Getting back

 

We are anxious to get back--back to this charming little cabin in the woods and by the water.  We are ready for long hikes on the smooth rock covered beach, a walk down to the candy store, harvesting raspberries from great-grandmas bushes that have been transplanted, seeing our precious family and taking deep breaths of cool air off the lake.

camp

This girl loves camp!  She and her sisters completed a week of VBS camp and came home all jazzed up.  She keeps asking when she will return to camp at church.  What fun!  I am so glad we have this experience each year at our small church.  All of us mommas work so hard to put it all together but the end result is always worth the work.  Strengthening their faith in such a fun way bring so much joy to my heart.

Basking in the day

Summer is officially here and with it the longest day of the year. Unfortunately where we live our day was shadowed with clouds and rain but that didn't stop us from celebrating the extended daylight and carefree summer moments.

Happy summer days to you!

We adore you...

We adore you and are ever grateful for the many ways you lead us so wisely and love us so dearly on this spectacular journey of life.

beneath the oak trees

On a trip out west recently, we ran into a lovely vineyard with a beautiful outdoor patio beneath old oak trees.  We enjoyed a glass of wine underneath the tangled limbs while our children frolicked in the green lawn.  Yes, we are included in the small minority of folks that bring their kids to a winery on a quiet Sunday afternoon. I know we got some nasty looks but it is a lot of fun including them in things we enjoy.  

up with the sun and summer morning picnics

These three chickadees were up with the sun and had a full-blown morning picnic set up on the back lawn as I made my way out to find them.  I do love finding these sweet sibling moments to start our summer days.

"Yes," this summer...

After reading an article in a mothering publication about saying "yes" more, I am vowing to do the same this summer.

Often I say "no" because a "yes" would require a mess, disruption, more effort or just rock our steady boat.  Steadiness keeps me balanced and calm.  Too much disruption makes me feel like things are out of my control.

I vow to say "yes" more this summer to enjoy the precious moments with my growing children. Saying "yes" gives me a great glimpse into their little lives and personalities, a glimpse I wouldn't normally see.  

What will you be saying "yes" to this summer?

Yes to a spontaneous trip...

Yes to piñata making...

Yes to making lots of yummy sweet treats in the kitchen...

Yes to lots of carefree swimming...

Yes to all her little experiments and creations...

Yes to lots of pretending...

Yes to long summer mornings in pjs with no agenda...

Yes to long hikes in the woods...

Yes to lots of farmers market trips...