Sweet times

My heart aches when I see these pictures and yet I have deep joy because of this time together with Russell's family.  I'm so, so thankful we made this trip!  I linger over these photos and remember little tidbits of conversations, visits, laughs & even the tears that flowed. This was a trip filled with firsts & lasts.  Reminds me again that we don't know when our 'last' experiences will take place.  The most important thing is to keep our next step faithful, because it could be our last. 

 

 

Kitchen time

Having a kitchen helper always makes tasks in the kitchen more fun.  Loved spending time in the kitchen with Ben this past week.  He can add another dish to his "I've made it" list:  cornbread. 

 

The grin says it all....something is about to happen & I may need to duck for cover.

Changing plans...

Another life lesson:  Plans are made to be changed.  We had big plans to see friends & family in Phoenix, Santa Fe & along the way.  But with one sick kiddo, we had to change directions.  Trevin felt really bad but getting better at home was just a much better option. 

One boy was happy to be on the road...

 

Birthday boys

Never mind that Miss Vienna is outnumbered by the boys in our Wednesday night meeting.  It is a happy day when get to celebrate birthdays & eat chocolate!  

Race day

Hard work pays off...Ben finished 16th out of the 5th grade class in the 2 mile Turkey Trot last week(cancelled before Thanksgiving because of rainy weather).  I tried to lower his expectations because of his foot trouble this fall.  He surprised me!  Trevin did great in his 1.5 mile race as well.  They don't give out ribbons in 1st grade...but since I was helping the coaches I have a pretty good idea that he would have been in the top 20 as well.  I broke a new record for myself....25 miles in spin class.

It feels great to work hard & finish well.