Where We Live

I am currently sitting with a warm blanket wrapped around my shoulders and sipping a hot drink to warm my shivering body.  I was sure it must be a mere 40 degrees outside and am shocked to find that it’s actually 58.  It’s hard to believe that the thermometer will tumble so much more as the days on the calender tick by.  I know that there are times when I take for granted the beauty of this place and even complain at times that it is too hot or too cold.  I love the change of the seasons, though, and this weekend I was reminded why.

As September draws to a close and October prepares to open its doors there are so many exciting opportunities.  This weekend we had a new one that delighted not only the little ones, but the big ones as well.  Our family spent a glorious Saturday afternoon together doing things I never thought we would do.  An afternoon that included feeding and petting giraffe’s, kangaroos, camels, horses, goats, and sheep. . . to name a few. 

Chad and his friendly giraffe
That’s the kangaroo!
Chanelle and her camel
As I touched the animals and watched the kids reach in to feed them, I was struck with awe.  Awe at these beautiful creations that are so distinctly diverse and yet amazingly similar at the same time.  While I watched my kids reach their open hands forward and the animals stretch outward to gently gobble up their food, all I could repeat was “wow, I can’t believe this!”

The experience with the animals would have been enough to make my week, but there was so much more.  I wonder if I lived in a big city or in warmer climates if these experiences would be available.  Will you find a huge straw maze in every town?

These two were fearless and put the adults to shame with the speed at which they made it through the maze.  When I got lost, Charlie rolled his eyes and graciously led me out. . . my walk of shame.

Oh, and who could forget the massive bin of corn where kids played, laughed, and explored? 

I certainly couldn’t as the corn fell to the floor when clothing was removed for evening baths. 
As I look at these images and remember the sights and sounds of a beautiful Saturday afternoon, I find myself feeling so blessed to live in this place at this time.  I would not trade these experiences for anything.  And as I sit and recall the smiles that my children wore and the sounds of glee that escaped from their lips I find myself hoping that they carry these memories with them.  Even if they forget that they pet a kangaroo or a giraffe and if they forget that they found their way through a huge straw maze or played in a massive box of corn kernals I hope that they always remember the most important thing. . .
. . . we were together.

Listen to your life. All moments are key moments.
Frederick Buechner

  • Rachael Hammett - September 27, 2010 - 8:03 pm

    This post made me laugh out loud "my walk of shame!" Oh our dear children! I believe as mommies we may have many of those…God grant our children the serenity to accept what they cannot change (in their mommies!)ReplyCancel

  • Trophy Life - September 28, 2010 - 1:07 am

    those pics are really sweet. i like the one of you and Chad.ReplyCancel

  • Ky • twopretzels.com - September 28, 2010 - 5:28 pm

    1. I don't even know your in-laws but I love them.

    2. Animals are INCREDIBLE.

    3. The corn thing is awesome. How cool.

    GREAT photos!ReplyCancel

Your email is never published or shared. Required fields are marked *

*

*