Majestic Peaks and Free Falling

 

Glacier National Park

We are just now learning what that looks like for us as a family of four with two very little ones to take care of.  So, when a surprise sky-diving trip came up to celebrate Tyler's uncle's 50th birthday, we decided to tack on a couple of extra days to go camping in Glacier National Park in Montana as a family vacation.  I, Renae, have been wanting to make a trek out here ever since we moved out to the Northwest.  I did not, however, envision making a trip to Glacier with two little kids!  If any of you have taken a family vacation with little ones, much less gone camping, you know what I'm talking about!  We spent hours planning and preparing for two nights of  camping.  Despite the many challenges we faced with long hours in the car, trains going by every hour during the night, all of us sleeping in the same tent, etc... the trip could not have really gone any better!

Camping out in front of our friends cabin since there was no room in Glacier's camping areas

We had one solid wonderful day at West Glacier National Park.  We were able to drive up to Logan's Pass, which that in itself is worth the trip.  Breathtaking views await on every curve, and even though I was a little nervous with the windy, narrow road and cliffs right next to the car, it was well worth it when we reached the top.  We had borrowed two backpacking carriers for the kids, so Tyler and his brother Kyle were able to carry the kiddos on a 3 mile hike.  Again, it was awe-inspiring with huge, grassy fields with wildflowers, patches of snow, little streams and rivers, and lakes.  We even saw several mountain goats crossing the trail in front of us.  If nothing else can inspire you to worship our awesome creator, just take a trip up to Glacier!

Logan's Pass

Standing in the midst of God's creation makes me crave and thirst for God, and I was reminded of these words from David's Psalm 63:  "O God, You are my God; Early will I seek You; My soul thirsts for You; My flesh longs for You in a dry and thirsty land where there is no water.  So I have looked for you in the sanctuary, to see Your power and Your glory.  Because Your loving kindness is better than life, my lips shall praise You.  Thus I will bless You while I live; I will lift up my hands in your name."

After a gorgeous hike, picnic lunch, and naps on the drive back down, we enjoyed some time swimming in the lake. 

Family picture...but the boys aren't interested

On Saturday we headed just west of Kalispel, where Tyler, two uncles and his dad were all able to go sky-diving.  They jumped from 13,000 ft and had almost a one minute free fall before opening their parachutes!  (they were all, of course, tied to an instructor).  What a once-in-a-lifetime experience for Tyler to enjoy with his family.

We enjoyed sleeping much more soundly in a hotel that night, and after another beautiful drive (I think I could live in western Montana!) we made it home Sunday afternoon.  We were thankful for the opportunity to have a little family vacation and enjoy some different scenery.  The boys did great as well, though they were ready for their normal routine after 4 days without their normal nap schedule!

Here are some pictures from our adventures. 

After a long drive it is nice to cool off at the lake

Our van was the only "retro" car carrier around, everyone else had the streamline stuff.  Brings back good memories of the past

Backpacking with the kids

The awesome view on Logan's Pass hike

There is still some snow left from winter to throw

Just one more step and it would be a quick roll down to the bottom

These mountain goats walked right by us on the trail

Hidden lake was our final destination for the hike

Could almost see the trout jumping down there

But due to the bears down by the lake all we could do was look at it from afar

Aaron got our and hiked a little too

Caleb posing with an apple

Family picture with the mountains