A beautiful place

As I was taking a walk yesterday evening, I was really struck by how beautiful my surroundings are. I mean, I always knew they were, but last night I was in awe, and I realized just how much I'm going to miss this place. We are moving in just over 5 weeks, and I've been very excited for the new adventure. I've had some advice to make sure I enjoy the time that I'm here, as it will pass all too quickly. And I've really tried to do that. But it wasn't until last night, in the cool mountain air, all alone, surrounded by the beauty of God's creation, that it really sank in. I'm leaving. These walks will be my last here, for a long time. Yes, I'm sure we'll come back and visit from time to time, but I need to take advantage of every moment here. We have so many memories here. We were married here, in the meadow. I experienced both of my pregnancies here. I have made many wonderful friends here. We have family here. I have walked and jogged hundreds of miles here. Since becoming a family, this is the only place we've ever known. Am I still excited for our new adventures? Yes, very much. Will I cherish every moment here even more than I have in the past? Definitely! I am so thankful for the time that God has allowed us to be here. And in these last 5 weeks I want to make many more happy memories!

Our house (the bottom half, anyway)

Our front yard

My garden

The basketball court across the road from our house, where we often play

Looking toward camp, from our house

Lake Chelan

During the summer our camp goes to Lake Chelan once a week for "Lake Day." Of course, the kids and I try not to miss a Lake Day. We love going! It's a chance for us to see Jared, during a season when that's somewhat rare. Plus, it's just really fun. The water is great for swimming; there is a huge grassy area where we like to play, eat, and take rests; and there is a great playground. Not to mention all the camp staff, who make the days very fun for my kids. They love Ellie and Parker, and Ellie and Parker love them, too. We have had two Lake Days so far this summer - tomorrow is the third. Last week there was extra room on the camp bus, so the kids and I rode on the bus. I was a little nervous, but the kids did great, and had a great time! At first Ellie was a little afraid of all the noise that the big kids were making, but soon they brought out a guitar and sang praise songs, and my kids sang right along! Ellie and Parker didn't know the words to many of the songs, but still they sang loudly! Last week Jared brought our sailboat to the lake, and Ellie and Parker got to take their first ride on it. They did great, and loved it! It will be so much fun when they're a little older and we can all sail as a family often. Lake Days are a fun time for all of us, and I think the kids will have wonderful memories of these great summer days!