The best school day this year

 My kids were extra motivated this morning. They eagerly stood by while I was on the phone, waiting for the decision.
"Ok, Aunt Amy said they are coming over in an hour."
But... things needed to be done first, or I would call her and say the kids didn't finish their responsibilities so turn around and go home.

Right. Like I would do that.

So they ran off and finished up their schoolwork and quickly did their chores in record time.

I can honestly say that as a teenager, I hung out with friends a lot, but never in a tree.

The kids buried Caleb in the leaves. He snuck out while Joshua was busy gathering up another handful. He came back to the pile, and started digging through it. "Caweb! Caweb!" He must have thought we lost him.

It was still technically a school day, though a very relaxed one, so I turned our visit into a science assignment (which I was planning on doing with my kids anyway. It's just more fun with friends)

And who can resist leaf sledding?

 And for PE...

 a little volley ball and cheerleading practice

We wish all school days could be like this one.

Evening with Kandeaux

Love

Checking out the window to see what the kids are doing, I see this. These four all snuggled up on the swing. I couldn't grab my camera and head out the door fast enough. They were good enough to sit still and pose. (They are good at that.)

"Mommy, can I fly all the way up to Jesus?"

 

 It's that time of year again.

 When I bombard you with pictures of our camping trip. I cant begin to describe the beauty of this place. And though I spend every moment walking, swimming, biking, or hiking, I come back relaxed, refreshed, rested.

After every trip, I ask the kids (its good car ride home conversation) what their favorite part of our day was. If you were to ask me the same about this place I could not answer you.
I love the just hanging out at the campfire part...

And the bike riding, and salamander catching...

And the baby loving, and one on one talks with good friends...

The water, the rocks, and even better- the rocks in the water...

Watching friendships grow...

And, of course, Bugs.

A long walk with little company.

That didn't quite make it.

Waiting for a ride.

And "thumbing" a ride when daddy drove by.