Our Annual Trip to Colorado

We had an amazing time away as we took our annual trip across the country to visit my parents in Colorado. This year, we added some extra excitement by tacking on a trip to the Southwest. So after our time in Colorado, including seeing family, hitting Estes Park and Rocky Mountain National Park, we drove south and landed in Arizona. 

Arizona and Texas

We got to visit Arches National Park on the way and see the amazing scenery God created there. Then we got to visit the Grand Canyon, which is indescribable. This was my second time visiting but Matt and the kids’ first time. Then after a few days in Arizona, we began the trip back home by way of New Mexico and Texas. 

We got to stop at the Magnolia store in Waco, Texas. I’ve been talking about doing that for years. That was such a fun stop. And of course, we had to stop in San Antonia to visit the Alamo and do the riverwalk. I’ve wanted to take Matt there forever. It was so fun exploring the area together as a family.

On the way back, we got to visit Nashville; and Matt and Malachi got to visit the Corvette Museum in Louisville before spending a few hours with my sister and her family. 

Family Memories

And then right after we got back, we sent the oldest two to church camp for the week. With them being gone, the house seemed so much quieter, even though we still had the younger two with us. It gave us a little peek into what it’s going to be like in just a few years when they go to college. Having them gone just reinforced the fact that we did the right hing taking that big trip. Before a big trip like the one we took, I start to second guess. The money, the time away, the being on the road, the wear and tear on the car…is it all worth it? It sometimes seems too extravagant. God reminded me this week that the time we have with our kids is limited. We won’t always have them with us.

So we need to take these trips while we can. Spend the time together while we can. Make the memories, take the pictures, visit the sights. In a few years, when they’re gone, I know we’re going to be so grateful for every single trip we took together and every memory we made. 

What memories are you making with your family this summer?