Mandolin Fern

Fern has a colorful, loud, and fun personality that drips out in surprising doses. (Unlike her older fire-hydrant of a brother that sprays in full force-both great in different ways.) As we've spent more time at home, we've seen more of that side of Fern. I was lucky enough to capture it during her recent concert. These four pictures definitely show the range of our sweet Ferny. 

Battlefield Recovery Drive

We've been partially homebound since Burl had his tonsils out a few days ago, and we've all been all eager to scratch our adventure itch. I wanted to come up with something that was easy and got us out of the house and a brush of the outdoors. Burl is supposed to stay calm, cool, and very hydrated. I decided to take the kids on a drive through the battlefield with a few stops along the way. 

We met an off-duty ranger who gave us some tips on exploring the park. 

I finally got some of her pre-teen expressions with the camera!

We couldn't climb the 183 steps to the top of the tower this time, but I made big promises that we would return soon to make it happen. Because, duh, we HAVE to do that.  

I might have let the kids unbuckle for some deer spottings. 

It proved to be enough lite-advetnure for all of us. It will be even better once we're all operating at 100% and can explore to the max. 

Ridge's "Bonnet"

I think it's pretty evident that I'm not a "bonnet for baby" kind of mother, but ohmygoodness my mom bought a bonnet thing for Ridge and we couldn't stop laughing:

My 34th Birthday

My family treated me well this year for my 34th birthday. My dad made tacos, my mom made a cake, and we had a fun family dinner. The children enjoy the hype so much-from streamers to setting the candles out to Burl letting me use his get well balloons, they are very happy. 

Burl assigning place cards.  

There were a few lo's to my birthday as well, but it was all good. If having children has taught me anything, it is to hold any plans loosely because things can always take a different turn. I was ok with some setbacks. Plus, that birthday magic covers a multitude of mishaps. 

Mainly, I felt the love on my birthday-love for my family and love from my family.