Baby Bird

The family and I went to the park today and saw a lot of beautiful things. The boys caught a toad and a dragonfly. We all played in the creek for a little bit, and then we lost our way on the trail (but we found a way out eventually though!). Lunch was enjoyed on the playground, and then we played around for a while on the slides and swings.

When we were leaving the boys spotted a baby bird, I moved in as close as I could to take a picture. After I took the picture a mom and dad cardinal saw us and they weren't very happy that we were getting so close to their baby. The birds swooped down on us and basically gave us a warning to get away! It was so neat to see how the baby bird was protected by its parents. I explained to the boys why the birds did what they did and they thought that was really interesting.

I really appreciate all that nature has to teach us and how some animals parallel us in so many ways. I am truly grateful for the beauty of this world.

To the park we go...

The weather has been absolutely wonderful here the past few days. My husband and I thought it might be nice to take the kids to the park. We packed a lunch and went! It was a great time and the day was just so nice. The boys had fun climbing, sliding, swinging and looking for bugs! We sat under a shade tree and had lunch and then I decided it would be nice to take some pictures. I really enjoy the warm weather, I wouldn't complain if it was like this all the time!
Look at the leaf he found!

The baby sitting and enjoying everything.

Climbing up the rope ladder.

Walking across the bridge.

The oldest found himself a shade tree that he liked to cool off under!

Hiking...

The family and I really enjoy spending time outside, especially when we can go hiking! It is always a good time when we are together and taking in all the beauty of the earth. The boys always find new things that are interesting (and sometimes gross!). This past week we all went hiking at Clifty Falls in Indiana. It was so beautiful to see the waterfalls. The trails were a little steep in some spots, the boys didn't have any problems but they freaked me out sometimes when we were walking close to the cliffs! We all had a really wonderful time.

The baby has it so easy in the backpack!

One of the smaller waterfalls.

The boys on the bridge above the bigger waterfall.

The gorgeous creek!

A spider they found, not really something I like but I'm glad they do!

Visitor

We have had a visitor coming by just about every day! A red headed wood-pecker. He is very cool to watch and the boys always get so excited when he comes. The bird likes to sit on the tree stump right outside the front of our house. It is neat to see something so unique! I hope this lovely bird continues to visit us (and I suppose he will as long as we keep that tree stump around!).

Mother's Day

For Mother's Day this year I wanted flowers. Not just any flowers though, I wanted flowers and plants I could enjoy all summer! My wonderful husband went and bought me some beautiful flowers that we used to decorate our yard! I am so thankful for the beauty that plants offer us to enjoy... also for my great guy for giving me such a fantastic Mother's Day gift.

Happy Birthday!!

His balloons and presents

Look at that smile. His present was exactly what he wanted. He was so happy!

His gigantic cookie cake!

My second oldest turned 6 this past week! He was so excited to have a birthday. He probably asked me everyday when his birthday was for 2 weeks!! One thing was all he wanted for his birthday and that was a Nintendo DS like his brother has. A couple family members pitched in and bought him a used one. He was so happy! We all enjoyed a giant cookie cake on his birthday also! All in all I would say it was a pretty great day!

Happiness Is...

My family and I went hiking the other day and I was thinking about true happiness. What does it mean to be truly happy?

I love to take pictures of everything, and I took this cute picture of my 4 year old. He is just happy! Even though he has juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, he is a happy little kid. Granted he has bad days, but who doesn't? I love that about kids, they just don't let things get them down! They might get upset and people might do things that frustrate them, but they usually brush it off and keep going. Kids don't normally hold grudges or stay mad forever. That is just so cool!

I am so grateful for the wonderful outlook that my kids give me each day. They bring so such pure joy and happiness into my life. Happiness is seeing good in things, and my family is definitely a GOOD thing!

Rain, rain, go away...

Pushing his truck through a puddle.

Looking at a worm! Gross.

I don't think I have ever had a kid that enjoys playing outside as much as our two year old. Come rain or shine, he wants to be outside. Today it wasn't raining in the afternoon, it wanted to though. We had a nice size puddle in our yard and our sweet kid wanted to go outside! I put on his rain coat and his boots and sent him on his merry way. I think he had more fun than he usually does! He splashed, and stomped, and found worms for a while. When he was done (or too wet to move!) he came inside and had a nice warm bath. Not my kind of fun to play in the wet outdoors, but I'm glad he had fun!

Fun Times

My kids really crack me up sometimes. I was talking to my oldest son the other day and he asked me where I was married. I told him I was married in Georgia. He then asked me what language they speak in Georgia..."georgious"? How hilarious is that?! Kids do say the darnedest things! I am so thankful for my family and the happiness and joy they bring into my life.

It Finally Fell!!!

My wonderful husband bought me an incredibly thoughtful present for Valentines's Day. The present was a huge balloon. It was so big I think I could have fit a couple of my children in it! This balloon has been floating happily in the air for just shy of three months. Today it came down from its place on my ceiling and is now a lying on the floor. What a great gift that I was able to enjoy for so long. Also the other fun thing about this balloon--it SINGS!! It will be missed.

BABY!!!

So he is just the cutest little thing, he really is. Our little baby is sitting all by himself! Just so adorable to see our little man sitting up and watching EVERYTHING! I think life is definitely more exciting for him now!

New to this...

Totally new to all of this. Hope it turns out well and is enjoyable to everyone. It will be fun to update about all the interesting things that happen each day! Things can get crazy, but it is definitely worth it! Right now one of my favorite things is 2 year old kisses, just so sweet. I will post when I can or have a spare minute!!