Hike #3 - Indian Trail

This was a beautiful hike. . . .but a little bit much for the kids. Nate has been on it before and he remembered it as being "pretty easy". So, off we went, the sun blazing. We started climbing, up and up and up and up and up. The steep kind of up. Rachel stopped and just sat in the dirt about 10 times declaring she just couldn't walk anymore. I encouraged her first by us counting to 100, then by telling stories, and finally we played 20 questions.

Once we made it into the shade things did improve. However, the hike Nate said was about 1 1/2 miles was really longer. Much longer. We never did make it to our destination. When it was almost 8 pm (we started hiking around 5:30) we finally decided we'd better turn back or darkness would fall before we got back down.

As we were walking back the sun started to set behind the mountain. I have to say that this moment made the whole hike worth it. The kids have never seen the sun setting from so high up. They were amazed. So was I. So many things that God created to bring peace and beauty into our every day lives.

It's a Miracle!

We got a front row parking space at the Walmart.

May. . . The Best Month of the Year!

Well, May is just a great month. In one week I get to have my birthday and Mother's Day. That means two nights in a row off from bedtime rituals. Two days of being waited on and getting whatever I want and two days of lots of love from my kids. It is really the best. Nate, Ben, Rachel, and Emily make my life so good. Even with Nathan trying to find a job and get us through, I can't imagine how we could be happier. Thanks for a perfect week.

To my beautiful, wonderful wife...

When I graduated Friday I was sure that Steph was going to make me give a speech. So I came prepared, but somehow I dodged the bullet. Instead, I'll just give it now. Everyone came to the party to celebrate my graduation, but I knew that I was there because of her. Through years of exertion, Steph has been my constant support. So many good things about me came about because of her. I am a very lucky man!

I love you, babe, Happy Birthday!

Hike #2 - Waterfall Canyon

Wow! This was a beautiful hike. And I am amazed our kids made it all the way. Funny enough, it was the rocks that did it. When we were hiking on a well used trail the kids were getting a little tired. When the trail turned into solid rock climbing for close to a mile the kids just loved it. Even little Emily insisted on climbing the rocks, mostly with no help from us as she refused to even hold hands. The waterfall at the end was worth every minute. Emily collected lots of "special rocks" that she insisted I carry in my pocket. I am too nice of a mom to throw the rocks away. Nathan looked at me funny when he found out I still had them.

Thanks Lance and Ryan

We have lots of good friends. Lance and Ryan are two terrific guys who have hung out with us and been like extra uncles to our kids. They came up for Nate's graduation and spent the night. They had big plans to take Nate golfing the next day, but it rained so they took our whole family to fat cat's for bowling and pizza. We love you two. Thanks so much.

The Best Day of My Life!

Nathan graduated with his bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering Technology yesterday. We are so happy and thankful. We have had so much support during these years and really can't say thank you enough to all of you. Congrats to Nathan. He is the best husband and father a woman could ask for. I love you! I love you! I love you!