Bumpy Roads & Beautiful Views

I just love it when Aaron has to "work" in Sunriver. Central Oregon is one of our favorite getaways and it it holds so many special memories for us. Whenever Aaron has to go over the mountains for work we usually try to tag-a-long. This time we were blessed to stay at the Sunriver Lodge. I have been to Sunriver a number of times but never had the chance to stay at the lodge. It is so rustic and beautiful. Our cabin looked out past the river and trees to the blue mountains in the distance. The kids were especially excited that we had a hot tub the size of a small swimming pool just outside our door. It was so fun sitting in the steaming water at twilight, watching the sky change and the stars begin to peek out.

After Aaron finished work on Friday we took the kids out to explore Lava Butte, Paulina Lake, Paulina Peak, Lava Lake Cave, and East Lake. Just last week Aaron had been blessed with a new company car, the Subaru Outback....and wow, that car rocks! The road up to Paulina peak is very bumpy, dusty, winding, and scary! When we got to the top the temperature had dropped to 39 degrees and their was a dusting of snow on the trees. It was the most amazing view I think I have ever seen. It felt like we were all alone at the top of the world! Needless to say the new car is now covered in dust and little handprints. The Outback has been officially initiated into the Koch Family!

Of course we had our ups and downs....( what would life be without temper tantrums and a few attitude adjustments?)...but it was well worth it. Aaron and I know that we need to take advantage of the opportunities we have now, while the kids are young, to spend time together...hopefully nurturing in them the love of adventure, exploration, and rejoicing in God's amazing creation. At the end of the day we will all remember the breathtaking view from the top of the mountain even more than the bumpy road we had to take to get there.