Sunday, September 26, 2010

The Amazing Race

Today we got the privilege of being in an intense competition - an amazing race hosted by a friend and another family. While this was our first year participating, it was the 3rd year of the race. There were 9 families competing for the best time of getting through 10 clues / stations. Each family had a family theme - we were "Team Autumn Harvest."  We had these cute tees made with our Team Autumn Harvest insignia (a little pumpkin and leaves).  I must admit that I do love how they turned out (my love of Autumn and of personalization all wrapped up in one cute tee!). 



The race was held at a large park and, of course, like any good race marshalls and planners, the clues and tasks had you going all over the park, back and forth.  And, yes, it was intense - we literally were running from one station to the next.  Lydia bounced along in her stroller - what a good sport she was!

We ended up being the first family out and crazy enough, we ended up having the best time (a little awkward since we were the rookie family and all).  Our clues led us to tasks including fishing pennies out of jello with chop sticks, kicking soccer balls through hula-hoops, deciphering morse code, eating cupcakes, "bowling" basketballs down a very large and very steep hill (felt like a mountain when trying to get the balls back up it) to hit traffic cones, putting together puzzles, throwing a frisbee, untangling Christmas lights, and finding objects in a box without being able to see them.  The last task was answering questions about each of the nine tasks already completed - oh boy!  Some of the nine questions we remembered the detail they were asking for.  The others?  We had to race back to those stations and get the answer.  Each task required us to work together and stay together as a family, and each family member had to participate in all of the activities.  We had so much fun!  Unfortunately, I do not have any pictures of us completing the tasks as we were too focused on being competitive!!!

Renee (and Michelle), thank you for inviting us, and thank you for all of the planning and coordination you do to make the race amazing!!  We had a blast!!

Saturday, September 18, 2010

Nine Months

"Delight yourself in the LORD
and he will give you the desires of your heart."  Psalm 37:4

Saturday, September 4, 2010

Autumn Bliss

It's not officially Autumn yet, but days like today remind me why this is my favorite season and all of the things I love about it ...

Crisp, cool air ...
Falling leaves ...
Autumn hues ...
Spiced cider ...
Baking ...
Fall recipes ...
The apple orchard ...
Jeans and sweatshirts ...
Bike rides and races ...
Cinnamon and clove candles ...
Caramel lattes ...
Smell of burning leaves ...
The pumpkin farm ...
Soccer games ...
Birthday "season" ...

Oh, I love this time of year!

Jack - Autumn 2007

Samuel - Autumn 2009

Wednesday, September 1, 2010

Back to School ... Again

Again, it feels like I was just writing about the first day of school for the boys.  Today was Jack's first day of ... gulp ... 3rd grade and Samuel's first day of full-day (Senior) Kindergarten, sniff sniff.  Of course, the boys were excited while their Mama tried with everything she had in her not to break down, at least not before they got on the bus and could no longer see her. 

We're praying that it is another year of growth for the boys, not just academically and socially but also that, as Nikki has so eloquently prayed for her own boys, a year where their hearts are captured by our God.  

And with that, it is with anticipation, excitement and much love that we look forward to seeing the boys grow this year.

And, this little girl?  She's wondering where her big brothers are going ... she will certainly miss them and their silliness while they are at school.