Happy 4th of July!

Estes Park, CO

Today is Sunday, so of course the first thing on our agenda (after breakfast) was to go to the campground church at Rocky Mountain National Park where Jared and his cousin Shanna's ministry team from the ACMNP (Association of Christian Ministry in the National Parks) were putting on the worship service. The 4 youth took turns speaking, announcing songs and praying, and one girl gave a short message. They had a pretty good-sized crowd this week since Jared, Shanna and the other girl all had family visiting this weekend.

After church, we went back to the YMCA grounds. Jared and the girls went to the Arts & Crafts center so Leah could make something from Jared for her birthday. She chose to make a really cute tie-dye cami. We then picked up some boxed lunches and headed back out to RMNP. We took the Old Falls Road and Trail Ridge Road around the park and saw many awesome sights. We took a short hike up to Chasm falls, and also took a short walk out to see some elk up close and personal. Other wildlife we enjoyed seeing included mule deer and yellow-bellied marmots.

After our scenic drive, we drove back into the town of Estes and looked for supper. It was hopping with people due to the 4th of July holiday, but we were able to find a place with no wait after a little searching. Tom enjoyed an elk burger for the first time ever. After supper, we drove just a short ways to find a good spot (well, a fair spot) for viewing the fireworks over Estes. It had grown very chilly, so we sat in the car and watched them, and then spent the obligatory hour plus in traffic finding our way back home. (Many times on this trip we have been thankful for our GPS--we've even given her a name: Gloria Pamela Sue!)