Part 2 Grand Tetons, WY

September 12th- September 19th

Part 2

Wednesday the 16th was a day we were really looking forward to. It just so happened that the Register family, some friends from home, were going to be in the Tetons at the same time! We spent the morning doing some school and then headed for Jenny Lake. We took a ferry ride across Jenny Lake to do a hike at Hidden Falls. It was beautiful! The crystal clear water with the Tetons in the background was breathtaking. Definitely something we would recommend for anyone. The boys had a blast climbing rocks and running the trail to the Falls. As parents, our hearts stop as we watch them aggressively challenge themselves and take on rocks, rivers, trails and waterfalls. It is a joy to see them “be boys” and fortunately, no busted bones yet! We took the ferry back and met up with the Registers. So refreshing! They also have 3 kids and they had a blast together. We ventured off to hike Moose Pond. Our hope was to see some Moose! Sure enough, towards the end of the day, we saw a huge Mama moose and her “baby” splashing around in the pond. It was spectacular! It was nice walking the trail with our friends catching up on life and having some fellowship with each other. We finished our day skipping rocks together at Jenny Lake. It was so relaxing and peaceful. Time stood still and there was no rush to be anywhere. The boys jumped in the Registers van before leaving and explored how they were traveling. At the end of the day, we asked the boys “what their favorite part of the day was”. They responded: “Going in their van”.

On Thursday, Brandon went down the hill to get some work done and I had a full day of school with the boys. We did manage to ride bikes on the dirt track the boys found and went for a special hike. We hiked up the Snake River and had the wilderness all to ourselves. We found a nice hilltop to sit as a family overlooking the river. We each sat individually in silence for 5 minutes and encouraged the boys to talk with God. We encouraged them to ask Him to speak to us. Dylan shared a vision he had during our times of solitude. He said he was picturing God speaking to us from above the mountains. He said he felt so peaceful listening to the river and looking up picturing God. When we were walking back from the hike. Ryder said: “Dylan, that was the best thing I’ve ever heard you say in your whole life”. Love it! We ended our day watching the first half of Narnia, Prince Caspian.

Friday morning we were set for school to start but Brandon had an impromptu idea. He suggested we snuggle up on the couch and finish Narnia! We had breakfast and coffee under the covers as a family and finished watching the movie. We didn’t start our day until 11:00! We had afternoon school, went for another bike ride and the boys fished the river one last time. No luck on the fishing, again.

Saturday morning we packed up and are ready for Montana! We have all been looking forward to seeing Uncle David and Auntie Amanda since we mapped out our journey in August. They live in Bozeman and we are set to be there for 12 days!

Our time in the Grand Teton area was really special. We were right in the heart of the wilderness and saw amazing wildlife, beautiful mountain ranges and flowing rivers. Sitting by the campfire at night, seeing the boys experience God’s creation and the memorable moments as a family continue to solidify our decision to embark on this journey. It was time to hit the road again. Per our usual tradition, we’ll turn on Willie Nelson’s “On the road again ” and head out for “what’s next”?!