Disclaimer: This blog contains oodles of photos exuding love, life, friendship, beauty and adventure.
Before leaving on our camping trip to meet up with friends at Big Bear, we were stoked to learn that we would run into rainy weather on the way up the mountain.
Since we have seen very little rain this past year, we thoroughly absorbed the beauty of the weather-filled atmosphere.
The sky presented us with some pretty breathtaking moments as we zigzagged upwards.
As we raised in elevation, we observed clouds rolling in: we were driving above the clouds, then right within the clouds. ...wish I could paint a more accurate picture with words. We were all left pretty speechless, knowing that this particular drive to Big Bear was filled with so many once in a lifetime moments - to just soak in.
God's timing is ALWAYS perfect. After all kinds of delays, and even an unexpected detour on the way to camp, we just missed a downpour by minutes. The Universe allowed the perfect amount of time for us to set up camp before the rain started to pour again near bedtime. At this point, (since we haven't had rain in so very long) I should have had the entire family dancing in the darn rain! Yet, as we all lay safely tucked in for the evening, I was feeling so blessed to be listening to a comforting pitter patter.
We were feeling nice and settled in by the second evening.
Somehow the gang managed to roast marshmallows three out of four nights.
Merrick was so blessed to get loads of quality time with his good friend Cadan. They caught lizards, frogs and who knows what else.
We enjoyed lots of chill time with our good friends Rudy, Buddha and Uncle Dave.
Rudy's oldest son Nikko created an amazing shelter about 200 yards into the woods from his camp site. His dad kept teasing him by asking if he was planning to sleep in it...hmmm...sleeping with the bears?
Kierce and I played a little target game, shooting a bee bee gun with friends near Nikko's shelter. I couldn't get over how much fun the girls had shooting that thing! It was pretty fun.
Since I got hit with altitude sickness (had no idea such a thing exists), I was grateful for every bit of help I was offered.
***
A Tour Around Big Bear Lake
Uncle Dave drove me around the entire lake, and what a beautiful experience.
Ski slopes from across the lake.
...one of the many moments when time appeared to slow.
Dave and I were more than half way around the lake when we found the rest of our gang fishing near the dam.
Our crew
On our way back to camp Dave and I discovered unique ruins, with a stunning view.
Uncle Dave and Cadan's sister Buddha (behind the lense) took Merrick up the ski lift with my camera, for a fun adventure. I was blessed with some gorgeous and a few totally silly pictures to check out when they got back. ...crazy fun boys.
Amazing!
Before Dave took off after his short visit, he generously gave each of the girls their first guitar lesson.
...smiles and bliss all around.
After four nights of nature submersion, these girls were ready to pack up, and continue our journey.
***
Rowan got her hands on my camera, and I am happy to share the results.
By the end of our time at Big Bear, we were all feeling closer than ever.
...filled up with the Truth of our being.
...clarity.
....freedom.
...connection.
...and just wacky enough to drop our guns and head out to Six Flags Magic Mountain!
Witnessing even more magnificent beauty on our way down the other side of the mountain. The kids took a moment to honor a memorial.
Once we got to our hotel room, it was an all out race for the shower! After catching up on our rest and feeling nice and clean, we were geared up for one more day of fun before heading home. The kids each chose to push through a certain level of fear, and we are happy to say we most definitely have a thrill seeking family.
...until the next adventure.
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