Volcano National Park

We were all tuckered out on Monday, so settled on a quiet day at Volcano National Park. Papa wasn't feeling well, so he decided to stay at the house to get some extra rest. We set off for the day with our picnic lunch, thankful for blue skies and happy kids.

This vacation was a little bit different from our last, mostly because traveling with three is a bit more complicated than traveling with just two. Two years ago, we really enjoyed the long hikes, particularly on the floor of the crater and to the top of a cinder cone. On this trip, we were content to go slow, enjoy the wind in our faces and the sound of the giggles of little ones. There are different seasons of life, and perhaps someday, we'll be back in the season of long hikes and adventure. But until them, I'm content with the breeze and giggles....

Volcano National Park is always one of the highlights for me. I love getting to see the force of God's creation on display and the unique landscapes caused by the tumultuous movements of lava.

The girls decided to take a break from their picnic lunch so I could snap some fun pictures. I love the curls and wild hair!

Sister love...

Here we are heading into the Thurston Lava Tube, a cave remnant left from a lava flow.

There is never a dull moment, and Mimi makes everything fun!

We did only part of the Crater Lakes Drive, mostly because we wanted to get back to Papa at the house. We also wanted to make sure we had an opportunity to pick up pastries at the bake shop before they closed :)

And this face says, "I'm tired and ready to go home!" It also says, "I have very strong opinions!"