Summer Kick-off Camping Trip

I was kind of wondering how great it would be to go camping while 7 months pregnant. I think people thought I was a tad crazy to consider it (and I was beginning to wonder myself), but it was actually really great. We have a nice little air mattress that makes sleeping comfortable and our tent is so cozy. Plus, I just LOVE camping so much. I am so happy that David loves it too. To me, it beats an expensive room in a classy hotel any day (as long as it's okay that I look like a homeless person for a while. I probably wouldn't be so keen on it if I had to go to a wedding the next day, but you get my drift!). 

So here are some of the reasons why I love camping...

Historical sights

(this is a memorial to the hungry poor who died during the famine)

Amazing camp sites on rocky ledges...

...with incredible views!

Encountering wild life! 

(This is a jellyfish that was stranded by low tide)

Stunning backgrounds for my 30 weeks pregnant picture!

Watching the sunset get increasingly more beautiful.

And best of all...bringing home some fish for supper! 

I was so excited when David came back to our tent with fish in the bucket that he had caught right off the rocks in the ocean! That's my man! And the mackerel were delicious. 

Camping trip: Part 2

After hiking up to the top of the ridge (see previous post) we hiked down to the bottom and did a little exploring. We found this cozy little cottage that looked so inviting! I think it is either for fishermen or sheep herders to stay in when they are there. 

As we were hiking along, we suddenly spotted this mysterious-looking cave that seemed to say, "EXPLORE ME!!" I thought that there must be treasure in there! 

Sure enough! Look at that...the man I love! Now that's a treasure! :)

David brought along his coffee making paraphernalia and made a first-class cup of coffee, while I munched on chips and salsa. It was the most unique picnic spot I have ever experienced! 

These next two pictures are especially for my dad. He requested some shots of David with his new fishing rod, so here they are! It was a nice fishing spot, even if he didn't catch anything. 

Oh well! It's hard to be bummed out when it is so lovely everywhere you look.

So that was the end of that camping trip! 

We praise the Lord for the gifts that He gives us and these beautiful days to enjoy! 

Camping trip

We are enjoying a little Easter break this week and next and so decided to try some camping! We headed out to the northern most tip of Ireland, a little town called Ballycastle. It was so beautiful that I think David probably got tired of me constantly telling him that it was. I just couldn't get over the gorgeous scenery all around me though! I took two video shots to give you a bit of an idea so you know what I am talking about. 

Here is our cozy campsite! 

One of my favorite parts of camping is how food seems to taste SOOOoooo good! David even brought his French press coffee maker...no sacrifices in that department! At the time of this picture, it was storming like crazy outside and raining cats and dogs. It just made it all the more exciting!

At the top of this picture, you can see an island in the distance...that is actually Scotland! It seemed so close. Someday David says he will take me there.  The first video is a shot from the top of this hill (it was very windy so the sound is pretty bad!).

Isn't God's creation spectacular?! Wow!

Colorado adventure!

Hey everybody! I have returned from my "trip of a lifetime" and have to say that it was an amazing trip! Absolutely incredible! So grab something blaze orange and maybe some trail mix (to get into the hunting mode!) and come along with me as I try to give you a taste of adventure!

First, it's time to slow down, take a deep breath, and just enjoy some amazing company and beautiful scenery for a while...

So it all started out with a very long trip in a caravan of four trucks...here we are, heading down the dusty trail!

We took a few breaks along the way to check out the amazing scenery. Like Mount Rushmore!

Here is Dad...pretending to fall off the edge of the sheer cliff. Not very funny!

We finally reached Colorado and were greeted by this cozy scene: the little cabin where we stayed. It was absolutely perfect!

Then, bright and early on Saturday, we woke up and got all geared up for heading out, after eating a fine and hearty breakfast lovingly prepared by my amazing father. Thanks Dad! Here we are...ready to see the big one!

The many miles of hiking through the mountains and the feeling that our lungs were going to explode finally paid off! Or at least it did for Vern and Mike Beighley...Mike was rewarded with this gorgeous 5X5! Check out that rack...beautiful!

We had to cover the meat with snow and branches to protect it from the birds and other animals while it waited for the horses to get in to pack it out. I thought it looked like a little grave so here are the guys holding a mock eulogy service. "Here lies a fine animal that died so that we might live through another Minnesota winter..."

So there you have a few highlights of my Colorado adventure! The pictures don't do the whole experience justice at all but maybe you can get a taste anyway! Praise the Lord for the blessings He gives and the brilliant creation He has surrounded us with! Wow!

"God saw all that He had made, and behold, it was very good."

Genesis 1:31

The Cabin

My sister Mindy posted some pictures from our trip up north but I couldn't resist a few more! We had a wonderful time and made some great memories. I came away so thankful for my family. What a beautiful gift I have been given. Thank You Lord!

canoeing...

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Mindy enjoying a nice ripe watermelon!

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Both of my sisters are pregnant and Sam (my brother-in-law) is expecting a watermelon any day now.

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Elianna loved fishing...a little girl after her daddy's heart!