He stays busy year round. This year it seemed even more busy than usual. We are thankful for this and feel incredibly blessed to be able to say that. The toll...we miss our family time. Credit to him, he does his best to be here and truly spends quality time with the boys when he is home.
So this morning we were excited. Shane slept in while I took the boys upstairs to watch Cars for the 9,478th time. We made eggs. They raced cars, wrestled and tickled while I packed things for a hike.
We hit two beautiful parks today. Blue Hen Falls and Daffodil Trail. Miles rode in the carrier at the first (steep hill down) but walked/ran the entire Daffodil Trail. He was so excited to be free and able to go on his own. As his little feet hit the muddy trail I just smiled at Shane. Pitter patter pitter patter. His cadence in double time compared to ours. Absolutely darling. The smiles smeared across his face the whole time were enough to make my heart burst. Where has my baby gone?
Half way around the trail Finn stopped and said 'cheese' as I took his photo by the flowers. Miles trotted up and Finn wrapped his arms around him and gave him a big kiss. That's when it happened. My heart, 3' away from them, could feel the love glowing around them. Igniting my heart and Shane's. Two innocent souls. One older, protective, brother so excited to have a play mate instead of a baby around the house. So proud to see him hiking all on his own. Again, my eyes met Shane's.
It was healing, today. We needed it. Time to just look at each other, look at these boys. Let our feet hit something other than carpet, tile and cement. Let the rain wet our jackets, mud stain our shoes, smiles dance across our faces.
Spring is a painful process in Ohio. Today it was forecasted for 50's and sunshine. We got rain and 39. But we went out anyways. I'm glad we did.
After the hiking, pizza and unpacking (mud everywhere) we all took a rest. Miles asleep on me. Me laying quietly next to him. My brain racing with ideas, memories, prayers and dreams. Thankful for his sweet breath on my cheek and his occasional reach for reassurance that I was still there. Finn played the ipad and watched tv. Bless his sweet heart. He doesn't nap anymore, but he will 'rest'. Quietly. For as long as Miles needs to sleep. Caring for his baby brother in a way only a big brother can. Daddy started a fire and was able to melt into the couch. We all felt so much better.
I made a new Pinterest dinner. Shane took the boys upstairs to watch a movie after and I sat down at the dining table. Sipping the last of my wine and nibbling on dark chocolate pretzels. Bliss.
Life gets crazy. Spins without fail. Today was our Sabbath. Tomorrow is church, but today was Sabbath. We rested. We thanked God for the beauty He created at the parks. We praised him as we snuggled our kids. We felt his blessing as we watch them grow...closer...every...day. Brothers.
My last Bible study mentioned the importance of taking Sabbath. In all transparency we are guilty. We rarely take a full day to unplug. Today, however, I was reminded of what it felt like. It felt good. My heart is aglow.
I'm not sure what type of tree this is...but the leaves survived winter and are now white. Beautiful!
Nature's staircase
Naptime with Bird
