Celebrating our 30th Wedding Annivesary in Estes Park & RMNP 2026

On Monday, April 27, we celebrated our 30th wedding anniversary.  I could not be happier to be celebrating it in one of my favorite places- Rocky Mountain National Park.  

 

We began the morning by taking photos. 

 

We then enjoyed a buffet breakfast in the YMCA dining hall.

 

The boys both have live math classes on Monday mornings so we left them at the lodge and went into town by ourselves.  We stopped and explored the Stanley Hotel.  It is beautiful!

 

 

us on the steps of the Stanley Hotel in Estes Park 

 

 

I loved this old car.  

Of course it made me think of my dad. 

 

The Stanley Hotel was the inspiration for the movie The Shining.  They had several movie themed things for sell in the gift shop.

 

Before leaving, we stopped by their coffee shop for a coffee and a cappuccino.  

 

We then drove out to Lily Lake and walked the loop around it. 

 

 

Just like almost every other hike we did on the trip, as soon as we got out of the car, the snowflakes started falling.  It just made our trip magical!  I would love to see this park in the fall, but because of the snow, I think I'll always be drawn back there in the spring.  I just love snow!  It makes me happy!

 

Lily Lake 

 

It's only a 0.8 mile flat walk around the lake.

 

 

I loved seeing these tiny pine cones. 

 

 

 

 

walking around Lily Lake on our anniversary 

 

Lily Lake  

 

Lily Lake 

 

 

We returned to the YMCA and picked up the boys in time for lunch.  Prior to our trip, I had researched good hamburger places in Estes Park.  Fresh Burger Stop came highly recommended in most all of my searches so we went there for our anniversary lunch.  Much to my surprise, it was located in a gas station.  The boys thought surely I would not want to eat there once we arrived, but my curiosity was up and I had to try the burgers.  Just as recommended, they were delicious and the onion rings were perfect. Don't let the location deter you! There is also a burrito shop and a donut shop (Donut Haus) located there.  The donut shop closes at noon and the sweet young guy working there gave us free donuts for dessert.  If you know me, I love donuts!!  That young man had no idea how much joy that small gesture gave me.  Because all of our meals were provided at the YMCA and we had picnic lunches, this was the first meal we had eaten out since the Atlanta airport on our flight there.  

 

 

I had packed a few of our wedding napkins to use on our anniversary. 

 

 

After eating, we drove into the park for an afternoon hike. 

 

We drove to the Cub Lake Trailhead. 

 

We hiked to Cub Lake.  It was 2.3 miles one way. 

 

 

hiking to Cub Lake 

 

 

me and Ben

 

 

more pretty purple flowers on the trail 

 

 

And, soon after starting the hike, it began to snow.  We had off and on snowflakes the rest of the hike there and back.

 

 

And then, because Colorado weather is so crazy, just a few minutes later it was nice and sunny. 

 

 

And then came round two, which lasted a while.

 

'

me and Ben relishing the snowflakes 

 

 

arriving at Cub Lake 

 

 

Cub Lake 

 

 

 Cub Lake

 

 Cub Lake

 

our family at a snowy Cub Lake on our 30th wedding anniversary

What a fun memory! 

 

 

 Cub Lake

 

 

 Cub Lake

 

 

 Cub Lake

 

 

me and my boys at Cub Lake 

 

 Cub Lake

 

Cub Lake 

 

 Cub Lake with those beautiful mountains in the background

 

i 

wildlife on the hike back down

 

the last of the rock climbing for Ben 

 

David and the boys on the Cub Lake trail 

 

Oh how I miss this mountain view!!! 

 

Cruz on the trail

 

One last photo in the park on our 30th anniversary

 

hiking back out 

 

 

 

the creek that runs through Moraine Park 

 

This trip had been incredible in every way!  I am so thankful we were able to celebrate our anniversary in a place we both truly love. 

 

Thirty years.  

Three decades.  

One incredible journey!  

 

 

April 27, 1996  

 

Fishing and 4 Wheeling

On a recent Sunday afternoon we were invited to the Carter home for an afternoon and evening of fun in the country.  We love anything outdoors so this was a perfect outing for us. Our hosts, Stan and Sheila, came down to serve on a volunteer team with us this past term.  One thing we love about the volunteers who come to work with us, is that most come as strangers but leave as lifelong friends.  We have such great bonds with people who have only served with us for one week on the mission field.  I love how the Lord does that.  

We began the afternoon with fishing.  The boys love to fish but have not had an opportunity to do it yet since we've been home. 

 

Ben's first catch of the day. 

 

Cruz 

 

 

Ben 

 

David is trying to teach Ben how to hold the fish. 

 

 

 

 

Ben 

 

 

us with Stan and Sheila 

 

 

Cruz's first catch of the day 

 

 

 

David, Ben, and Stan 

 

 

When they were done fishing, we took a break to eat supper.   Stan grilled some delicious burgers.

 

 

Next, we loaded up on 4 wheelers and side by sides and hit the trails around their property. 

 

We all really enjoyed this part of our visit. 

 

 

Cruz driving me on the golf cart 

 

The Carter's neighbors have two boys that joined us that day.  I didn't get photos of them fishing with us, but we sure enjoyed their company throughout the whole visit.

 

 

me and David on the side by side

 

Their dog, Rowdy, ran along side us the whole time. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We enjoyed a beautiful sunset while out riding. 

 

 

 

We ended our visit with homemade ice cream, blueberry cobbler, and cake.  It really was a "sweet" way to end our time together.  The whole outing was fantastic!!  It is definitely a memory our family will not soon forget.