Finishing up Jason's summer speaking schedule...
our family was invited to travel with him to Summit Ministries in Manitou, Colorado.
We were able to go with him last summer for a brief time...but this time we would be staying for the entire session - two weeks.
Bags packed and ready to GO!!!
The kids were a bit excited that we were FLYING to Colorado this summer instead of driving.
It has been quite awhile since they had been on a plane...
in fact, Hailey was a newborn the last time she flew!
So of course -
the tray table was thoroughly examined several times..
the buttons were pressed...
the window shade slid up and down...
and the mystery of the airplane seat belt was solved.
All of this before we even left the gate...
These guys ...flying pros...so it was headphones and devices for the win!
We arrived late that night and we were happy to crash in our "white house".
The next day, before the students arrived...
we spent our time at our favorite spots in downtown Manitou!
Eating the BEST custard in the world!
It has become a bit of a ritual...arrive in Manitou and eat custard!
Colorado welcomed us with some BEAUTIFUL weather...
such a respite after a muggy, hot Carolina summer.
The calm before the storm was brief...
that afternoon the students arrived and it was full steam ahead for two weeks.
Jason spoke in several sessions..and when he wasn't speaking more than likely he was answering questions...counselling...or just ministering to needs as he saw fit.
Tyler and Amy are old enough to sit in the sessions and soak up as much as they can.
Which left me time with these two cuties!
One morning, we set out to find Red Rock for a quick hike before lunch.
I missed the turn off for Red Rock and pretty soon we were standing at the base of the Incline.
I asked the kids if they were up for it...promised them popcorn and ice cream if they completed it...had a brief moment of insanity...and then started up the steps.
The Incline is 2,744 steps...2,000 foot incline...1 mile long...all railroad ties...and definitely much harder than anything these three amateur hikers had EVER done!!
To be honest, I was tempted to quit several times.
But these two kept cheering me on...each step of the way.
"Mom, let's just count three steps - rest. And then four steps - rest."
"You can do it, Mom!"
"Think about the popcorn and ice cream we get to have if we finish!"
And so it went.
Up the Incline.
All the way to the TOP!
They did it!!!
It was absolutely beautiful at the top.
The clouds were sliding down the mountain peaks...it almost felt like we could touch the sky!
We rested for a bit and then hit the trail to head down.
Unfortunately...the trail down was FOUR miles long...we were not prepared for that.
Or for the skies opening up and completely showering us with rain.
Or for the lightning hitting too close for comfort.
Or for the fact that we missed lunch.
So although it was a BIG accomplishment for Jackson and Hailey...
they will NOT be attempting the Incline anytime soon!
I felt the need to make it up to the kiddos...and what better than a trip to Odyssey!!
Our favorite AIO character...Jay Smouse.
Amy had to have Whit's famous...raspberry ripple ice cream!
We spent time exploring the tree house..and the giant slide..and all that Odyssey had to offer.
Next we headed over to the bookstore...
and I spied with my little eye my favorite guy's name up there on the top shelf!
Pretty surreal to see his book in the Focus on the Family bookstore!!!
The rest of the session flew by with the kids making friends with almost EVERYONE there...
from staff kids...
to staff leaders...to students...the kids had a BLAST!!
Amy helped out with the housekeeping crew as much as she could...
and I helped out in the kitchen.
We also were able to host a staff outing at our small little house.
Homemade chocolate chip cookies and ice cream sundaes for the best summer staff ever!
We played a rousing game of THINGS and it was such a treat to be a part of the staff FUN!
The session flew by...and all too quickly it was time for our goodbyes.
We are so thankful for the ministry of Summit.
They are raising future leaders...that will rightly divide the Word of Truth...be able to give a reason for the hope that is within them...serve the body of Christ...and lead the church!
What an incredible blessing it was for our family to be a part of training up this next generation!!!
Back on the plane again...
and this time...Hailey and Jackson were ready to FLY the airplane!
We had to fly home a few days before the session ended so Tyler could get started on his football season.
Sadly, Jason had to stay there and miss out on my birthday...
but these kids "treated" me to a yummy lunch!!
And made my favorite cake.
It was definitely the perfect way to wrap up an incredible two weeks!!
