WayfaringStrangers

I just called Graham inside for his bath. The weather has been amazing today, and the boys spent every minute outside. Behn and I dug, planted, and watered. Played ball. Behn took the kids to the park while I went to teach and ride at the barn. Behn even mowed a little, with Patrick on his heels with his own mini-mower. At the end of the afternoon, we took a family walk to the creek. It was a perfect spring day. When I called Graham in moments ago, he ran to me with his boundless energy. Feet flying. Both boys are muddy, finger nails dirty, and bruises and scratches from playing outside and in the trees all day. It's childhood at it's best. The feeling of being exhausted from breathing in fresh air all day, from running as hard as you could, from climbing a tree, and the sun on your face. So grateful for these two healthy boys, their running and free play, and that we all love to be outside together. Cheers to a good night's sleep.

My last post was heavy and honest. BUT there are so many good things going on, too! Let's talk about that for a bit! First of all, it's October. The middle of autumn on the east coast, and it's lovely. The leaves are peaking and the cool air has come and pumpkins abound. Here's something cool that happened: last weekend, my parents kept the kids for 2 days and a night! How great is that? The kids did well (I'm told) and Behn got to go camping with his brother while I got to spend a night with 2 of my best friends. It was SO GOOD to see Kiri again for the first time since she moved abroad. And it was also SO GOOD to see my friend Dee for the first time in a year. I needed to be with my friends. We drank wine and talked about everything. It was pretty amazing. (I want to insert a picture here. Dee and Kiri, you have to tell me if it's ok because the only pic I have is the one I took a minute before I left and we all have bedhead. You still are very pretty, t...

It's been a long and cold winter. Heck, it's spring now and it snowed all day yesterday and last night. Everyone is complaining, including me. I want it to be warm, too. I'm tired of boots and sweaters and coats. So are the kids. We are over it. But in a way, the winter hasn't bugged me too much, and still isn't bugging me. Here's why. First of all, snow is still pretty. I was driving home in the snow showers last night, and the big, fluffy, swirly flakes were pretty. They are still delicate and fresh. Sure, I wish they'd visited us more in December and less in March, but I still think it's pretty. But the real  reason I don't mind the cold weather is because it's kind of been keeping us indoors. I know, I'm Little Miss Outdoorsy, right? Yes, I love to be outside. I like to take the kids to the park and on walks. But we are in a not-great stage right now where they both just take off. They basically have unlimited energy and so going outs...

I love our new neighborhood. God chose well for us! It's quite a working-class neighborhood. There are lots of HVAC and Electrician vans and trucks parked in the driveways at night. It's a quiet neighborhood, and feels safe. Most of the houses are small or medium sized, and neatly cared for. There are lots of dogs and school-aged children, though I haven't seen many young families like ours. There's no HOA, and therefore no frills like a community pool or park; that's ok, though, because we have something better than that- a trail in the woods! What a gift to have nature so nearby. At the end of our road is the entrance to the trail. We walk there several times a week to explore and enjoy creation. I've been teaching Graham about the beauty around him; he can identify moss, fern, and holly. We've picked up many a toad and observed turtles scooting along. There's a sweet little creek- every neighborhood needs a little creek. This brook f...

First of all, THIS BOY is itchin' to crawl. Oh my stars. He scoots all around the room. We're going into dangerous territory, friends. Yesterday Patrick took a toy from Graham and Graham  started crying, like a wimp (he had just woken up from nap and was extra sensitive). It was pretty funny, really. Graham better watch out or Patrick is gonna get him! The boys have been a little under the weather this week. Graham says he has a 'boo boo' in his nose- translation: his nose is stuffed up. Poor Patrick also has the same cold. We're not sleeping so great over here because of this. On Saturday we took a family walk at a local state park. Spring is quite late this year (grrrrrr) but it was a pretty nice day. Behn and I love parks. If we ever want to feel like this is home, falling in love with the parks and nature here is key. We had a nice time. We might be able to report about a home buying purchase soon! We found a house we love and h...

Ah, I just woke up from a wonderful rainy day nap. The boys are still down and I am relishing  this moment. We had a great weekend! We went on our first family of 4 hike, which felt great and was appropriately exhausting. Must throw rocks in the river at any opportunity! I am loving baby-wearing! Thanks for the wrap, mom! On Saturday we went to Roanoke to shop. We are NOT mall people. And we can't justify hauling our big SUV 50 miles down the highway just for nothin', so we rarely go to Roanoke. But this time, we needed some actual stuff. Behn got a great business suit to wear for interviews and also just because now he's a Master's degreed professional and should look like it. I needed and found cute shoes to wear for my sister Hannah's wedding this weekend. All in all, a fun day. Shopping with 2 kids isn't easy, but they both did great and we were all in good spirits! Fall is here and it's getting really pretty on the hills. We are all lovi...

Today turned out lovely, a perfect May afternoon. This was most welcome after another rainy Saturday. After G woke up from his nap and had a late lunch, we went on a family walk on the Chessie trail. One of my motivations is I am stinkin' out of shape. Like, bad (skinny-fat). I've been getting winded watering the garden with a watering can- shame on me! So going on a 2 mile walk was perfect and I felt great! We kept the pace up for the first mile and pushed G in his stroller. Then we let him hop out and play down by the river. Homeboy loved it. He threw rocks, splashed, and got his toes wet. And he plopped down on his bottom and got that wet too, but no harm done. Then we walked back, although it was a bit slower the 2nd mile, since G wanted to walk by himself for part of it. He picked up sticks, observed butterflies, and chased the ball he'd brought with him. I love that my son is outdoorsy. He truly is never more happy than when outside exploring creation. What a great ...