A Perfect Day

Some of our favorite days are the unplanned ones.  You know the kind...you are out running errands, the kids are getting restless following you around all day with nothing fun to do.  You know in your soul you all need a break - a moment to play.  And then you see it...a park...and you quickly decide to drop everything and let loose and enjoy your kids.  They are only young once after all and these moments fly by way too fast.  We had just this kind of day recently and, to be honest, it was fabulous.  We borrowed some bread from a nice family and fed the ducks for as long as we could....we ran in huge fields and we swung until we thought our toes might touch the clouds.  We climbed and slid and dug and most importantly...we laughed.  I mean we really laughed....like belly laughed....together....over silly things.  Silly but important things.  When we simply could not stand the heat any longer we jumped in the car and headed to a nearby sno cone stand and kept enjoying being together.  At bedtime that night, when all of the sweat and sand had been washed away, Cole hugged me and said, "This was the most fun day Mama!  Remember it?"  Oh yes, son, I remember it.  And I will remember it for a very, very long time.

Strength.

"Have I not commanded you?  Be strong and courageous.  Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go."

---Joshua 1:9

2012 Rodeo of the Ozarks

The day after the 4th of July Rhonald, Cole and I headed out to dinner and to the rodeo.  Going to the rodeo was a new adventure for all of us.  I have wanted to attend this event ever since we moved here and this year I thought about it and planned ahead.  It was quite possibly the most fun and exciting thing we have done in a long time.  The rodeo doesn't start until 7:30 pm and since Lily Kate heads to bed around 8:00 we decided to leave her at home once again.  I know....I feel horrible about it but she will have her turn to stay out late soon enough.  There was such a fun excitement in the air as we watched these cowboys go to work!  Cole absolutely loved it!  I think all 3 of us were in awe and kept smiling the whole time we were there.  We really had no clue what to expect but we were pleasantly surprised at how much fun it was!  I was actually sad when it was time to go home.  All 3 of us have agreed that this has to become a new family tradition.  I am excited about next year already!

The Fourth

We spent the actual 4th of July with the Burrow's and the Stearle's swimming and eating....the perfect way to spend a holiday when it is 105 degrees outside.  My children LOVE the pool and had the best time ever!  The big boys literally stayed in the pool the entire afternoon (unless they were eating)...they laughed and played and had such a blast!  Ben, Jackson and Cole are so special and really do play very well together.  The little kids were in and out of the pool but had just as fun of a time watching the action.  It was such a relaxing way to spend the day with some great friends!  Due to the dry weather our area has been under a burn ban for weeks.  That ban was lifted for just a few hours on the 4th so people could enjoy the fireworks.  We had all purchased a few but there was no way, after 4 hours in the pool, that Lily could hold up through that.  Cole was so sad about missing the action that Miss Em invited him to spend the night with them and enjoy the fireworks.  He jumped at the chance and, from the stories I have heard, had the time of his little life!  I am so glad he was able to do that and enjoy his night to the fullest.  It really was a perfect day!

Boom Boom Pow

The Sunday before the 4th we had a wonderful night with some dear friends...dinner, TCBY and fireworks.  We decided to leave little Lily at home since we knew would be out so late and I am so thankful that we did.  We had so much fun hanging out and watching the kiddos play and be in awe of the beautiful fireworks.  Time is moving by so quickly and I cherish each moment like this - the memories.  I know one day, all too soon, Cole and Lily will be grown and I will be wishing time had stood still just a little while when they were young.  I love watching the world through their sweet eyes and experiencing life through them and their sweet friends.  We are blessed...and we are thankful.  Thankful to live in this country and thankful to have friends to celebrate with! 

Peaceful.

Gottcha!

Poor Paw Paw didn't stand a chance against these 2!