The joys of discovery

Here comes the birthday girl!!

   Since "Park Day" with our home school group just so happened to coincide with the weekend we planned to celebrate Brienne's birthday, we decided to just bring our cupcakes along and have some fun at the park!

   I heard the rain coming down hard at 6am that morning.  I wondered how things would turn out.  The morning was spent cleaning and preparing in my mind for what plan B might be.  Thankfully, Plan A worked out in the end.  It was such a beautiful day at the park.

   It turned out to be hotter than we had expected.  Some of us were dressed for it, some not.  Thankfully, there was a cool breeze to cool us off in the shade.  South Carolina weather is often full of surprises.  Just when I think it's going to be chilly, it gets super hot all over again.  Why haven't I learned my lesson yet?  Short sleeves with sweaters we could remove would have made for a much cooler afternoon.  Sometimes this momma is either over or under prepared.  I much prefer a happy balance.  Oh well, lesson learned.  :)

   Amera took a bunch of pictures!  Her and I have plans to go out together sometime and find beautiful and interesting things to take pictures of.  We call it an "image hunt".  We both enjoy seeing what my little point and shoot Canon is made of!  Trying out all of its functions and getting shots from different angles carries with it the joy of discovery.  

Hmmm...I might come here alone sometime...with a Bible and a notebook.  Lovely place.

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Meanwhile...back on the home front...

   A little family celebration was the order of the day today.  We thank God for the 8 years of life that he has given to Brienne.  We couldn't imagine our lives without the joy and excitement  that she brings.  Each day is a gift that I try not to take for granted.

   Speaking of gifts...this tree house has been a blessing!  What fun! The kids enjoyed spending most of the afternoon discovering all of its functions, from a very cool elevator to a spinning hamster wheel.  A nice little place for all of their little animal friends to play.  Even Manny was reluctant to go down for his nap this afternoon.  He didn't want to miss out on it all.  But as you and I know, two year olds must have their naps or there will be consequences!  :)

Birthdays are such happy things!