Joseph Maxwell and Elissa in the friendship stage, 172 days ago
“Blessed is every one that feareth the LORD;
that walketh in his ways.”
Psalms 128:1
At Dad’s birthday party, we had a special time celebrating another year the Lord has given Dad.
As Dad opened his gift from Christopher and Anna Marie, he was surprised to find a rattle in it. Shock, awe, and excitement infused the room. Another baby on the way! We gave hugs to Christopher and Anna Marie and congratulated them. Ruthie and her newest sibling will likely be about a year apart — and we are thrilled.
They would appreciate prayers for Anna Marie and Baby during this time. Anna Marie has had reassuring bouts of morning (aka: you mamas know that it’s not confined to morning!) sickness, but she’s grateful for that. Joshua adores Ruthie, so I’m confident Baby #3 will be just as high on his “like” list.
Oh, announcing with a rattle is sort of a family tradition. Nathan and Melanie did it with Susannah’s news, and Christopher and Anna Marie have now done it for all three.
Joyfully His,
Sarah for the rest
“Lo, children are an heritage of the LORD:
and the fruit of the womb is his reward.”
Psalms 127:3
From last week…. The extended family left Saturday and Sunday, so it’s been just our immediate family this week.
Friday we went to visit a fish hatchery. This hatchery supplies fish to most of Colorado rivers. It was a fascinating experience! Everyone who wanted was able to feed the fish.
One afternoon, while the younger children were napping, Abby went with Dad, Mom, and GiGi back to feed the chipmunks. Abby was thrilled!
“O LORD, how manifold are thy works!
in wisdom hast thou made them all:
the earth is full of thy riches.”
Psalms 104:24
It started about 2:30 am for Joseph, John, Anna, Jesse, and Mary as they began their trek up Mt. Harvard. But for Dad, Mom, and I, our adventure began about 4:15 am as we hit the trail and headed for Mt. Columbia. Oh, what an adventure Monday was! But for now, I’ll leave you with a few pictures. We have hundreds from that day. More later!
Enjoying beautiful Colorado,
Sarah
“They go up by the mountains;
they go down by the valleys
unto the place which thou
hast founded for them.”
Psalms 104:8
The summit is cold–freezing cold. We find a place to sit protected from the worst of the biting wind. It truly feels like you’re on top of the world. You can see so far out! We’re grateful for the weather–if it was cloudy, we wouldn’t have the same views. We try to get pictures in between warming up.
At first, we’re the only ones on the summit, but slowly, several more show up.
We take pictures, try to stay warm, and some manage to eat a bit. It’s so cold, some of our party decide to head down. Moving does help to keep one warm.
As we descend, I’m surprised at the steady stream coming up the side of a mountain. It’s like a regular party! Wow! Mount Huron is popular today. We’re spread out on the mountain, some in twos, some by ones, and we enjoy chatting with others as we pass. It’s easy to give encouragement telling them the summit isn’t far. The descent is pretty easy–and the path is great–and the views continue to be stunning. We take an easy pace. Those who reach the little lake first spend time enjoying it.
We head home, and we’re happy to see Anna Marie, Melanie, and the little ones! We’ve missed them. Mount Huron is a great peak to hike. I stand in awe at God’s Creation as I enjoy this special time in the mountains! Joyfully His, Sarah
“Bless the Lord, O my soul. O Lord my God, thou art very great; thou art clothed with honour and majesty. Who coverest thyself with light as with a garment: who stretchest out the heavens like a curtain.” Psalms 104:1-2
About 8:05, we leave the tree line. This is a great measure of progress, and the views change dramatically. We know there is one hiker ahead of us.
Now, slightly to our right, a tall peak towers above the valley. Some of us wondered if this is the summit, but often there is a false summit, so we aren’t sure. We catch glimpses of the hiker (a small speck ahead of us), and the path switches back and forth across the side of the mountain. The views behind us are breath-taking. The sun has illuminated portions of the mountains. We come to a gorgeous little pond and grabbed a few pictures.
We take our pace slowly but steadily as we gain elevation. It’s still chilly, as the sun hasn’t hit us yet. I sometimes wonder as we hike these trails who first blazed them? We are able to discern the path, even on the rocky portions.
The only wildlife we see are some birds and little picas, busily hurrying across the rocks.
As we approach the summit ridge, we split into several groups.
During this tough part, it’s extremely important to continue drinking water and eating. We keep going, although sometimes I grab my phone out to take pictures.
About 9:45, the first Maxwells summit! Praise the Lord. The rest summit in increments. Part 3 will include what it was like on the summit.
Joyfully His,
Sarah
“I press toward the mark for the prize
of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.”
Philippians 3:14