Great Sand Dunes National Park

While driving to the Grand Canyon, we came across this state park. I had never heard of it, but Paul had. It is literally big sand dunes in front of a mountain. 30 miles of sand dunes! It is incredible to look at and people climb to the top and sled down it, like snow. We didn't have that much time, so they only were able to climb a little ways up. At the bottom was a big stretch of wet sand with little "rivers" running through it that Sam had a great time playing in. It was amazing to look at that much sand- it was beautiful.

Sam helping dad clean the car at a gas station.

The long, endless road to the Grand Canyon.

Colorado Springs

Focus on the Family

Look at those dark skies. Pikes Peak is right where all the darkness is which is why we didn't go up!
So disappointing!
Garden of the gods

The balancing Rock

Benjamin's Bath

It is hard to bathe a baby at a campground. There are no tubs, and usually the showers are small and narrow. Benjamin was needing a bath in the worst way, so my creative husband Paul came up with a great solution: fill the cooler with warm water and give him a bath! As you can see, he loved it!

Day 5- The Grand Canyon

We're here again today. The girls, Sam, Ben and I are doing laundry and they have internet here, but I can't upload pics. The men hiked down partway. See you tomorrow.

Day 4- The Grand Canyon

We arrived around 5am, their time. Paul, Paul JR. and I got out of the van, to look at the canyon in the moonlight. It was staggering and scary looking. It is so big. I've taken lots of pictures, but they won't do it justice.

We rode the shuttle around, looking at the canyon through the various vantage point. The whole time I kept thinking, "My sister does not need to come here!" She goes crazy about heights, and this would make her crazy, especially if her kids were here! Paul jr. ran right down to the ledge (there was a rail there), and Paul Sr. almost couldn't handle it. Of course, he had been up all night and his nerves were shot, so we decided we would view the canyon from the trail. He did loosen up later in the day and we did go down on the ledge (with a rail, of course!)

It is an amzing sight. You almost can't believe your eyes, and I never tired of looking at it. In fact, I can't wait to get back there are see it again in a few minutes!

Day 4- Ride to The Grand Canyon

We left Colorado Springs around 3. We were so disappointed that Focus on the Family was closed! We also opted not to drive on Pike's Peak, much to the disappointment of Paul, Jr. But the sky above the mountain was sooooo dark that we didn't want to chance it. We went to see Garden of the gods, a very unique rock formation. It was beautiful. We then decided to get on the road towards Arizona since we knew it would be a long ride. What we didn't know was that the route we chose to travel went right through the mountains, meaning that we traveled very slowly because we were pulling the trailer.

We did stop at Great Sand Dunes National Park- what an amazing place! I can't wait to upload pictures. Then we traveled through the night to get here. What a long, long, endless ride.

Day 3- Colorado Springs, Colorado

We are packing up our campsite right now. It is a "challenging" job, to say the least, made worse by this hot, dry weather. The sun is almost unbearable, and I'm glad to have the job of sitting by Benjamin in the shade. Sam has been "washing" dishes in the water, and I think the only thing that got wet was him. At least he is keeping cool!

The plan for today is to finish up here then head to Colorado Springs. We hope to see Focus on the Family, garden of the gods, and maybe Pikes Peak before we head towards the Grand Canyon. We will be driving all night, again, to arrive there in the morning.

Ben and Sam are doing great! They both did so well yesterday while traveling through the Rockies, all day long. Benjamin let us know a few times that he was tired of his seat, but for the most part, he was so good natured. Sam did well too, and was very compliant. He fell asleep before we got back to the campsite, and slept all night long.

I'm not sure when I'll be able to update again, since today is a travel day. Please continue to keep us in your prayers- we're having a great time and God has kept us safe thus far.