Boy's Only Camping Trip

Whew!  What a week we've had.  Ups and downs and everything in between around here!  We've got a lot going on (who doesn't?!), but I just had to share some pictures and moments from this 'Boy's Only Camping Trip'.

This is a first for these boys.  'No Girls Allowed' was the catch phrase they used.  And, while we ended up crashing their trip on Sunday, for the entire majority of the weekend, these boys did what boys do best...

They hiked.

They searched for snakes, bugs, snails, frogs, sticks, rocks, and anything else you can think of that you find in the wilderness.

They cooked hot dogs, hamburgers, corn on the cob, and s'mores over an open campfire.

They rode bikes.  Climbed on rocks.  And they played and played and played, until their eyelids closed each night.

They made precious memories and engraved a special time in their lives with best buddies.

And it's all because of their dads.

These dads made it happen and gave these boys this special time.  Julie and I were talking on the ride out to 'crash' their camp out....about how blessed our boys (and us ladies) are to have these men in our lives.

While people usually go on and on about how much work us moms do, these dads, well, they've proven to be pretty awesome.

I think we've established a new tradition with some of our best friends and I can't wait to watch these buddies (both the kids and dads) enjoy this 'Boy's Only Camping Trip' for years to come.

Just Breathe

Today has been a doozy of a day.  I won't go in to details, but it's just like one thing after another of a nerve wrecking, momma drama, tearful, crazy, call your husband 10 times, have a glass of wine (or two or three) kind of a day.

Numerous times today I've reminded myself to stop and just breathe. 

In and out.  In and out.  Just breathe.

And, in doing this, I am reminded once again that this world is bigger than me. 

Just breathe.  And I'm reminded of every blessing and kind person in my life.

There is always tomorrow.

And...tomorrow will be wonderful.  A Mother's Tea at Parker's school and his first baseball practice of the season...a Friday evening of playing with Andrew...and watching a movie with Brandon...a fun run on Saturday morning with my boys, a lot of color, and some amazing community members...an evening at HOME on Saturday...and the celebration of my beautiful grandmother's 90th birthday on Sunday.  I couldn't ask for a more beautiful weekend.

Just breathe.