Beach Time!

Boating

Camping 2009

This last week we went on a family camping trip, just the 4 of us. We had a full 5 days of fun together, enjoying the time free of distractions that come up at home. We didn't go far from home, Lake Bemidji State Park. We were very impressed with their facilities, everything was very clean, no bugs, and a new playground thanks to community donations. The lake itself is much smaller then what we're used to, and the fishing was absolutely horrible, but that's okay we're use to good ol' LOW. A few memorable moments for me were; listening to the guy in the site next to us snore, (I swear it sounded like he was right outside our tent), finding out that a cot isn't quite as comfortable when you're 6 1/2 months pregnant, and having to get up every TWO hours to use the bathroom. Okay, so I have better memories then that, but seriously-camping pregnant is MUCH different.

We had gorgeous weather most of the time which meant lots of hours in the boat attempting to catch fish. Paige and I gave up after the first day and decided the beach and Target was much more enjoyable. The beach there was so kid friendly, very shallow for a long way out so I didn't have to worry about the kids as much. And there were NO black flies or mosquitoes at the beach, a huge plus in my book. One particularly beautiful evening we took the boat across the lake and docked it at Paul Bunyan park in downtown Bemidji while we walked and found ice cream. That night was definitely a highlight for all of us. We did get rained out twice but it worked out nice as we had a good excuse to go into town for Fathers Day supper and another day to check out the library.

After 5 days though, we were ready to come home. The kids had had enough of the playground and beach, I was ready for my bed and shower (one where the hot water wouldn't run out), and Jerem was ready for me to resume cooking duties.

What a nice way to spend a week though. Watch for pictures, I'll start posting them tomorrow.

Summer Is Here!

A few pics from the last week. We finally got our garden in, went fishing, and Jill and I made a trip to Bemidji almost kid-free thanks to Jerem watching Chloe, Anson, and Paige for the day! This week we're finishing swimming lessons and getting ready for our camping trip. A whole week this year! I'm especially excited about the new canopy I found to go over our picnic table in case of rain. I got it at a garage sale for $3 and it works perfect!!!

Little Love Reminders

So often my children teach me lessons I am slow to learn. The kids surprised me with this little cluster of white flowers they picked off a tree in our back yard. All spring it's been dandelions, this was a nice change. Not that I mind dandelions, after all to the kids they're flowers too. This morning I was reading in Romans 12 and came across the verse, "Love must be sincere". How often as a mom do I snap at the kids or not take the time to give them attention because I'm busy with my "agenda". Yet, they in their little minds remember me, that I like flowers, and that maybe it would be a nice surprise for me. What a good reminder for me to be sincere in every aspect of love I show as a mom and wife.

I'm officially 6 months pregnant and allowed Jerem to take a picture. Probably the only one that will be taken. :) Watch the video below (linked) if you want to know what we're having and how the kids responded to the news. I tried to get it so you don't have to follow the link, but I can't figure out how.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5d7QJ-dvzts

Paige's Worm

Paige discovered recently that she does indeed like to hold worms.