We paused for a group shot on the observation platform at 40-Acre Lake at Brazos Bend State Park. Did you notice the photo-bomber in the background?
One of the things we rarely discuss publicly is the sometimes grinding nature of the work we’re doing in this season of our lives—we’re striving to complete our partnership network, we’re getting ready to leave one country while attempting to establish a home in another, everyday we’re ripping off the “good-bye” Band-Aid in slow-motion a few more hairs at a time, and most of this has to be done right now.
All of this activity and uncertainty can add up to a lot of stress in the Peacock home, so this week we did something about it—we went to hang out with the gators at Brazos Bend State Park. We spent three days and two nights camping there, focusing on our spending time with the family and having fun—and I think we did a good job.
We nature-hiked, animal-searched, tree-climbed, marshmallow-roasted, deer-stalked, bird-watched, playground-played and ate campfire food to our collective hearts’ content.
![This tree was right next to our campsite (that's the Giant Sea Slug [AKA, our tent] in the background). Beast and Nightcrawler spent hours perfecting their tree-climbing skills in it.](https://www.peacocksontheloose.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/web-1489.jpg)
This tree was right next to our campsite (that’s the Giant Sea Slug [AKA, our tent] in the background). Beast and Nightcrawler spent hours perfecting their tree-climbing skills in it.
On Monday, we went on a 2-hour hike around 40-Acre Lake. There are beautiful trails there, and the weather was absolutely enjoyable. From left to right: Cyclops, Phoenix, Beast, Wolverine, Miranda, and Nightcrawler.
We made sure to reinforce that we were there to relax as a family, and make sure that even though we’re in the midst of sometimes significant turbulence, healthy family relationships continue to be important and prioritized. We even had some time to practice some teamwork and team-building with the kids, as they made their way around a large tree and stump on the hike.
You may see some kids jumping from stump to log. I see the hope that is our three oldest working together to overcome obstacles–a skill set which will serve them well as we make our way in Germany.
There was even time for Dale to have a little fun with the kids and pose for a photo with everyone showing off their HBU Husky hands.
Showing a little Alma Mater pride, we all got our HBU “Dogs Up” for this one.
Everyone said they really enjoyed our short family getaway/retreat. Phoenix even said that if it weren’t for the bugs, camping would be her favorite thing in the world. We plan to continue our family camping trips when we get to Europe, as an affordable way for us to have breaks from the challenges of doing life other-culturally.
We’ll leave you for today with the shot below. I like his smile.
This guy was hanging out on the road we were walking on. We waited about 15 minutes for him to mosey over to the side of the road before we attempted to pass. He was happy, hanging out in the bright midday sun, humans notwithstanding.
Did you have enough wood? Awesome campsite view. Thanks for the gator closing.
We used up all the pecan we got from you, and mixed it with the oak we bought. The oak kept brighter flames better, probably because it was drier. We had enough coals from both to heat water for coffee and tea, as well as boil a full pot of water in the dutch oven. We had about half of the oak left over.
Did you notice the creature in the first photo, right above our heads?
Thanks for the help!