Yellowstone

The Davis' were kind enough to take time to join us for 2 days in Yellowstone. Here's what we saw...pretty amazing. If you haven't gone yet, you should make it happen!

Monday morning traffic!

Our rental car had a sun roof, so Madison loved looking out at the wildlife through it!

Lil' buddies.

The whole group- 4 kids under 3 years old!

Savannah LOVED the river- she just gets so excited over anything that moves! She kicks her legs and squeals!

Watching the waterfall.

Old Faithful! About 5 seconds after this photo was taken, we were sprayed with a bunch of the water! It was so refreshing :) Kinda cool that the water was cold by the time it hit us because it's scalding when it first comes out!

Grrr...we think a bear ate this buffalo!

We scrambled up a hill to get this beautiful view!

Mud pots!

Kickin' it through the paint pots!

That night we spent the night at a cabin, and this was the view we had as we drove there!

Morning bottle!

What are we going to see today?!

I just love this happy girl!

We stayed in a cabin near this beautiful lake.

They just love giggling together!

My girls!

Maddie was trying to skip rocks like mommy and daddy.

I was so thankful for this week with Jesse! The day after we got home he left to teach at a conference in Florida. These family times are precious since Jesse travels a bunch!

This spot is called "hook and cook". Some people used to catch a fish from the lake, then stick it in this hot spring to cook it!

The hot springs had such beautiful color!

That day we had a picnic by the river.

We saw bison, deer, elk, and an eagle on the trip! God's creation is so beautiful and varied. It's interesting how each creation is made uniquely.

This is where "Yellowstone" got its name- from the color of the stone.

From here Eric and Leslie drove home, and we continued through to the top of Yellowstone and drove all the way back that night.

God's design is amazing.

This area is called Mammoth.

We stopped for a picnic dinner.

Our luxurious rental car!

This is Maddie's first picture...she was so thrilled to use my camera!

On the drive home, we made a pit stop at Old Faithful again and changed the girls into jammies. In that short time, we were able to see Old Faithful go off a second time!

Jesse and I were so thankful for many things about this trip. A few of them are...see God's loving sovereignty in providing us with so many good things, extra time together to talk as a family, time with Eric and Leslie that was sharpening to our our walks with the Lord...and the list goes on. We even played a "thankful" game in the car when Madison started to get tired of being in her car seat. She was thankful for "God creating beautiful trees and mountains!"

Psalm 48:5 Let them praise the name of the LORD!For he commanded and they were created.

1 Chronicles 16:15 For great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised,and he is to be held in awe above all gods.

Jackson Hole

Our family just got back from a week long trip to Jackson Hole, WY. We've been wanting to go there ever since our friends, Eric and Leslie Davis (and others :), moved there to plant a church. So, God allowed us to fly with miles we've earned, rent a car for almost nothing, and stay with the Davis'. We were so blessed by our time together as a family and visiting dear friends. Our conversations while hiking, eating, driving, and late at night were so encouraging and challenging to our walk with Christ- it was a refreshing time for Jesse and I spiritually.

Madison was my carry-on :) Both girls did GREAT on the plane!

Savannah was happy to be in a park when we got to Salt Lake.

Both girls got their wiggles out before the 4 1/2 hour drive to Jackson.

Maddie and Charlotte became good little friends. Staying with them for a week was a great opportunity for the girls to learn what it means to be selfless, and not greedy. It's so hard to share, and they had some great practice!! Once we got home, Madison was asking to go back to play with her friend!

On Friday the Davis' were so kind to take us on a great hike to Hidden Falls in the Tetons.

Everyone that passed us made some funny comment about all of us were carrying kids while hiking!

Savvy just loved bouncing along in the Ergo!

Jesse and Eric and Leslie and I had thought provoking discussions as we hiked- redeeming the time! After this fun hike we were able to visit over dinner with Chris and Becky and Melissa who also left CA to help start the church. It was a fun evening of catching up and talking about minisrty.

We spent Saturday as a family just walking around town, going to the farmers market, and the park.

That night, Leslie and Eric sent Jesse and I out on a date. It was so kind and selfless of them to watch the girls while we went to the Teton Village for Thai food. Jesse and I were able to have WONDERFUL conversations without being interrupted!!! It was a sweet time.

On Sunday we got to go to Cornerstone Church. This is the church plant we've been wanting to see for so long! What an encouragement it was to see how the Lord is growing His church through the faithful efforts of those who have planted it. Jackson was in need of a Bible-teaching church, and now there is one! Everyone was so warm and welcoming. What an exciting time it is to watch the Lord use His servants this way. *Highlight for me!*

Here's the Snake River and the Tetons in the background.

There is a famous Ansel Adams photo taken from here, but the trees were a lot smaller!

Next post to come will be of Yellowstone...

On the Road Again...

The Johnsons (and dog, of course) are hitting the road again! We are leaving for Jackson Hole to visit our friends the Davis. Jesse and I were both friends with Eric and Leslie before they moved to Wyoming to church plant. We are finally getting out there to see them, the church, and the Tetons :) I'm sure there will be plenty photos of God's gorgeous creation when we get back.