Beach, 2017

Well, we did it. We survived our first beach trip as a family of six (including 3 non-swimmers). I was openly nervous about the attentive care required for the varying needs and wants of such a young crew. Before the trip, I ran scenarios with John of who will watch who. Things were much easier than I fretted about, and John and I weren't as exhausted as I anticipated. However, John and I played tag-team so much that we didn't get to spend much time with each other and we were so exhausted at the days' ends that we collapsed. I still wonder, "how did John enjoy his trip to the beach?"

Things have drastically changed since our couples' trips to the beach before we had children. Eight days, 12 hours at the beach, dress up for dinner, stay up late and wake up early has come and gone. Now we have shorter trips to the beach, no dressing up, and we prefer lunches out over dinners (if we leave the condo at all). We're keeping it S.I.M.P.L.E. and having so much more fun!

I could sit and watch my babies play at the beach all the live long day. Burl is aggressive about boogie boarding, Fern is enthusiastic about running from waves, Ridge is focused digging with his trucks, and the beach was actually a little too bright for Lark.

We've been able to take regular trips to the beach every summer and I hope to always be thankful for what a treat that is. I hope my children are thankful for the regular privilege they have to do this and never demand it as an expectation. It was a big deposit in the memory bank!

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Lark's First Farm Visit, A Case Of Nature

Dad, go get the tissues, this one's for you.

This week we made the trip to Pikeville to my dad's farm for a morning visit. 

The kids actually enjoy the long drive up there. The city gives way to farm land and the highways narrow down to roads. We finally make the turn up his mountain. First the tree tunnel, then the incline, then the gravel road through the woods for ten minutes. Finally, it opens up to three farms beside each other. The one with the pond marks an X for Pops' Farm. 

Burl made a random but poignant comment on the drive up. "I like that there's not a lot of technology up here and more nature." That is music to any parent's ears in 2017. He's heard that somewhere, and I'm glad he's taking notes. Burl has learned at his school that he's nature smart. I don't exactly know what that means, but I like the sound of it. Dealer, I'm put all my money on that card!

We arrived with blue skies and full terror of the no-eyed dog. Both of those things changed while we were there. 

Epic sized clouds with their loud thunder took over and pushed us inside Pops' small cabin with covered porches.

We ate hot dogs, cheetos, and capri suns because a grandparent's meals are fun if not anything. While waiting for the storm to pass, we all warmed up to Taz. Both of his eyes are sewn shut. 

That's when the tide turned and we fell in love with him. He plays fetch. He's blind and he plays fetch. Burl threw the ball and we all watched in amazement as he searched for the tennis ball, cheering when he found it. 

That confidence spread to the cows and actual PETTING OF THE DOG. It was a quick turn around from crying that took his breath away to quick, giggly touches. 

On the way home, the babies fell asleep before we hit the paved road (a line that we always say and laugh at) and the big kids fell asleep before we hit the big road. 

Pops, Burl thinks that you are nature smart as well and I agree. Thank you for passing on the peace that comes with figuring out our way around pop-up storms and alarming animals. They enjoyed it almost as much as you did. Happy Father's Day.

Bison Blanket

The children are obsessed with their "lovies." We prefer the Angel Dear brand, which are an animal head with a fleece blanket attached. Many life decisions are based on the lovies. "Since Ridge has a fox lovey, he should have a fox birthday party when he turns one." 

With Lark's arrival, we had another important decision to make. Unfortunately inventory was low at our local store, so we had to wait a few months after he was born to pick one out. We finally made a decision: Bison.

After we picked it up, the kids wanted to get on my bed with all their lovies and have me take a picture of them. For them, it was a huge milestone. We only hope that Lark will approve our decision. 

A Love For Ordinary Pictures

Organizing our photo library is a constant job. Like we change out clothes, getting rid of some and saving others for the future, I do that with our pictures. Recently, I was organizing our photos from 2015-the year Ridge was born and Burl started school! What a doozie!

I was happy to see great pictures of our big and little adventures (beach trips, camping, births, etc). What touched me the most was what a great representation I had of our day-to-day life. My present self thanks past-Meg for taking pictures here and there of the little things that filled our days. 

John was home when I was snuggled in with the little boys and some books. As he walked by the room I happily pointed out what a great photo opportunity he had! He took the hint, and grabbed a couple pictures. Future Meg will cherish them. 

Beautiful Weeds

Dirty window by me.

Temporary patch by John.

Weed arrangement by Fern.

Simple times and great perspective are the fuel to our enjoyment.