Spring Hollow

I have been attempting to get everyone out of doors each week for a hike or a nature study of some sort. We are anticipating winter approaching and all the snow that will come with it wishing that we all had snowshoes to continue our long walks. We love being outside but find it hard sometimes with the bussiness of life. It is easy to forget what is really important in our day.

Kirk found himself with a bad headache ramping up before he even left for work that morning. He came home an hour later and slept well into the day. He managed to put himself together for this hike. I am glad he did. I think I talked his ear off which I desperately needed. Someone to hear me. I probably made his head feel worse. He definately got an ear full of life in the beautiful fall colors. It was just before dusk as we watched numerous strands of spider webs floating across the sunlight high above our heads. Daphne kept asking "where?" We told her that she would have to trust that they are there. She just couldn't see them.

I love the bright shades of yellow against the damp, black earth.

I love Fall.

Clean the Sink

Three of us took 20+ teens to Angie's to "Clean the Sink" for doing honors work in their classes. It was our incentive to make them commit and work harder to do accomplish great things in their classes that they attend in Star Academy.  So you may be asking what "Clean the Sink" is. It is a sink filled with a over a gallon of ice cream and all it's yummy toppings. The kids enjoyed it fully. I think we all enjoyed ourselves and were greatful that they have all been working in all their classes going above and beyond in some. We have a great group of kids at Star Academy.

Happy Birthday Victoria!

Our baby is 9!

Looking back over these past 9 years has been a whirlwind of adventure with Victoria. She is what I call a tough cookie. I guess she has to be to handle two older brothers the way she does. There are many perks to her position in life. I often think about what life will be like when she is in high school and the only one at home. Still squeezing in between her dad and I on the couch. For now, I can wait. I want her to grow up slowly, take her time. Experience life and all it's blessings. I love that she already likes to sew, create and bake. She is a take charge kind of girl.

"You want brownies? I'll make them".

I think her brothers take advantage of that sometimes. Hopefully dropping enough hints that she catches on and finds herself craving something chocolately.

She is the spice of our lives.