Spring Break Part One | Estes Park!

I think Spring Break is my favorite break from school. It always gives me just the right amount of rejuvenation to finish out the school year strong (9 more weeks!) This year I was blessed to go on two adventures. I was actually lucky I was able to go on either because the Friday before break I came down with something terrible...fever, chills, aches. I laid in bed praying I would feel better by the time we left for the mountains on Sunday! 

We took it easy all weekend and took our time heading up to Estes Park Sunday afternoon to meet my parents and my older sister and her family. We found our cabin, which was pretty swanky with two levels, a gas fireplace, and several T.V.s. We spent the first day exploring outside, watching deer pass by, and getting settled in. The next day we woke up to the sun shining and the snow sparkling as it fell to the ground. It snowed the whole day and we watched the world turn white from our windows. There's just something so special about a family vacation...even with the chaos that little ones bring. It's fun to watch our own children partake in sacred family traditions and make new ones too. I hope our children always remember these times we shared together. 

And now for a little picture overload! 

Hello March! {and a little video}

Last week we were so close to some really good changes for our family, but things didn't quite work out the way we were hoping. So for now, or until a new opportunity presents itself, we soak up our one day together and don't take any family time we have for granted. It's hard not to get excited about what could be. We are aching for Martin and I to have similar work schedules. On top of that, Martin's been struggling with some health issues we can't seem to figure out and we know or at least hope that a change will give him a chance to heal. After almost 7 years of not having consistent time together we know it's what's best for us...our marriage and our family. 

I feel like I've been so absent on my blog this year...that always happens when life gets busy or becomes uncertain. It really has been a hard year...with a few moments I'd like to forget. I feel like this has been a year of growth for Martin and I. I know that I am ready for changes too and ready to find my roots again. With that comes finding the 'Brave Jessica' that I know is deep down inside and making changes that are best for me and my family. I need to stop worrying about what others think. The days when we feel closer to our goal are glorious days, but with that also comes days when we couldn't feel further away. The ups and downs are what weigh on me the most. I truly believe we are meant to be where we are for a reason, that every moment and experience is preparing us for something greater. I have to constantly remind myself of this as we push through trying to create the life we want. 

Sundays are still our one family day together and with the tease of warmer weather we knew we wanted to spend our day outside. We headed back to Eagle's Nest where we had gone last Valentine's Day. The sun was warm on our faces and even the blustery wind couldn't dampen our spirits.  The views were breathtaking and the greatness of the landscape always help put things into perspective. The feeling of spring is in the air and with that always comes new beginnings! 

Intently watching the horses ride by

These two are my everything!

Thank you so much to those who are always reading along! It feels good to write again, even if it's not all butterflies and rainbows :) Hope everyone is enjoying a peaceful weekend!