Breck 2013

After returning from our vacation, we were home just long enough to do laundry and pack again for our annual trip to Breckenridge. With our new foster child in tow we ended up driving two vehicles with us which worked out well because we had to pack for 9 people. We arrived a day before the pastors' conference was set to begin.

This meant swimming in a pool and not having to share with anyone else. It was heavenly for our children.

The conference started and I was able to attend part of President Anderson's Bible study which included this lovely animal it.

Soon after the Bible Study ended we took our usual jeeping trip up the mountain while our children attended Vaccation Bible School. Win-win, right?

Dr. Rast was visiting as the keynote for the conference and it just happened to be the time when he had a free slot to join us.

Anna's a mama's girl and wanted nothing to do with VBS so, she went jeeping with us and loved it until she got outside and realized how cold it was at the summit of Georgia Pass.

When we arrived at the top there was a dog and his owner roaming around. It was such an odd sight since we've never seen anyone else up there before.

The views were amazing as always.

The morning of our departure we awoke to this beautiful sight.

If it doesn't snow when you're in the mountains things just feel a little off so, this was a welcome sight to behold.

As things were winding down we spent a little time in the game room and visiting with friends.Then it was time to head back down the mountain until next year.

A Break in Breck!

After returning form Texas, we spent a few days in Breckenridge for the Rocky Mountain Workers' Conference. During that time we don't see my Lutheran Stud much because he's usually sitting in on some sessions and learning all sorts of Lutherany good stuff.

However, there was one morning, when the children went to VBS, we took off and did a little jeeping. Pastor Graff, from New Mexico, lead the way and we followed in our Land Cruiser. It was meant for jeeping you know.

The terrain can get a little narrow and rocky, and tricky to maneuver. Pastor Graff is seasoned in jeeping so, when we thought we were stuck he took over our Land Cruiser, wiggled and rammed it up the hill and we were good to go!

That was the narrow hill we just climbed in the Land Cruiser.

The trail was pretty rocky, but the ride was pretty smooth. The Land Cruiser is the perfect jeeping vehicle. ;)

We reached the summit and it was pretty nice. Last year, it was snowing and the wind was atrocious.

Things were pretty bare at the summit. Blue skies and and puffy clouds made it gorgeous though.

It was a tad windy and cold. Mandy and I had trouble controlling our hair.

Believe it or not we made it to the Continental Divide. It kind of looks warm doesn't it? Well, it didn't take long and Mandy and I were back in our warm car.

You could see for miles and miles.

When pastors get together theology always comes up. It doesn't matter how cold it is outside, the conversation can last forever. We thought they were getting cold and we would be heading back down the mountain, but no, we were wrong. These fine men returned to the vehicles just to grab warmer clothes. Then it was back to the discussion. Mandy and I just sat back in our warm vehicle with our heated seats and warmth from the heater.

Finally, back down the hill. It's a beautiful view don't you think? I really have no complaints about living in Colorado.

Beautiful streams and a beautiful view makes the ride relaxing and one doesn't even notice all the bumping around.

The ride back into town was even nice. So, y'all come out and visit us in Colorado. I'll make it worth your while.

Land Cruiser-ing

The first day we were in Breckenridge you could tell that the mountains were begging for snow. A couple days later they got their wish at least in the higher altitude.

We've heard that the Jeep trails in Colorado are fantastic. Jared has been wanting to take our Land Cruiser on some trails for quite some time now, so we headed for Georgia Pass one morning. One of the things I failed to mention about this conference is that one of the mornings at the conference there is VBS for the children. It's hosted by Luther Valley Retreat (LVR). (It's also where our local pastors host their Catechism Retreat every year.) It was the perfect time to go Jeeping because the children just love VBS and we knew they wouldn't enjoy the rough terrain.

After we dropped the kids off we set out into the land of no cell phone reception. Good thing the children were in good hands. Pastor Graff lead the way since he's a pro on the Jeep trails.

Obviously the road is unpaved with a few small obstacles along the way.

As we got higher in elevation we spotted snow.

Here we are at the top of Georgia Pass with Seth and Mandy. It was just a tad cold with blowing snow and ice.

Pastor Graff said he had been up there just a day earlier and there was not a speck of snow to be seen. Around here a lot can change in 24 hours. Going up the last little incline the Land Cruiser almost got stuck. Thankfully Jared was able to use the diff lock (whatever that is) and we made it. Pastor Graff said we need new tires. Maybe some Jeep tires? It looks like some more off-roading is in our future. . .