Here we go a camping!

We were a very brave family and went camping for the first time!  It was rainy the first night, which was kind of romantic in it's own way.  The kids huddled under a tarp and played Ticket to Ride with hot cocoa and lanterns.  Glad to say we survived (and had some fun in the mean time).  It was a little cold, but all in all a great time and many memories made for us and our kiddos.  It didn't hurt that we LOVE the people that we were with!

Coffee and bacon on a cold morning- this was a really good idea!

Our good friend is an expert climber so all the kiddos got to give climbing a try.  I must say there were some talented kiddos there!

Henry was just a little too cool for climbing 

We were surrounded by cute children

This little creek would be the perfect place to wade if it were just a wee bit warmer.  Nonetheless, the kids spent plenty of time panning for gold with much success! (at least in their eyes).

Yeah.  There were wildflowers.  Enough said.

She loves me, she really does... or at least she really will (I'm persistent) 

She could just about melt your heart.

These babies just kill me!

These two were adorable little buddies together.

Daily attire

 When your sweet daughter almost only wears the dress you made for her your heart does a little flutter.  I just might have to make another one, and then another one....

Where we usually land

I grew up going to the ocean.  My dad loved it and I often found myself looking for treasures by the oceanside.  I heard him many times debating why the ocean is better than the lake.  "There's so much more to explore." I guess it's in my genes because I always just find myself by the water.  Life can be crazy, children can be "off" and my soul can just feel unsettled.  The second I go to the beach, I take a deep breath.  I don't think anything is magical about the ocean (although I sometimes use that word, and I kind of do think this whole world is magical), I think God is good, His creation is beautiful and it is a huge source of blessing in my life.  The kids climb forts, make all kinds of collections, blow dandelions, wade in the water and let their imaginations go wild.  God is a creative Father and I am so very thankful.  

(By the way, I got a new (to me) camera!  After almost 8 years my camera is done.  Excuse the excessive amount of pictures.  But honestly, they are a treasure to me to look at and remember the many many times we land here)

My Will

Will.  I am so proud of who you are and who you are becoming.  The way you care for your younger siblings with such tenderness and kindness.  The bonds you are building, the joy you bring, your sense of humor and your big heart.  God is doing a good work in you- you are loved.

Happy forest

 We came upon a happy little forest while meandering around.  The flowers.  The forest. The girl who I love so much in the dress I just made for her.  And the camera in the car.  A wonderful way spend a little time.