January Snow Trip to the Mountains

Back in January, we all piled into our suburban and headed up to the Cascades. Back in October or so, Mom booked a tiny cabin in the Leavenworth area, where all six of us stayed for a couple nights. Though it was small and very cozy, we made it work and we all had a blast on our visit. Since we love the snow, and we didn't get any in our area this winter (which isn't unusual), we were more than ready to be back in the white stuff! On the way over the mountains, we stopped at Stevens Pass, where the snow was falling heavily, for some first of the year sledding for a couple hours.



Esther was busy building a snowman practically the entire time we were there---no sled runs for this kid!

Dad went down to help her

Dad's snowshoes that he's had for years---they are like new b/c he hardly ever gets a chance to wear them, however they got a lot of use on this trip. :)

Happy to be here!

Let it Snow!!

 

                Sören beginning to build his snowman

We headed down Stevens Pass awhile later, eager to arrive at our cabin. We were a little concerned that there wouldn't be much snow (if any) down there, since on the west side at that elevation there was absolutely none. However, we were wrong! It turns out the area had just received a big dumping a couple days before, and at least 2 feet of snow lay sparkling in the not a cloud in the sky day. If you are reading this and you live where it snows frequently, this is no biggie! But for us, its a thrill! Since it was twilight and we were in cougar country, after unloading the car, we settled into our cabin, ate dinner and played some intense rounds of chess and other games.

Our humble little abode-it was tight, but just right. ;)

I managed to get everyone at the table in this shot, minus Sören, who decided to go to bed early, which didn't end up happening. ;)

The next day after breakfast, we agreed upon checking out Lake Wenatchee State Park, our favorite summer camping spot, to see if there were any good sledding hills. This time of year the park is open for cross country skiers and snowshoers.We found an awesome sledding hill after a short pleasant hike along the designated snowshoe trail. We spent awhile there sledding with a break of hot cocoa and popcorn.  After more sledding, we walked along the river to the lake---it was a glorious day for a winter walk!

Pine tree with Dirty Face Mountain (which not-so-dirty this time of year!) in the background

Sören

Paradise!

Esther

A Family Photo

 Snowman building:

 

Ta Da!

Headed back to the car....

Walking through a grove of baby pine trees

The next morning we had to checkout of our cabin, so after breakfast and packing the car, we checked out and went to a different sledding hill and stayed for two hours or so until it was time to head home.

                                 Mom & Sören sled by

Sören and I....not sure why he's making such a frown, but okay...

This was Esther's only ride the entire trip, and I'm not quite sure why...

The thrill!

Mom and Dad each took turns on the snowshoes and went out to the nearby meadow. Beautiful!

Young pine trees blanketed with snow

Dad spotted a big flock of Evening Grosbeaks chillin' in this tree by the sledding hill, and after a few tries I got this pic with my parent's camera.

We had a great time overall, though it ended not so good for Sören, who had a minor sledding accident to finish the trip. :( It was a great trip to just have fun and enjoy time as a family in the wonder and beauty of winter.

Adoption Update-LSC!

At the end of January, on a 'bleak midwinter' Friday afternoon, the natives were getting restless.  So, we decided it was time to head out.   As we left the house, I mentioned to Ben, "Well, I guess another week has gone by and no word from China."  Disappointment clearly noted in my tone of voice.   'They' (who is that anyway?) had said it would take 8-10 weeks to receive our LSC (Letter Seeking Confirmation), however, it had been almost 13 by then.....but who's counting?  Oh yes, we are.  And, more importantly our Abba Father, who has every day ordained for us and written in His book before even one of them came to be.   (Psalm 139)  How often do I need THAT reminder!?!   His timing is perfect in ways beyond anything we can ever see or understand.   We've rested in that truth through this whole process, but I have to admit, this 'native' was starting to get a bit restless too.    

Soon after in the library, I noticed a message on my phone and much to my surprise, our agency called to say our LSC (Letter Seeking Confirmation) had arrived!  (That's the final approval, or "Yes-you may officially adopt this child," or "Ni Hao!," -if you will-notice from China).   We sang the Lord's praises all the way home and then He had another surprise for us as we descended into the bay and rounded the corner.  Those soggy skies that typically dominate the winter months in this neck-of-the-woods had parted and we just had to stop right there and revel in His glory.  I could hear the Lord whisper to my heart that He's bringing His precious little one home and to see his first sunset soon.  (Esther could not believe this possibility, but I told her I'm willing to bet her little bro. in the middle of a huge city in China his entire life has not seen the sunset.  Perhaps, but not likely).   

We pulled in and Grace raced up the stairs to snap a photo of His masterpiece just in time from her bedroom window.  

They who dwell in the ends of the earth stand in awe of Your signs; You make the dawn and the sunset shout for joy.  Psalm 65:8

 One glorious day, perhaps not too far off, He will bring all those who have placed their faith and trust in Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior home too...His children....home at last to revel in His glory and be loved for all eternity....a masterpiece of His grace.

 “I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you."  John 14:18

"Yet to all who receive Him, to those who believed in His name, He gave the right to become children of God."   John 1:12

Thank you for your continued prayers.   Keep 'em coming!  We love you all-

Ben, Jo, & the Tribe