Another Starry Night

Last night we took the boys out to the Athletic Field for a little star gazing and flashlight tag.

After we'd spent a while stargazing Paul hid while we searched for him with flashlights. Damian turned on his flashlight and immediately pointed it directly in his own eyes. Lil' Man yelled out, "No, Damian! You're ruining your nightvision!" Smart kid, right?

After a few rounds, the boys decided Mommy & Daddy should hide while the boys looked for us. Seriously, it was awesome! I wasn't sure it was a good idea at first, but Lil' Man insisted.  The boys were so cute counting, fumbling to turn on their flashlights, holding eachother's hands and looking for us. They aren't afraid of the dark, which is great! Seeing their bobbing lights coming towards us was precious. Especially when Damian tripped and Lil' Man had to help him up. Once they saw us, they ran towards us, arms extended and giggling "Boo, we found you!".

After being out on the frosty ground in 42 degree cold the only option when we got home was to snuggle with hot cocoa, or as Damian says, "hot toe-toe".

This morning we woke to our first snowfall! The boys are listening to children's Christmas music as I type. All Lil' Man wants to do is to go outside and ski. We don't have that much snow yet, but it won't be long now. No skiing for us today, but we will vote. Big Day!

Starry, Starry Night

Last night Paul had the first evening free in ages, so when he made it home from work shortly before dark, we loaded the kids on the bikes and went mountain biking around camp. Dusk was settling over camp, so we could hardly see the trails, but I think the boys enjoyed the ride all the more because of it.

We rode out to the marsh, or should I say "the area formerly known as the marsh" (oh Prince!). What two years ago years ago was a floating dock in the frog and minnow laden area is now firmly planted on solid ground. Between the drought and the masses of alder bushes that have taken root, nature is once again cycling through and creating a new eco system.

It was cold and dark by the time we made it home. We loaded the kids in their carseats and went for a drive down the "strip". All of the tourist traps slow down after Labor Day, so the traffic was free and clear and the kids thought it was Christmas with the swirling lights at all of the waterparks and resturants.

We snagged a pumpkin latte and a carmel apple spice and headed out to a large field at the state park across the street from home. We put down the tailgate and pointed out constellations to the boys. I even caught the last moments of a star falling from the sky. Eventually, we pulled a picnic blanket out of the car and spread it out below the expansive Milky Way. The boys were sandwiched between Paul and I, giggling and begging us not to sing "Twinkle, Twinkle Light Star".

Lying there, looking up at the infinite cosmos, I had a moment of recognition- I am blessed beyond words to have the most amazing God who has given me so much more than I deserve in my husband and sons. Those three are worth more to me than all the stars in this galaxy and I thank God for His infinite love and for my little family.

Thank you Lord for a perfect start to autumn! Bring on the blessings!