Finally... A Hot Beach Day!

The Lord has been so good to us.  Not only does He provide everything that we need, but He provides it at the best time.  Every Spring I try to narrow my long list of desired trips down to two or three manageable destinations. This year, I chose one family camping trip, one hot day at the ocean, one good hike up Big Spencer Mountain, and one camping trip to camp Wesley. 

Needless to say that in Spring I do not know what the Summer will bring and, as you may know, our car died at the end of June.  During the month of July it seemed that we would not be able to do any of these trips. But alas, God is good: Not only did he provide us with a vehicle, but He also gave it to us in time to enjoy a couple of the things on my list. We have been able to do the family camping trip; we made it to the base of Big Spencer Mountain; Tyler and Eli did a camp Wesley trip with Randy; and last week Tyler, Elijah and I fit in a hot morning at the ocean.  Even though we didn't get to do these four things according to my plans, we were able to do them according to God's plans and for that, I am thankful.

Tyler and Elijah setting off for a kayak ride around the rocks of Reid State Park. 

Like every other boy, young and old, on the beach, Elijah had to build something when he found these large pieces of driftwood just laying around.

Just look at how proud he is of his creation!

A Day at Home with Miss Amanda

There are few people in this world that my boys love more than their Auntie Ali and Miss Amanda. These ladies have this incredible gift with children, and the Smith boys are no exception. When either of these ladies walks into the house my boys tend to look at me as dull (which I am) and go right to their visitor as if to say "okay mom you can go now".  I have always thought that it might have had something to do with what they did with the kids for fun, but now I know that it is just because these ladies have such an imagination that a normal morning for the boys is transformed into an adventure.  Let me show you what I mean: Last Thursday Amanda watched the boys, and she was kind enough to document it for us. 

Sneaking  up on our cat is not only discouraged around here (normally), but it can also be dangerous. With Miss Amanda though, it is a fun adventure and no one gets hurt. I don't know how she can pull that one off. 

Now she's got them creating their own dance props and dancing to who knows what type of music. Oh I sure hope it isn't any of that Petra stuff. 

Playing with lunch is something that happens everyday when you have three young boys.  Amanda is so kind as to help mold their creative techniques that PBJ's almost become a form of art in themselves. 

Obviously, Ethan is not quite used to a typical morning at the Smith house, or all of these click happy picture taking people.  Who is that camera guy anyway?

The moral of the story is this... If you want a really great babysitter who not only feeds your kids, but plays with them, dances with them and documents it all, then pick Amanda Chick. But if you are going to go getting all strict on her and try to get her to follow your rules then forget it: She could never give up her music.