Running Chatter: Photo Dump Version

Let me start by saying a big “public”, Thank you, to my most awesome husband for honoring me on my own blog last week.  To say I was surprised by his generous post, would be a huge understatement.  Chad, you’re awesome.

(See folks, I told you. . . he’s a good one.)

And for those who wished a Happy Birthday’s to this “27” year old. . . I offer a very sincere, ‘Thank You’!  I felt beyond loved and so incredibly humbled by many kind words and sentiments offered.  You all are wonderful.  Truly, wonderful.

With that being said, we are soon headed out to spend a few days with my Dad.  We haven’t seen him since June–I’m pumped.  Before we hit the road, I thought I’d stop and offer a bit of my Running Chatter. . .

{Addendum:  I wrote the previous paragraphs and most of the following paragraphs over the weekend.  As we packed to leave for my Dad’s I said an audible reminder to myself, don’t forget the power cord for the computer. When we arrived at my Dad’s I realized I forgot the power cord for my computer.  Apparently, I don’t listen to myself–maybe I should consider this when my kids don’t listen to me.  This post was intended for yesterday.}

***************************************************

1.  Camping
Okay.  Maybe it wasn’t a real camping, but a backyard camp out kind of counts, right? We set up the tent, lit the camp fire, and wagered our bets as to how long Meadow would handle a night in the outdoors.  Then we let the festivities begin. 

Chad and Meadow tested out the tent just to make sure it would work okay.

We roasted hotdogs by the fire and enjoyed a comfortably cool evening at the end of July. 

You know that saying?  If you build it, they will come?  We found the same is true for camp fires.  If you build it they will come. . . 

What began as the five of us became a small crowd as neighbors and
friends filtered into our backyard and enjoyed a lovely Friday evening. 

Gooey hands, chocolatey mouths, full bellies, smoke-filled clothes and happy children made the evening everything that I dream a summer evening should be. 

When nightfall came, three droopy eyed kids climbed into the tent and Chad and I watched as 1 fell asleep, then 2, and we waited and waited and waited–and finally Meadow drifted to sleep.

Meadow fell asleep until about 1 a.m. at which point she indicated she had enough and I took her inside.  However, in the morning, she was the brightest eyed of the three. . .

Maybe someday we’ll venture out into a forest for our camping activities.  Or, perhaps we’ll keep in in the backyard.  Either way, memories were made. 

********************************************

2.  Creatures
I am married to a lover of creatures.  Seriously, all creatures.  I don’t think they is any creepy, crawly thing that Chad has not somehow saved, mended, played with, or captured.  I remember when we were in collage there was a wild raccoon hanging around campus.  Most stayed away from it.  Not my (then) boyfriend.  He grabbed a stick, tried to play with it, touched it, talked to it, and I suspect he may have given it a hug–though I didn’t really see that.

He has spread this love of creatures to our kids and so when he brings a creature home from work–it is an event.  Last week he brought home ‘Mr. Turtle’.

The common routine goes something like this.

Charlie:  Can we keep him, pleeeease?
Me:  No, we can’t keep him.
Chanelle:  Pleeease can we keep him?  Pleeeeeeease????
Me:  No.
Charlie and Chanelle:  Why?  We will take care of him.
Me: No, you don’t even keep your room clean, you’re not going to have an animal. 

Sad faces from Chad, Charlie, and Chanelle. . .

I always feel like the bad Mom, but I think Meadow may be on my side.  She was not real fond of Mr. Turtle.

So, we compromise and let them play with Mr. Turtle before we release him to a place where he will find much happiness.

And only our family will find another creature in the very next moment. . .

Meet Mr. Frog. . .

We go through the same routine, but it always ends the same. . .

Mr. Frog is returned and we chalk it up to a fun memory. . .

*************************************************

3.  Planes

She saw a plane.

I saw her see a plane. 

I thought it was adorable.

******************************************************

4.  Backyard
Our days are numbered in our backyard.  Just writing the sentence is almost more than I can take. 

Ahh, the bitter-sweetness of change. 

I think that our knowledge of this impending change has unconsciously wooed us to the beauty that we, at times, overlook.  Evenings are now often spent in any number of ways as we soak up the fading sunlight that graces our surroundings.

Chad does his thing. . .

Little ones do their thing. . .

Until we all do our thing together. . .

DO NOT TRY THIS AT HOME

I REPEAT. . . DO NOT TRY THIS AT HOME.

************************************

5.  Summer Days
They are winding down.  There is no way around it.  I am extremely emotional about it.

I’m holding on. . .

Soaking in. . .

And fighting back the lump in my throat. . .

Thirteen days to go. . .

Sigh. . .

***************************************************

6.  Great Idea
So, I had this idea. 

The idea included an early morning, three kids, myself, breakfast, and a fire.

More specifically, I was planning to make breakfast for the kids over a fire in our backyard.  It sounds so lovely, doesn’t it? 

I thought so.  So did the kids when I built the anticipation the day before. 

Their excitement only grew as we woke early, prepared the eggs, prepped the fire with wood and paper, and knelt down low to spark the first flame. 

We tried.  And we tried. And we tried. And we tried.

They waited. . .

And waited. . .

And waited. . .

Good thing I had made muffins. . .

Because two hours later. . .

They were still waiting.

There is a long story to go along with this, but I’ll spare you.  Let’s just say this–I don’t think I’ll ever be an Eagle Scout. 

************************************

If you made it this far–I applaud you. 

We are enjoying time away for a bit and I will pop in as I can this week. 

Have a wonderful Monday Tuesday!