Tuesday, November 20, I came home from work, showered, helped with the final packing of the car and we were off on a long drive to Big Bend National Park.
Finally, after 9 hours of driving we made it to our destination. To our dismay, the campsites were full within in the park. We had done some research in case this happened and so we stayed at a place not far from Big Bend called Stillwell RV park and campground. Our campsite was 1 1/2 miles from the bathroom and there was not another camper in site so we called it primitive camping with all of the self made amenities (if you catch my drift). It was a lovely camp and we all enjoyed ourselves.
We had to hurry to set up camp and eat a not so fancy dinner of PB sandwiches. It was a very cold night but we bundled up and snuggled up and managed to get fall asleep while listening to coyotes calling to each other.
Wednesday, November 21st, dawned and we were able to celebrate this amazing girl's 10th birthday. I had packed candles to put in the monkey bread she had requested for breakfast. Well, it was still quite hot in that dutch oven and the candles were melting on the bottom and so we quickly pulled them out and let her blow out a single candle. I want to remember that as we sang to her she then paused for just a moment before she blew it out and made a wish. I do not know what she wished for but I pray that all she hopes and wishes for will come to her in this life.
Since we arrived near dusk and only approached the entrance of the park where we learned it was full, we did not really get to behold the beauty it held. We started our day with a hike on Window Trail. It was the longest hike we did during our trip and the kids were troopers. It was absolutely lovely weather for hiking. The trail was a bit rough towards the end/destination with water crossings and big stretches between rocks to get across. But we worked together and made it happen. I love watching my family work together, the kids encourage, assist, and applaud one another. I need to be more like them especially when one of them begins to whine or complain, instead of being frustrated I should applaud them for the good they have done and help them to see what they are capable of.
We saw a mama bear and her cub just off of the trail. As soon as they heard us coming they were heading deeper in to the brush and further up the mountain. But, for the rest of the trip we called it Arabella's birthday bears!
She posed for me and Peter so many times during the trip. She felt this rock was perfect for her to strike a pose she was asked to do at a recent school photo session.
Taking a break at the end of the trail to eat, drink, and enjoy the view before walking back.
Arabella's dinner of choice was dutch oven ribs. So delicious! We also made camping cannolis.
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