We just returned from Colorado after being there 10 days with family and friends.

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We traveled with 6 other families (26 of us in all). We all have RV's and it was such fun to be on the road together.

Even our doggie Ava loved the ride.

We stayed at Castle Lakes RV & Campground in Lake City, Colorado. What a gorgeous place.

I thought I'd share some of my favorite captures my eyes took in.

This was the view from our RV site. It was breathtaking. It was a great place for coffee in the morning. Nice and cold too.

The water was like glass most days and we had spectacular weather all week long.

I just loved how the mountain reflected in the water.

Can you believe how gorgeous this is?

We took walks around the lake and admired the wildflowers and beauty.

Hanging baskets were overflowing with color at the lodge.

I was tempted to bring this fabulous piece of driftwood home!

I'm sure the beavers would have been sad to see it go.

This bridge was perfect for fishing.

All 6 families rented jeeps from the lodge one day. We drove in convoy right up into the mountains. It was an amazing day of adventure and fun!

I just couldn't believe this view. The color of the water in this valley took my breath away.

See what I mean?

Waterfalls everywhere.

Sheep grazing.

but lots of dust flying everywhere too.

Loads of belly laughter around the fire each evening. Loads of memories were made! Some of these friends have been in our lives since high school so the stories that were told were absolute hoots.

Lots of hiking and fishing too!

The jeeping was my favorite, maybe because I had such a handsome driver.

Always so good to be in nature exploring God's incredible beauty.

Hard to be back in the 100 degree heat here in Texas now. I'm going to miss my coffee spot.

but.... ready to start all my new projects!

I have 2 photo shoots this week. A kitchen remodel and a bathroom remodel completion. Pictures coming soon!

(Photo by Ruthie Staalsen)

Everybody needs rest and relaxation. That's why they call it Spring BREAK!

(by Ruthie Staalsen)

This Spring Break we loaded our RV's and our families all went to Arkansas to camp with the kids and grandparents.

(by Ruthie Staalsen)

It was an incredible time! Our first stop was Dardandelle State Park.

(my toes)

I hung in my hammock for hours and enjoyed the scenery and the quiet! However, I did fall asleep and woke up with raccoon eyes from my sunglasses :)

Our campsite was right on the Arkansas River and it was gorgeous!

(by Kaarin Staalsen)

The Marina setting was beautiful too.

The kids had fun with sidewalk chalk. I thought this family tree was so much fun! They even blended the colors and used some shading. You know I'm all about the details...the details!

Yes, teens still love to play with sidewalk chalk!

The kids also enjoyed making these tie dye shirts with sharpies thanks to their Auntie Trish for bringing all the supplies and teaching them how to do it! You can find detailed instructions on how they created them by going to my "craft" board on Pinterest, they are adorable and EASY to make.

(by Ruthie Staalsen)

We had beautiful sunsets.....

(by Tricia Staalsen)

Breathtaking!

We took many naps, thanks to my husband who kept the clomping teens out of the RV while I slept :)

Our second stop was Ft. Smith State Park.

We did some hiking and really enjoyed this waterfall.

(by Terri Anstice)

Check out these pictures that Nana took of these butterflies.

We rented a Pontoon boat and had fun fishing, exploring the lake and especially enjoyed the sunshine! I think I evened out my Raccoon eyes, ha! The kids had a ball exploring this cave! If they had brought their sleeping bags I'm sure they would have loved to spend the night :)

(by Ruthie Staalsen)

We took lots of walks with our morning coffee.

Sat around roaring fires and told stories. Oh my goodness, laughter is the best medicine!

Played scrabble and cards by lantern light.

What's a camping trip without incredible food, especially an omelet for breakfat!. The best part is that we used paper goods all week so I didn't have to do dishes!

The brothers played slingshot golf while we girls watched! Very competitive these two are!

We had a tour of Wiedekehr's winery and had fun tasting all their sweet Swiss wines.

Enjoyed the countryside.

Had a picnic at the top of Mt Nebo. What a great view and the girls had fun being silly!

All of the above is why we camp (RV style). Getting away from it all, taking time to enjoy those you love, stepping away from the roles we play while living every day life and taking time to BE STILL.

This is how I am refreshed! God's creation is so inspiring and I'm blessed that I have the opportunity to be out in nature so I can enjoy it to the fullest.