Perfect day for a hike!

I'm playing catch up, so just act like you are reading this at the beginning of June!  Between my schedule of working every other weekend and the endless farm projects going on, it's rare for our family to have a spontaneous family outing.  When outings occur they are always planned well in advance (at least in my head!).  When the first Saturday of the month arrived and the weather was  perfect we decided to head to Humpback Rocks for a hike.  Cadence was the only one smart enough to bring a jacket.  Lucky girl since it was 60's and windy when we got to the top.  Sierra and Laurel ran ahead and Brad and I let Cadence stop when she pleased to pick up a stick or look at a plant.  Besides the chill, it was a fabulous hike.  We ended our afternoon with lunch at Devil's Backbone Brewery.  Days really don't get much better than this!

Kings of the mountain

I think the coolness of that tree was lost on Cadence!

What a view!

Windy and chilly, but we persevered for the photo op

Perfect!

Laurel's performance

Laurel had her first on-stage performance!  "Shake your groove thing" couldn't have been more appropriate for her!  She had a wonderful experience for her first year of dance and although she loved it she wants to try gymnastics next.  I was a constant tryer-outer so I know how she feels.  In typical Laurel fashion she didn't have a moment of stage fright or anxiety.  When she slipped a bit during the performance she shook it off pretty well.  We are so proud of the work and effort that put into the whole year!

Laurel's favorite fellow dancer

Sassy!

Father's Day

Happy Father's Day to my fabulous husband! Parenthood isn't easy... probably the hardest thing we've ever done.  Yet, it's the most rewarding one.  I cannot imagine doing it with anyone other than him.  We love you Brad!



Happy Father’s Day 2012

Sierra, age 9

What do you love the most about Dad?  That he loves me and likes to hang out with me

What is your favorite thing to do with him?  Hike

What do you do that makes him happy?  Draw pictures of birds for him

What does he do to let you know that he loves you?  Gives me hugs

What is his job?  Nurse, to keep me safe and to love me

What would you want others to know about him?  That he is awesome & that he grows blackberries

Laurel, age 7

What do you love most about Dad?  He does a lot of stuff for us

What is your favorite thing to do with him?  Swim

What do you do that makes him happy?  Go to the store with him

What does he do to let you know that he loves you?  Tells me he loves me

What would you want others to know about him?  That he’s a good day

Cadence, age 3

What do you love most about Dad?  He’s nice to me

What is your favorite thing to do with him?  Swim

What do you do that makes him happy?  Act funny

What does he do to let you know that he loves you?  Gives me kisses

What would you want others to know about him?  He loves mom  (all answers prompted by Laurel!)

Yes, this is as good as it gets! 

Sierra's gift

Sierra has always had a "thing" for the elderly. Ever since she was small she has adored her great grandma, Bubba. A few years ago we volunteered in a local nursing home to visit with the residents. The first day that we arrived there was a patient sitting in a chair by the cafeteria. Sierra, six years old and with no prompting from me, walked right up and gave him a hug. She wasn't much for conversation during our visits but she loved giving hugs and the residents adored her. When she was younger and she would see someone mid-70's or older she would always say "hello". I could tell that her tone wasn't just a greeting in passing, but more of an invitation to talk.

I haven't noticed this much as she's gotten older until the other day. We were walking into the library and an elderly woman was sitting on the bench. I heard Sierra say hello and noticed the inflection in her tone. Later I asked Sierra where she knew the woman from and she said that she didn't know her, she was just being kind. Sierra has a tendency to become shy around most adults but apparently if they have an AARP card she's all sorts of friendly!

I feel that this is such a special quality. So often the elderly are overlooked in our society. They have so much wisdom and knowledge to pass on if one takes the time to slow down, stop, and invite them to share. I can envision Sierra becoming a geriatric nurse or doctor. And she will reap all of the benefits of her gift!

The girls and their Bubba