God's Colorful World

Today was a mixture of really hard and really good, as days often can be. Our friend Ross's dad passed away last week after a painful battle with Alzheimer's Disease. His funeral was this morning in Webbers Falls, Oklahoma, and our family attended in support of our friends. While it was a lovely service - and I enjoyed getting to hear stories about Graham and his life - standing by friends while they are traveling the road of grief and loss is never easy. We are grateful that we were able to be there, though.

After the funeral, we went to Muskogee to eat at El Chico. We love to go there when we have the opportunity because Chris and I used to eat there quite a bit in college. Aside from the nostalgia appeal, they also serve this delicious white cream dipping sauce that I've never had anywhere else. Since we were in Muskogee, Chris suggested that we drive home by way of Tahlequah (or old college stomping grounds) and see the foliage on campus. Every autumn, campus comes alive with vibrant colors of red, yellow, and orange, so I was on board with a little detour to brighten our day after a tough morning.

Even as vibrant as these photos are, they just don't do the trees justice. Such beautiful, amazing colors!

Brecklyn, Brenson, Brooke, and Brianna

The big kids and I are studying botany as part of their homeschool curriculum this semester, so we had a few impromptu lessons and reviews as we were walking around campus. 

Brenson, Brooke, Chris, Brecklyn, and Brianna

Love my little crew!

Campus was quiet, almost eerily so. We tried to stop and see a few people I used to work with and the office was closed. That was disappointing, but I couldn't be sad walking around in this beauty. 

What a gorgeous day to see God's handiwork on display!