Last weekend was gorgeous outside so we grabbed some friends, loaded up 8 kids ages 4-14, and headed to Independence, KS to check out the Elk River Trail.
It was more beautiful than I was expecting. Trees, hills, rocks, and an incredible lake. The whole trail is 15 miles point-to-point so our crew only made it 2 miles in before deciding we should head back out and not push our luck with all the littles. (Tiny people mutiny’s are real!) They did so great though. It really was a wonderful trail.
Next, we found a lunch spot at the dam of the lake where they were letting out a significant amount of water. The kids got doused with a couple unruly waves but had a blast.
After this we headed into Independence where we’d heard there was a free zoo and park. The “zoo” certainly wasn’t anything to write about but the kids had a great time anyway!
Next, we wound our way to Elk Falls. I was again surprised to come across something so lovely and beautiful so close to home (how have I never been here?!). The bridge and falls were so fun to explore and we had it to ourselves.
We finished off the day with Mexican food and then one last stop at the cutest little roadside drive-in.
It was a really good day. Yes, there were tears at times. Deacon’s absence screams so loud in my ears on adventures like this. This was the type of day he LIVED for, and we were with his very best friends. Our friends cried with us. They feel him missing too and it’s such a gift to not have to hide our hurt. We feel their sadness too and feel less alone. But we also laughed, remembered, and exhausted ourselves with adventure…and that’s a life I want to keep living. Even when it hurts.
I’m still getting used to not hearing his voice up ahead on the trail somewhere (cause he certainly wouldn’t be back with his old mom). I’m still getting used to not having to worry about him jumping on the rail of that dam wall. I’m still getting used to what we look like in family pictures. But when the Bible says “He is close to the broken-hearted”, I think it looks like this. Days like this one. In his creation. With friends we can seamlessly move from laugher to tears and back again. Watching my four beautiful, still-here children laugh and explore until they pass out in their car seats.
Claassen Clan 
Those are my old stomping grounds. I’ve probably stood exactly in your kids footprints watching the water gush through the dam outlet. I can still hear how loud it was. Indy was my hometown. I’ve been down that curly slide a thousand times. And sat on that lion’s back. Mom would pack a picnic lunch for me and my siblings and send us to the park. We played, hiked and explored every corner of Riverside Park. Late in the afternoon we’d drag our tired happy bodies home. The house would be shiny clean since that’s what Mom did without the four of us underfoot. Thanks for bringing old memories back to me as you make new memories! I still pray for you all.
LikeLiked by 1 person
You inspire me to get out there and live my life . Thank you 💚💚💚
LikeLiked by 1 person