I Did It Again

Do you ever have those moments when you think something will be really fun, and you plan all of these activities for your kids...and then discover that they're too little, too tired or just too sick to enjoy it?  (Raising my hand).  I do it all the time.  I want them to have all of these "special" moments and experiences, and well, sometimes I forget how old they are...or just how little it really takes for something to be "special" for them.

After all of our branding, visitors, birthdays and a week of swim lessons, we decided it would be fun to go to the cabin.  I mean, relaxing, right?  

It was going to be (and truly, it was), but before we even got out of town, we had to make a quick (not really) stop at the ER for some sever stomach pain of Peter's.  When that was clear and nothing, we pushed on.  The next morning we woke to kids with high fevers and terrible coughs.  

But, it didn't really stop them.  We discovered that we were there for a small balloon fest weekend complete with a tamale cook-off, and we wanted to make the most of it. Even when John Paul thought he'd die if he let go...

Carter was so excited to make use of his slingshot!

And, Henry chilled the entire weekend.

When he wasn't being kissed by this one.

She is quite the fan of powdered doughnuts.

We definitely had some movie time, too.  

Along with the balloon festival was a community pancake breakfast.  I know, the best weekend to go!

This guy didn't slow down.

And, I tried to have a little spa day for the girls at the cabin while the boys went fishing.  Not so much.

Someone liked it.

We also discovered that Genevieve is afraid of most things, even decks.

Truly though, it was a nice change of pace, even if things didn't go "as planned" and some felt under the weather.  I just always want things to be so special, and sometimes I fail to realize that they're just as special even when they aren't what I envisioned.  

Because sometimes it just takes days in your pjs, walks in the woods, having no agenda and simply enjoying life together to make it all worthwhile.

We even had an unexpected visitor.

Who Peter thought he might catch.

And, Sophie needed a few photos in her new dress to end the trip.

It was fun.  The memories we make everywhere we go together will be cherished in this momma heart forever as I remember so vividly the special moments with my family growing up.  It doesn't have to be anything extremely out of the ordinary...just moments together loving each other.

I couldn't be more grateful!

A Trip to the Cabin

Saturday morning we decided to take a quick trip to the cabin.  It's a bit more than a couple hours away, so once we decided and got packed, it was early afternoon before we got there.  

We hoped to see some of the fall colors, but it was a bit early.  There was only a bit of yellow to be found.

Most people were preparing their cabins for a cold winter with stacks upon stacks of firewood.

We had a wait a bit to go exploring because an afternoon shower graced us with its presence.

The entire weekend, John Paul had a buddy with him.  One of three dinosaurs never left his little hand.

Finally, the boys got to explore...

They started to make a tepee in the event that they needed to stay outside.

John Paul wasn't as enthusiastic about it as the rest were.

Peter was having the time of his life, searching for the perfect log for the tepee.

And, Carter was pretty content to follow Jeremy around asking him about different plants, logs, bugs, etc.

John Paul still wasn't enthused.

It didn't get better.

This right here is Peter's outfit of choice.  He wears it every day.  And, when I forget to wash it at night, things are not good.  He dresses himself and is so very proud of his "army" clothes.

In the meantime, Sophie and I tried to join them for a bit, but it ended up being too cold for her taste.

On the second day, they went on another hiking adventure.  

This time, everyone was happy.

Even little Sophie (who stayed home with me)!

It was a nice little 24-hour escape.  Even though things aren't ever extremely relaxing with kids in tow, it was still fun and great to get out for a bit!  Hopefully next time we go, there will be sledding involved!