Ready?

Our camping trip marks the end of the summer.The rush is on to finish up those summer projects and get ourselves ready for a little vacation. We're putting in some serious Math catchup hours, packing, list making, packing some more, getting the camera gear ready, cleaning up the yard, paying the bills...
There is just so much to do. I'll never get it all done. What should I do first?
                                            
                                                       Ah, forget it, let's just go for a ride.

Deb (who owns the barn where Kandeaux is) was kind enough to lend us a second horse so that I could go out on a trail ride with Courtney this afternoon. Kandeaux was at a barn that had no trails for 11 years and when we moved him to this barn, he was sick, then he got better and was feeling TOO good. Now he's finally settled down and back to his old self and finally, finally, I am able to get out there. It's been too many years that I've gone on any kind of trail ride. And now I get to go with my daughter.
                                              ...did my heart good.

Life around here

 We couldn't have asked for a better day. Kathy, Mom, Kassandra, Brenna, and Gianna and me and the kids loaded up a couple vehicles with a big cooler of cold drinks and a big box of snacks, bread, and peanut butter and jelly and hit the road.
We haven't gone in four years or so. Joshua and Grace had no idea what to expect.

 

 Grace LOVED the roller coasters! Hands in the air and everything. She rode every ride that she was allowed to.

Joshua was not as impressed...

Maybe we'll just watch.

 

Joshua decided halfway through the day that he was tired so he fell asleep standing up in the middle of the splash zone. Aunt Kathy scooped him up and snuggled a bit. Then he took a nice long nap on a bench. I am so thankful for such a flexible child.

 

 The happy crew.

 Love this- read the sign...

Up to nothing

Lazy, lazy summer. We've not done a thing.

We could keep ourselves busy with house projects, sorting out the garage, organizing the closet, or just keeping busy with the usual daily chores. By the time you get the house clean, you could do it all over again. And yeah, I've gotten a lot done. Things that are impossible to squeeze in during the school year, like fresh molding and painting a few walls, but no huge projects.

And I suppose with all this free time, I could be doing some great art projects with the kids, or awesome field trips. But I am just enjoying a little time off, honestly. I still have to get myself to work, and maintain the normal motherly duties, and that keeps me busy enough. So a little bit of do nothing time is wonderfully refreshing.

We have been taking little walks, getting caught in a thunderstorm, heading back home, and going back out an hour later when the rain stops. Just because we can.
We have catching up on reading (for pleasure!) and pulling up the lawn chair to the kiddie pool to dip our toes. Life is good. Life is so good.

For those who know my family well, does this face remind you of anyone?

A picnic for two

I love picnics. I love picnics with my friends (old and new) and lots and lots of kids running and playing in every corner of my yard. I love my yard, too. It's a good thing seeing as how I live here. It's the perfect place to host a get together; plenty of shade, lots of great places to play. During the cold months, I can't host much because the house wont hold much of our family. Birthday parties are a bit cramped. But summer is when I can just say, "Come on over" and know there will be plenty of room.

Though I have much to write about this party, it is late, and these are a week old now, so I will just let you enjoy a few pictures...

Beautiful Day

Sigh. "Mommy, isn't this just a beautiful day?"

It really was. How could it not be?

With my sweet girl by my side, walking in the shade, catching a break from the hot sun,

...on our way to our favorite little get-away,

...where they are free to run,

...where we can explore God's creations,

 (Photo by Courtney)

...get a little silly,

...and be with those we love.