We are coming out of the woods!

We headed out to the woods the other day. We found a great secret little waterfall, if only the water wasn't soooo low...it would have been perfect! The kids love to get dirty and wet and somehow it seems that the theme recently has been getting caught in a little afternoon rain. One time the kids and I got drenched hiking up to Catawba Falls, then this day we all were caught in a little rain...including a downpour during the jeep ride home. This seems to be a trend in the jeep too, but the kids love it and laugh the whole way home each time. I have to say that I too love the occasional afternoon thunderstorm during the summer. In Florida we had them all the time and I would love to go out to the beach just to watch the lightening...I miss that.

Throughout my life the woods and have always been so refreshing and being out in them was like jumping in a cold stream...refreshing, invigorating, and always cleared my head. It is still that way...and what a treat to pass that on to our kids I hope. I don't do it enough, but hopefully as they grow in that love too we will remind each other to escape to the woods for a little fun, laughter, and PERSPECTIVE!

Richard enjoys the outdoors often more through his lens. I think he loves a challenge...whether in sports, work, or in trying to capture beauty on film.

Just one other note...the dog (in the last post) is a no go! We are very sad...Addison never really knew that we were planning for her to come permanently and I am thankful she didn't know. I guess Molly will just be our cousin! On that note...keep us in mind if you hear of a cutie little dog that needs a home!

And for the few people that check my blog...if any of you know some great spots to hike, play in waterfalls, or get dirty...PLEASE SHARE! Maybe we can go with some of ya'll!

Happy Not-So Independance Day

Well, the title may need a bit of explaining, but to say in short...I am not so sure how much of our independence we really maintain. I love America and am so thankful that we live here, but I also think that many of us are living under the false reality of freedom that we are fed by those by who are slowly and slyly chipping away at it...BUT, on that all too chipper note, let us focus on the things we KNOW to be true! We have each other and a great community to celebrate life with...and we have an amazing God that has given us ultimate freedom by His ultimate sacrifice!

So...here I go jumping back in to sharing bits of our lives after an extended absence! I think I will have to spread the word that we are back, hopefully for a while, but no promises! Life has been busy, good, and always changing. We have taken a great family trip to Charleston and Folly Beach which was perfect...relaxing, funny, and just us...which is somewhat unusual for our "family" trips. Richard and I escaped on a romantic little trip Hilton Head while the kiddos stayed with Nana and Grandpa Ted...thanks guys! We all had fun. Also this Spring and Summer, Richard took a weekend with the guys and I took a weekend with my girls

My girl's weekend!















Addison's first dance recital...little yellow polka dot bikini!

We have also been spending a lot of time with our little friend Will as Annie and I have been switching back and forth watching each other kids while we try to work a bit. It has been great fun and they have gotten to spend a lot of time at Camp Merrimac with Annie (her husband is the camp director). I asked Addison the other day what she wanted to be when she grows up and she said "a camper!"

Addison and I on a girl's night in Asheville to get our hair done, get dinner, and ice cream!

The most recent happening is that we have been "borrowing" a puppy this last week that Addison, and the rest of us, have been falling in love with. She is a beautiful boxer with the sweetest personality...we are thinking this may become permanent, but have some details to work out yet...so no promises! I guess you would call it "loan to own."

Well...what can I say, it is good to be back! I have enjoyed reading all the blogs of those who are more consistent than I. Thanks for checking back with us! We are blessed to have you all in our lives!