundry and packing up. 

What a gift of a special week soaking up beautiful creation, stepping outside of our routines, and making memories with people we love dearly it was.