Winterfest

We cannot let a Saturday pass without making the most of it.  We didn't have to head too far away for a little bit of winter fun.  We took in Winterfest up town, complete with snow tubing, inflatables, and marshmallow roasting!  It was chilly outside, but warming to see our two enjoying the outdoors even in the dead of winter.

The Stump

It was a sad sight at church when the tree was finally removed.  The tree was just as much a part of the church as the building itself.  Now, that it isn't there anymore, something just seems to be missing.  It is very symbolic of all the matriarchs who were the pillars of the church - they were always there, and now they are there no longer.

Just this past Easter, my kiddos posed in front of the great tree.  The one we posed in front of on our wedding day.  Here they are on what is left - the stump.  And that phrase alone makes me think of this:

The Stump thunk that the Skunk stunk, 

but the Skunk thunk that the Stump stunk!  

One of Granddaddy's timeless sayings.  He could rattle it off quicker than I can read it!  I think of all the things that changed in his 90 years.  Hope I can hold on to what it most important and pass down to mine what matters the most.

GymDawgs Day

We spent our day off by picking up the nephews, hitting The Varsity for lunch, and taking in a Gym Dawgs meet.  I knew Maeve would love it, and I figured the boys wouldn't mind it either.  It was a fun, family outing.  I bet we will be going back.

We like the other entertainment with the lights and fireworks.  The music was really entertaining too.  I think we all have an whole new appreciation for these athletes.  I wasn't sure how much Cam was in-tune to it, until we heard a song on the radio that was also a song for one of the Gym Dawgs beam routine.  It was Chris Tomlin's "He Is Jealous for Me."  Cam said, "Hey.  This is one of the balance beam songs."  Love any kind of moment he can see successful people incorporating Jesus into their success.  Thank you, Gym Dawgs for giving my children a great example.

The Pitter Patter of Little Feet

In many ways, I feel we have arrived. We have gotten beyond so many of the milestones involved in the beginning stages of parenting. We are not plagued with packing a diaper bag each time we leave. We don't even have to worry about having an extra set of clothes "just in case." We don't have to buy separate food because our little ones eat what is on the menu.

We fit into the stage of enjoyment for the most part; we have some breathing room. We have arrived at the place where they both can be independent, but don't feel the need to test the boundaries too much.

We hear tiny footsteps creeping down the stairs in the wee hours of the morning. I don't know if it is the silent stare or the breath on my face that awakens me when the creeping was sleuth-like and I didn't even hear the pitter patter. We usually retreat and just allow an extra visitor between us o the remainder of the night.

Cam dressed like he's 100 years old on the 100th day of school

We have atleast a running list of 100+ questions a day to answer. They range from very simple (Mom, have you ever had had diarrhea?) to very complex (So, I noticed the number on the bus was 6-25. That is like subtraction but with negative numbers. Can you tell me all about negative numbers?) My question is usually, "How do I respond to this one?"

 Maeve who had to come home and practice her techniques after the Gym Dawg Meet

So, although I have a few daily setbacks- like walking slowly so that someone can practice her balance beam skills on the nearest curb or I have to feel the gums that the missing tooth left behind- I have it good these days. Gonna try to keep up with them and appreciate them just as they are as they continue to grow and change right before my very eyes!