Hiking on Mt. Spokane, Finally

It's been awhile since I have been in the snow on Mt. Spokane.  Mike suggested we get out and do some snowshoeing or hiking.  Great idea for sure.  We went to our usual spot.  It was early afternoon on a Saturday.  The lot was full.  Ah, let's go back a few miles to another area and we did. It was a sunny day and the temperature was perfect.  We missed out on some of the sun because we were on a narrow path lined with trees. Here we go, up and up and up!

The creek that runs along the trail for a short time is down there.  We climbed up and were no longer following the creek. 

Gleasons 

 Obstacle number one.  A tree across the path!  

Holding up the log.  Just trying to help.  Keeping everyone safe!

Obstacle number two, up and over we went. There were more but none the were difficult to navigate. 

There's some sun!  That's Mike on the trail.  Neither one of us used snowshoes.  Most of the trail was packed down. 

More sun!

My coat is off and so is my hat!  You get warm hiking in the snow. 

Mighty Mike!

A snow tunnel created by the trees.  So beautiful. 

And we are done.  2.5 miles in the books.  I was very aware of the fact that I am somewhat out of shape.  There is nothing like being out in what God created for us to enjoy.  Nothing.   We stopped many times to just take it all in and thank God for the beauty around us.  

 

Christmas Eve and New Years Eve

Christmas Eve 2024! In a blink of an eye Lucy and Layne have grown up.  Beautiful inside and out.  

We stopped at the the Lathrop's home to drop off presents before heading to our destination.

Well, these are out of order.  Not fixing it.  We are graciously invited to Justin's parents every Christmas Eve.  Here we are.  I wanted to grab a couple of pictures before the whole gang arrived.  It's rare to all be together. 

Back at the Lathrops.  Precious!

Let the games begin!  Cousins, siblings and parents and grandparents. 

Mighty Mike

Every year is seems like I get this picture. 

The girls who aren't little girls anymore. 

Kristin and the grizzly bear!

Now that's concentration. 

Justin and Kristin

Really Mike!!  

Every year the cousins exchange pajamas.  This year it was decided no more pajama exchange.  Most of the cousins were OK with that.  Kristin and Brande, the grown ups,  apparently weren't so they got pajamas for all of the cousins.

AHHHH

Layne and her faces. 

This is the one and only picture we got of Christmas morning.  This is the day we celebrate the sacrifice that God made sending His only Son to Earth to save us all. Jesus sacrificed Himself and loved us so much that He came and lived as a human so that we could have eternal life. Romans 10:9. If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. 

New Years Eve 2024.  Some people stay up until midnight and some people just get pictures of people  that stayed up until midnight.  Looks like fun Layne and Lucy. 

Another year in the books.  I know people say time goes so fast and it really does!  Here's to 2025 and spending more time with family.