Fireworks, Canoes, Crayfish & Other Fun

Fireworks with our neighbors/friends

 We are weary, in a good way.
The kids and I just came off another week of camp and, although I'm not sure this is possible, had even more fun this go 'round!

On July 4th, we had a great time with our neighbors watching fireworks in the back yard and catching fireflies after the fireworks were all gone. The day had been dreary and rainy so we were all very excited when it blew east before dusk. You can see part of our sweet house in the top left corner.  Our property is there on the other side of the fence just behind the firework display.

Jonathan on the canoe at camp

Melanie on a canoe

Jason and I joked before leaving Texas that, if we were able to sell our travel trailer, he would buy me a canoe when we got here. There's something about paddling a canoe on quiet water that feeds my soul. I never imagined I'd actually be doing that very thing just a couple weeks after moving back to Virginia. This week I got to spend a fair amount of time paddling little ones over a pond looking for turtles, frogs, toads and frog eggs. We even got to see a snake!

Water Fight!

 Creek exploration was the best part of the day. We had Cibolo Creek in Boerne. Now we have the Freedom Center Creek.  You can see Jonathan in the photo at mid-left in the red shirt. I'm not sure of its official name, but it's beautiful in its own way. I got in with the kids every day and basked in the sounds of running water, excited little voices and giggles. A mountain bike trail runs right through the spot where the kiddos played. Now that we have a connection with the Freedom Center, I have a feeling this family will try to make it out there quite often.

Climbing in a dogwood over the creek

 There are several dogwoods arching over the creek. I will be very anxious to see that particular place in its springtime glory.

Dancing in the winery pavilion

 Today we celebrated Celia's 4th birthday at a family-friendly winery and had a lovely time. A live band delighted us with fun music and even taught the kiddos an Irish drinking song. Ha Ha!

Learning to sing with the band

If you know Jonathan very well, you know that he can be found in this attitude and posture quite often. There's a crayfish under that cup!

I have mentioned this before, but I'm still consistently overwhelmed by the way God manages to meet our needs and desires in very specific ways. He knows our longings (He made us that way after all!) and he longs to love us.