Colorado Ski Trip -- Day 6

We celebrated the New Year (2017...wow) by sleeping in until 7:30, which felt so good and is quite rare for us on the final day of ski trips.  Normally, it's up by 6:00 and on the road an hour later!  Breakfast was some blueberry yogurt, a plain bagel with cream cheese, a banana, some potato cubes, and milk.  We were heading east on I-70 by 8:40.

The most significant part of the day was when our 2003 GMC Envoy turned over 100,000 miles...not bad for a nearly-14-year-old car, huh?  It has been our faithful traveling companion and transporter for countless ski trips, other fun vacations, and to church and back on many a Sunday morning.  Of course we took pictures and videos; your car only hits 100,000 miles once!

We drove non-stop to Abilene, Kansas, then took a quick break for fuel and lunch to go at Burger King (veggie burger, fries, strawberry sparkling water, a vanilla-Oreo shake).  Just before 8:00 p.m., we pulled in our driveway, having made one other stop for fuel just 10 minutes from our home.  Unloading ensued, but not before I quickly ran out to say hello to my horses -- my undying tradition anytime I come home from even a night away from them.  With four sets of hands on deck, unpacking the car (including the Thule full of skis, boots, and poles) was pretty efficient.  I made a supper of basil gnocchi and chicken in an olive oil-tomato and basil pesto-Parmesan sauce with garlic bread, juice, and of course leftover Christmas goodies.

As always, it's nice to be home and return to the familiarity of a daily routine (and college in just eight days).  Vacations are a wonderful opportunity to gain appreciation for what you have, marvel at the wonder of God's creation, grow closer to your loved ones, and enjoy experiences you otherwise wouldn't.  I'm grateful for safety (driving and skiing), amazing weather, the financial ability to take vacations, my family, and my Savior Jesus Christ.  You don't even need to venture out west to know He is at work everywhere, although it certainly inspires awe!

Happy New Year 2017!  I pray your year ahead is full of wonderful memories, laughter, love, and most importantly, the hope that is found in our amazing Heavenly Father.  Until next time......

100,000 miles on our Envoy, "Azul"!  For the record, I was NOT driving when I took this picture!

~Anna