#38…check!

It’s been way too long since I’ve posted on checking off a goal on my 101 list! There are quite a  few that I have accomplished, but haven’t yet blogged about, so I’ll start by catching up with this one!

#38: spend a week-long retreat at my parents’ condo in Colorado

I know I’ve mentioned this before, but I spent the summer of 2006 at one of the most beautiful places in the US – at Snow Mountain Ranch, YMCA of the Rockies. I was a team leader for the Navigator’s Summer training program. (Check out the promo video here.) It was an intense summer of discipleship, working at the Ranch, building relationships,  and learning how to authentically follow Jesus. It was a life-changing summer for me in many ways…and it was for my parents as well! When they came to visit me, they fell in love with that area of Colorado (near Winter Park), and a few months later, they decided to purchase a condo in Granby (small town nearby) as a get-away home. I love that they have a place there, and it’s sad I’m not able to spend time there more often! In November, my parents and I spent a week at the condo, and I loved every minute of it! It was the perfect mix of sight-seeing, going to concerts, exploring, snow-shoeing, shopping, and also reading, resting, and relaxing!

Here are my parents as we waited…and waited…and waited for our train. For some reason, they always seem to run a few hours behind!

The observation car:

The Condo:

I’ve decided that when I buy a house someday, I will build myself a wood fence! I love these! A cool bride in Grand Lake: My two favorite spots at Snow Mountain Ranch: 1) Columbine Point. Absolutely incredible view. Somehow, the presence of God feels so much stronger here than any other place I’ve been. Each time I’m here, I can’t help but worship the God who made these enormous, beautiful mountains.

and 2) this rock,  on the top of a mountain. I spent hours here during my summer at SMR,  wrestling with God about different things, and reflecting on life. A setting like this seems to put life in perspective for me!

This sky show was incredible! I was sitting in the lodge, with my back to the window and when I saw sun streaming in from behind me, I turned around and saw this spectacular sight! Half the sky was absolutely dark, and half of it had blue skies with the sun peeking out! Wow!

It finally snowed the night before we traveled back to Iowa. Perfect timing! During our week there, we got to enjoy unusually warm, sunny weather, and also  fresh snow to snow shoe in!

And lastly, here are my parents and I!

Posted by Allison Marie, Des Moines Iowa wedding and portrait photographer