The big, ahem, hole in the ground.

We are East coast people.

Through and through.

I tend to lean toward the northeast (gotta have some snow!), Joey loves the southeast (palm trees and salt air, baby!).
But we have both fallen head-over-heals in love with Virginia! Specifically, the James river area. It's just lousy with American history, and that's where our hearts truly lie.

So where does the Army send us?
Colorado, of course!

Well, when in Rome . . .
We bought hiking boots and hit the trails in Cheyenne Canyon, visited the Seven Falls, saw the view from the top of Pikes Peak, hiked Bear Lake in Rocky Mountain National State Park, bought snow boots when winter hit and crunched our way to the top of Helen Hunt falls, saw the Pueblo cliff dwellings, climbed around the Garden of the Gods, visited the wolves at the reserve . . . not bad for our first six months!

But, despite jumping in with both enthusiastic feet, Colorado still doesn't feel quite like home. Our thoughts drift east, and we know our time here is limited.

So what to do but see as much as we can while we're here. And to that end . . .

Last Wednesday Joey called and said he had a four day weekend. We threw a few bags together and hopped in the car. Eleven hours and three states later we hit the crater. It was the most breathtaking 'hole in the ground' we'd ever seen!

The Grand Canyon.

We spent the first part of the weekend hiking the rim and a small part of the Bright Angel Trail into the canyon.
I snapped pictures like a mad woman, my jaw pretty much locked in the 'WOW' position. The girls weren't sure what to think at first, but with view after stunning view the canyon eventually won them over. Joey loved it, but pretty much had his hands full trying to keep us away from the ledges while we were trying to get that perfect shot!

Our last day was Sunday.

Easter Sunday.

For seventy-seven years there has been a sunrise service held on the rim of the Grand Canyon. And this year we were blessed to be a part of it.
Hearing thousands of voices singing praises in the darkness before the dawn.
Having the Psalms read, and hearing them echo off of the walls of the canyon.
Seeing the first rays of the sun peeking over the eastern rim as prayers were being offered.

Words cannot express what this heart felt.

 Thank you, God, for your sacrifice.

Thank you for your unfailing love.

And thank you for the beauty we see all around us . . . even in the west.