Western mountains trip day 3: rocks and rivers

I didn't plan to blog every single day we were out here, but there's just so much to remember.  And it's quiet at night around here (plus I didn't bring a book) so the time is available.

On our way out of town (headed for adventure) we drove past a city park with yak statues.  Too tempting to resist, Matt pulled over to the curb and we piled out.

There are plenty of people in town who live way out in the grasslands and over far mountain ranges.  The lure of a blond 3 year old is too much for just about anyone, and these folks simply cannot resist. They love to touch his skin, his hair, and the photo ops abound.  Sweet Luke, he is well travelled in this territory (the paparazzi territory, I mean) and responds better than any of our other children.  Maybe that's why God gave him the white hair :)

Only about 30 minutes out of town we found our first stopping point.  The desire to throw rocks in water runs deep.  It's basically our official family hobby.

A washed out road prevented us from reaching our initial destination, so we re-routed and ended up at a gorgeous spot that captured us for hours.

I'd be remiss to not mention that our car is back to faithful service.  Never misses a crank of the engine; and although 4 wheel drive would be nice on a trip like this, we love our van.

No one could resist this rushing water.  The rock collecting and washing and throwing and mixing and sorting just went on and on and on.  Matt engineered a shallower pond area, blocked off from the main river by large rocks.  He got Isaac really interested in using levers (thick piece of driftwood) and pivot points (smaller rocks) to move large rocks.

Lydia and Matt had a "who can keep your hand immersed in the freezing cold water the longest" contest.  Tie.  It can't be more than a few degrees warmer than frozen!

The originals.  These three share a special bond.  For three years it was just the three of them.  And together - with us - they lived through the year that we brought both Luke and John Paul into the fold.
[You can see the little pond just beside Lydia's feet.]

Team K.  Tired and wind-blown, pockets full of rocks and hands frozen from playing in the icy water.  I still dared to ask for a family picture just before heading home.  :)