Sunday

On Sunday morning, at 5:00AM our alarm went off.

Blake and I normally wake up early on Sunday mornings...

(not 5:00AM early)

...to get dressed and head to church. 

But this Sunday morning our worshipping was not going to consist of pews and hymnals;

it was going to consist of sunrises and fresh air. 

Pulling on t-shirts, baseball caps, and tennis shoes,

Blake and I pulled out of our driveway before the sun rose. 

With the top off the Jeep and the heater on full blast,

we flew down the interstate. 

We were heading to crew a hot air balloon. 

We were excited!

We were pumped!

We were high on too much coffee!

But... Sadly... There was no hot air ballooning this day. 

There was too much wind. 

Back down the interstate we went.

Time for Plan B!

Stopping back by the house, we loaded up the dogs...

Packed a backpack full of sunscreen, bottled water, and the like...

And headed south...

...to Brazos Bend State Park. 

It was a gorgeous day to take in the gorgeous scenery. 

We hiked along a small trail, enjoying all of the nature that surrounded us. 

I think the dogs enjoyed their little hike as much as we did.

Not only was there amazing greenery, but we were able to enjoy all sorts of wildlife.

From turtles, to birds of all kinds, to butterflies, to...

ALLIGATORS

... Extremely large, would probably eat you if they had a chance, alligators. 

All in all, we really enjoyed our day.

Soaking in the sun and experiencing more of God's beauty than we had in a long while. 

Even though going to church is important for the purposes of fellowship and growth,

every now and again, it is important to take a step back and soak in all that is around us. 

All the beauty in the world.

Blake and I have to remind ourselves of that often.  

We also have to remember to park closer... 

Or we'll be carrying Maysee back to the car.