blessed beyond measure

And now, we explore. It's just what we do. The boys chose our first spot for this season. They've been there a couple of times, but it wasn't really breaking the rules, since they've never done the trails before. And the trails were the drawing card. It has just come to light this year how much the boys appreciate and look forward to our adventures. They've been talking about this one for weeks. On the way there, Aden mentioned maybe bringing a friend along sometime. Trey quickly corrected him, that these are our adventures, just the three of us. I have been a little afraid in the last year or so with Trey pulling away from us, that he might grow out of these. That he'd suddenly become too cool for an outing with his stocky and ever-so-nerdy Mama. Then that Aden would follow right on his heels. And exploration season has evolved with their growth. No longer are we playground-oriented, which is what the vast majority of our exploring has been in th...

They are allowed to stay up late on Friday nights. They get still, they blink slower and slower. Then one of them hits the other in the head with a ball, and well hello there, second wind. Tonight they took my phone. And took care of their own weekly photos. Masterpieces . Thanks, boys.

It's the same every year. The summer slow-down that we are somehow hard-wired to expect never comes, and instead is replaced with eight weeks of running with the bulls. I look back at the warp-speed blur that was summer, slack-jawed and exhausted at all we were able to do, and all tingly inside at the amazing memories we made. So today, I bid a fond farewell to an unforgettable season. Not sure if there was something in the sky, or if I just paid more attention, or if God just knew I needed near-daily reminders of His greatness and love for me. But the sunsets have been absolutely spectacular this summer. Boys, your weekly highlight was the pool. Last summer ended with Trey putting his face underwater for half a second on our last day at the pool, and Aden adamantly refusing to even try. This summer ends with fish . It has been remarkable to watch the two of you fall in love with the water. You became friends this summer, boys. Not all the tim...