North Shore 2012 Part 2

More camping. More rocks, mud, water. Bells on the baby. More food. One fish. Making people out of nature. Luke 12. Leaf rubbings. More time full of His grace.

North Shore 2012 Part 1

Pictures tell a story just fine, right? 

But as far as words go... remembering back, they are:

"Thank you Lord for this time of just us. We rode hours and noticed the glory of the setting sun.  As our family of 6 milled close, it felt like suffocation or sweet fellowship, depending on your choice mood. To watch the smile of the little outdoors-toddler spreads smiles all around. With the smell of stinky diapers, there was that cool pine air. It didn't kill us to get up at 4:30 am on vacation. When there's a challenge to find a certain shaped stone, we could spend hours among millions. The pre-planning of food paid off in peace and yumminess. But, Hun, can you take me back, so I can grill that fish you catch over the fire? A wildflower handbook would've made me seem a little smarter. So, yes, thank you Lord for this undeserved gift of time."

Leyla's birthday

This girl is 10 years old, a whole decade! How can it be? We love you darling, and the ways you make up a special part of our family. You are paving the way in you trust, diligence and servants heart. You make one sweet firstborn. Happy birthday!

I have to say, twins, that our life was doubly blessed on March 16th, 8 years ago. 

Our prayer is that you know Christ's presence in your life, every day, as your loving guide. 

That you will choose the right way, even when it's hard, because it is the path of life. 

Love you my sweets!

Reminiscing is a must...oh how fast they grow!

Edible.

 A zoo animal party that was more like "explosion of the Wal-Mart and Dollar Tree decorations". 

Remember, we do haphazard birthday parties here.

 Some backyard games, a banana split ice cream cake, the Silver Chair with glow sticks, girls slumber in the living room and boys brave the outdoor tent.

Happy birthday!

Yes, March is long gone...trying to catch up.

Dear Grandma,

I had butterflies in my tummy as I tore open the package

thank you soooo much for the prairie dress

it fits perfectly!

Love,

Chloe Joy

Winter Hike

A couple months back we trekked out to a tall grass prairie refuge

you had to keep moving because it was chilly

hide and go seek in the grass

we were hoping to go back and do a snowshoe hike, but it never snowed that much...

attempts to restore the lands natural ecosystem

which includes bison and elk

and lots of other wild life

her hair is looks like tall prairie grass

Why didn't I get a shot of that rosy baby face? He was there on his daddy's back.
I love these family times, even though I know they aren't as serene as the pictures show... because there's always a bit of chaos mixed in.