Fresh Air

Ever find that in certain places you just feel alive? Maybe it's while you're doing something you love or hanging out with those who know you best? For us one of those places is being outdoors as a family, especially this time of year. The cool breeze with the sunshine gives you the perfect recipe for hiking weather. So hike we did, just the other weekend, right up to an overlook where Joe taught Hope to shout out her name so it could echo through the trees. She made it the whole half mile up there on her own while collecting rocks all the way. Maddie made it, too, while collecting peaceful zzz's instead. What a breath of fresh, feeling alive air! Thanks to your thoughts and prayers, I am extra thankful to be up and around like this. In fact, I think it's safe to say we all are...

Can't wait to go back for some more! We might try a little camp-out in the backyard before it gets too cold to prepare the girls for what we hope is a love of nights under the stars. I used to do it, not so long ago, with dozens of third graders; surely we can make it with two under two of our own? You think?

Have a great rest of your weekend, everyone!

(Oh and to answer some questions from the previous post... that paint was all over our wood floor but nothing a deep breath, a sense of humor, and a roll or ten of paper towels couldn't handle. Hope felt so badly about it, it took me a while to calm her down about the whole thing! For all her spunk and flair for fun, she also has this amazing and kind heart, all of which make her such a JOY even on those yellow-quart-of-paint days! Such is the power of unconditional love, huh? And as far as being a ham on and off camera... one day I'm sure it'll become clear where she gets that from. Here's my guess, though, since I can pretty much guarantee he's responsible for a lot of that other stuff too... :)