The entire Stegall family gathered near Jefferson, CO this month to enjoy a family vacation. My parents very graciously rented a cabin for us, and all 18 found spots within. This post features two highlights of the trip -- a hike around Jefferson Lake and Z's third birthday, on July 15.
Jefferson Lake. The internet site we found said the trail around it was "Easy." I think most of us would disagree with that. But, it was certainly beautiful, and we all made it all the way around.
Jake was a great help with the little kids. Here he is giving Z a ride.
On the trail -- Z, Grady, Charis and Christie.
Z enjoying the wild flowers.
Jake, Caleb, Simon and Ann.
Caleb, Charis, Mom and Ann taking a break. Everyone is wearing Dad's clothes, because the wind at the lake was very chilly, and no one had brought sweatshirts. Dad's suitcase was in the trunk of the car, so the troops broke it open and distributed what was within.
Z and I.
Nathan and Z on a snowbank. We took a different car than everyone else, so didn't know Dad's clothes were being handed out. We just suffered until the hike warmed us up. When Z saw the snow he started to cry and said, "I'm going to be chilly!" You can see from his face he's still not happy about it.
And the birthday -- 3 years old! He got a t-ball set, which he and all the kids LOVED!
Crazy Daddy at the birthday party. He looks like that demented clown everyone is scared to death of.
Opening the presents with the cousins gathered round.
In March, Aunt Christie offered to make Z's birthday cake, and Z looked forward to it for months! Here is is: a Vikings football helmet. The artist with her fans -- Grady, Charis and Z.
And a close-up. Isn't it wonderful? Z loved it!
Enjoying turning three!
Here's the backseat gang.
We drove the wildlife loop in Custer State Park and saw lots of fun animals, including "wild" donkeys. They really enjoyed Lu's dogfood.
Mother and baby.
We stopped several times in Custer just to get out and hike a little. So beautiful! These two aren't bad looking either!
Hiking. You can see Lu a little further up than Nathan and Z if you look closely.
This is the church in Jefferson, CO where we spent our Sunday morning. I think our family doubled the normal number of the attendees.
Cute little Katy.
Charis, Z and Grady watching a movie. I don't think Charis is asleep, we just caught her blinking (so like Yaya!). Z and Grady are obviously engrossed.
Here we are at the Continental Divide, about halfway between Breckinridge and our cabin.
The day we went to Breckinridge we stopped for gas and got Z his own bag of Cheetos as a treat. Once back in the car, as Nathan and I examined the map, I asked Z if he wanted me to open the bag for him. He said, "No, not until the car is going." He wanted to save the treat for the road!
There was a beautiful stream running right through Breckinridge, just inviting us to put our feet in.
