The kids actually had a few days off before we started our trip. We left on Tuesday and got home Saturday, just in time to get ready for Scott's promotion to Major! Our first stop was The Great Sand Dunes near Alamosa. I wasn't entirely sure what to expect, but knew there was a creek that kids enjoyed playing in, but going in the middle of summer, the sand was too hot. I guess late March is too early, because the creek wasn't running yet, plus it wasn't warm enough for swim suits. So, the new sand toys went unused in the back, and we decided to hike to the top instead. We were lucky to be there while the sun was shining and it wasn't too windy. We hiked most of the way in our bare feet, and everyone made it to the top! After that, all they wanted was the hotel pool. (In fact, if you ask any of the kids about the trip, the first thing they'll tell you about is the hotels and the pools :)
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| Our destination, from the start |
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| Charis did great in the Ergo- backpack style |
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| Along the way- it really is surreal to be in the middle of the brown sand dunes and see those green and white mountains in the background |
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| One of the steeper sections of the hike |
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| Jacob stopped once or twice to build, just like he does in his 'sandbox' at home. This sand was so clean though, like the natural beaches in Hawaii, no like the sandy dirt we have in our yard. |
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| Another steep section, Jake decided it would be better if we crawled |
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| Making it to the top of that ridge, with encouragement from Eden and Andrew :) |
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| Fortunately, there was another group at the top and one of the guys offered to take a picture of all of us together |
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| Barefeet, and SNOW! Yes, that is snow under the sand on the top ridge. Evidence of the change and growth still happening there. |
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| Rosy cheeks, and fast asleep, back at the start. |
