The best kind of tired

Today was the beginning of what is looking to be a "perfect" weekend. Ya know the kind where you work getting much accomplished as a family, and then rest together tempered with some alone time for hubby and I. Today was the rare day that happens maybe 1 time every 9 weeks in which hubby could stay home during the week. It is once a month we get an entire weekend with him home, otherwise he is gone at least one day at the Fire Station. Sunday is his only day on leaving us with 3 days out of 4 together.

We first got up early, packed the cars (yes 2 because there were 8 bikes to load and  8 people to transport). This was a first for this many people so it required effort. I am relieved to report that it went without a hitch (minus hubby dropping my bike before I came to help and bent the back tire). If you know anything about my parents this speaks volumes as in my home and even to this day my mother and father cannot work together without a fight, EVER! I am eternally grateful to God for my marriage does not carry that challenge. A temporary explanation regarding the packing of lunch as we will be gone long enough to need to feed the crew and we were off.

3.7 miles later we made it to our destination and enjoyed some soda's and fries. Not my first choice in treats but well it was the best we could do without a complete meal. While waiting I noticed some puzzles and suggested the kids get them. Timing was perfection and they worked, snacked, chatted and laughed. Once restroom breaks were complete we headed back out. On the ride back #3 struggled a bit as the humid air, asthma body kicked into gear. Daddy did his thing bonding with his son, while #4 riding on my bike and #2 next to me sang songs. In fact #2 and I made a stop to check out as turtle on the Katy trail as well as several other bugs, beetles and walking sticks.

At the parking lot we gobbled down the picnic completing our family time. Once home tired kids reacted as expected by collapsing inside. A short time later a dip in the pool, more relaxing and later wiffle ball completed the kid day. Hubby and I used our non kid time to mow the grass, him on his tractor and me on the walk behind mower. I have to say it was glorious. Am I crazy or what?! I think I am just meant to be active. This year we have become closer, and more like what I imagined marriage would be. I don't mean that we had a bad marriage, just well all things take time and good things are coming from just that!

I digress, there of course was challenges such as the mini horse getting out causing me to stop, then hubby to stop and the lawn mower to in turn stop. BUT, no snapping at each other just simple taking a deep breath and adapting. We sat on the grass together and just lived, no speaking, just took life in. This is it, the little stuff that can drive you wild or make your character shine. We didn't carry it over and were able to make hodge podge dinner for the kids and chill. Life is getting really good around here!
Lastly, my Dad is home. He has Diabetes and is working on regulating it. This means some effort in getting it all leveled out and diet but is treatable. There are some other issues that also are being dealt with but the first being the largest. I can see I will be checking in on him more in the future but it is my prayer that this will be the turning point in my mother and his relationship allowing for us to be the unstoppable family out here on this crazy Walton's mountain property, LOL.
Yes, friends don't sweat the little stuff, pray every chance you can and don't be afraid to live life as it comes is the summary of my day. I trust with my whole heart in the Father Above!