One of those days

This morning was one of those days. One of those times I never want to forget. My brother, Stephen, and I were at the beach with our 5 children. His daughter, Mallory, and son, Cruz, and my 3 children, Selah, Kiera and Mason. All 7 of us spent a few hours at the beach this morning – digging holes, searching for shells, jumping waves, swimming and most importantly, laughing. For a good chunk of time all 7 of us were in the water jumping waves and splashing and laughing and there was nothing else in the world. There wasn’t thinking about needing to pack up and leave in a few hours, not thinking about my grandmother in the hospital with a broken back, not thinking about the family I wished were there with us (Nana, Grandpa, Ross and Ana), not thinking about the fact that I hadn’t shaved my legs or if my stomach was sticking out or that my hair looked crazy in the wind. The only thing I could think of was the feeling of contentment and joy. The peaceful, beautiful smiles on the children’s faces. The way Kiera said to me, Mom, isn’t this fun?, I replied with a grin on my face, “Yes, sweetheart, this is the most fun!” I played with my kids today and I enjoyed it. Thank you, Lord, for softening my heart. For allowing me to go on vacation with my children and enjoy them. To not have to think about all the “things I need to do”,  to not think about what’s for dinner or laundry or phone calls, but instead to just simply be present with my kids. What a gift. I long for my days like today and I wonder what simple changes I could make in my day-to-day once I get back home to capture this feeling – to play with my children and not be plagued with a to do list. Possibly a simpler dinner? Less commitments? Looking to God for my fulfillment and value instead of what I get done? Enjoying time with my children instead of seeking friends to fill holes of loneliness that only God is meant to fill?

Selah in the sand

Zoning out after a morning of swimming

burying Mason

The crew burying Selah

Uncle Stephen, Selah, Kiera

Mallory

Cruz

Officially Montana!!!

It's official! We have our Montana license plates!!! 

Hiking in Lone Pine and Wayfarers Park

We have found a state park close to the cabin that we love! It is not near as big as Oak Mountain, but lots of fun can be had there. Hiking, mountain biking, trail running, a super cool interpretive center and a walking archery course :-)

These pictures are from a few weeks ago, the first time we went to check it out. Since then, we've been back 4 or 5 times. It is free and only about 10 minutes away. Perfect!

Kiera posing for the camera

All the kiddos right after we had found Ross on the trail. He was running while we were hiking.

The long walk back to the car

Mason and Daddy

We have found another state park that we like well, also - there is camping, the lake, a playground and some hiking trails. What more could you want? The water was cold and the air wasn't that warm, but the kids insisted on getting wet :-)

Selah and Kiera

Mason with his new water gun - doesn't he look like he is up to no good?

Selah, the monkey, just hanging out

Kiera and Mason Dancing

I caught a special moment with the two of them getting along and dancing together:

http://vimeo.com/66863097

Mason turned 3!!!

On May 10th, Mason turned 3. My baby is no longer a baby. I have mixed emotions about this - mostly excitement, but a little sadness as we leave the baby phase. He can pour his own cereal (when he feels like it), open his own cheese sticks, use the potty and goes to preschool - I'm telling you, he is a big boy now! Except that he still wakes me in the middle of the night to help him get water or go to the bathroom, he still likes to cuddle and he LOVES to be tickled (see video proof: http://vimeo.com/67237086) He will always be my little boy too!

For his birthday, we had a party at the base playground, lots of friends came. He received lots of fun toys, especially guns! Water guns (2 types), Bubble guns, Pop guns, Dart guns (2 types). And also trucks, cars, play doh, bouncy balls and dress-up outfits. A lucky boy indeed!

Kiera and Saul

Lots of cupcakes for anyone who might want to join us!

Anna Grace, Mason, Selah, Alex

Unicorn Daddy

Leah and Steph

Monster Boy!

Superman

As you can see, Mason got a superman suit for his birthday! And now he thinks he can fly :-)

Thank you, Mimi and Papa!

selah's school performance

At Selah's school last week there was a performance by the first and third graders. They sang songs, acted out a few songs and played instruments. It was themed summer and fun! Selah loved that she had to bring a beach towel and sunglasses for her special part! 

She was right up front singing her heart out and also directing the other children when they were supposed to move to different places for each song. At the bottom is a video clip of the performance.

This is a picture of Selah at school on the day they celebrated her birthday (since she has a summer birthday). Kiera is next to her looking like she fits right in :-)

Video clip:  http://vimeo.com/67237088