Mountain Lake Campin'

Last weekend, Travis described to me a recent work trip he'd taken into a beautiful national forest - full of mountain lakes and tall trees. "I wish we could go together!" he said. 

"Well, let's go now then," I said.  This was approximately 24 hours after getting my new life-changing diagnoses of Celiacs disease, and frankly- sitting at home, perusing the grocery store, or being visited by sympathetic friends all sounded miserable. 

I made a quick grocery list. Fruits, veggies, chips and salsa, hot dogs (bunless), marshmallows (graham crackerless) and oatmeal, and we were ready to go. Gluten free, check. We didn't actually head up to Ashley National Forest, deciding that the three hour trip wasn't worth it for the overnight trip- instead we drove about an hour and a half north to Washington Lake. We drove up to the campground at 4:30pm, pitched our tent on the last available campsite, and got to work climbing on all the rocks and stumps, building fires, and wandering around the lake. 

Basically, it was perfect and beautiful. 

My Biggest Brothers

This morning, the boys and I went to visit Travis at work. He recently moved into a new office, and (as always prefaces their arrival in a new office) the entire place has been painted with chalkboard paint. It was practically a studio! So I stuck the boys in a corner and promised them candy corn pumpkins if they posed for a couple pictures. It's getting really, really difficult to get good pictures of them - especially together! I guess I just gotta get used to that- and they gotta get used to having the camera in their faces for the rest of their lives!

I love these boys, brothers, and best friends. I love that when I ask them to take a picture together, they think that I want them to wrestle and bear hug. It may not turn out as the best shot- but I'll take it. I love their love. 

(Almost) Wordless Wednesday: Collecting Autumn

"Autumn is a second spring, when every leaf is a flower."  Albert Camus

Lately...

Handsome Like Daddy

Babies are the best.

(Almost) Wordless Wednesday - Springtime

Springtime seems to have finally decided that it's here to stay, and we couldn't be more pleased! I am in love with all our blossoming trees, and the tulips that fill almost every yard on our street.
The boys are more interested in the dandelions and drastic increase in insects, but who can blame them? They now request that we eat every meal outside, and most of the time, Travis and I are only too happy to oblige. Springtime, we love you.

 I love these two pictures, both of which were taken by Micah. Nicely done, my little photographer.

(Almost) Wordless Wednesday - Superboys

As we played outside recently, the boys requested that I take some pictures of them "being superheros."

I love these pictures so much. They're so true to our life! I have smiley, happy, handsome boys - but rarely are they holding still. They are usually blurry little streaks of movement. 

We were joined by the boys' "best Elanor," and she was quick to join in the fun. Several times lately, I've accidentally found myself saying things like, "Please be kind to your sister," or (to Elanor) "Where is your brother?"
These three are really more like triplets than just neighbors and friends. We're lucky to have her around every day.
They have a lot of fun together.


These are my favorite weirdos and superheros.

(Almost) Wordless Wednesday - Mountain Climbers

One of our first days visiting my parents, my dad took the boys "on a walk."

From my place of pillowed comfort at my parents' house, I saw a picture of the boys on my Mom's Instagram with the horrifying caption, "Sometimes I have to stand back and let them explore even if it means a few broken bones or stitches. 'I'm just kidding.' I hope."

Wait. What? On their arrival home, Grey and Micah were pretty pleased to report that they had "climbed a big mountain." And every day since then, they've requested a chance to climb another mountain with Grandpa. I love my explorer boys and their desire to climb high and take risks - although I would prefer no broken bones!