The Cabin

Katherine catching tadpoles

 If you've never been to the White Mountains in New Hampshire, plan a trip there one day. It's so lush and green, with tons of crystal clear stream running over the most beautiful river rocks you ever saw. (I brought home quite the rock collection.)
It's even better if you're a Dartmouth Alumni. Dartmouth owns about 100 cabins in the White Mountains that are available to rent for a very cheap price. Drew rented a one-room cabin for the night and we had the best time. It was the worst nights sleep ever - but totally worth it!

The older kids sitting on the bridge

 My favorite part was playing in the river. The water was very cold, but it felt nice. The river bed is nothing but rocks of all sizes. We made our way upstream, either through the river or climbing on the huge boulders that hugged the river. It was so much fun. We hung out in this one spot for a while, just throwing rocks as high as we could and laughing at the huge "kerplop" sound they made as they landed back in the water.

 The cabin is very rustic, with no running water and an outhouse. But if you put on your best elaborated camping hat it's no big deal! The cabin itself was so cool. There are bunks on the first floor along with a wood stove and oven. This cabin had a ladder that led to a loft. There were 6 mats, 3 on each side for sleeping and a bridge that connected the two loft sleeping areas.
We had the kids (ages 7, 6, 4, 4, and 2) sleep on the bottom bunks and John slept in a pack-n-play. The adults took the loft. We didn't want them falling out of the top bunk or falling from the loft. None of us slept that well, but that's camping right?
We had plenty of coffee and tea to go around and we woke up to such beauty that it really didn't matter.

A Visit with the Matters

 Our dear, dear friends Drew, Susie, and their three kids moved to Hanover, NH last summer. Drew was one of the pastors at City Church, and Susie oversaw the children's ministry. They were our closest friends at church. It was hard to say goodbye when they left for Drew to pursue a masters degree in engineering at Dartmouth. He had felt the Lord calling him out of the church and to have a ministry in the work place. God has blessed them abundantly for their obedience. They have a fantastic church, great community, good public schools, and beautiful scenery.
We drove north to spend a long weekend with them and had a fantastic time! Drew took us for a full tour of Dartmouth's campus. The history, and architecture are astounding. Then we went canoeing on the Connecticut River through the Dartmouth Outdoor Club.

 We went under a small bridge and came to this little cove that led to a beautiful waterfall. We hung out there for a while just enjoying the peace, stillness and beauty around us.

Behind their condos is a fun little trail with a small creek. In the mornings the older kids (Mary 6, Katherine 4) would get on their backpacks, and grab their supplies and head out as explorers. (pictured above the kids in their bathing suits)

They all had so much fun together. Their youngest, John (2) is hilarious! He wakes up and does a happy dance. He is so full of life, and joy. He loved chasing the big kids, especially Lilia. He even learned her name by the end of our time.

Lewes, DE

 One of the nights at the beach we always go out to dinner, all six of us, and take photos. We had an amazing dinner at Agave, an upscale Mexican restaurant with really flavorful food. Then we took photos down by the water and at the bay.

 So we were taking pictures down at the bay, enjoying putting our toes in, and collecting rocks when someone spotted sharks! They weren't very big, maybe 3 feet, but still...they were sharks!
They were about 6-8 feet out from shore, where the water would be about to your hips. They were circling and feeding, slowly working their way down the shore line. It was really cool to watch, but a scary reminder that we aren't alone in the big blue ocean, or in this case, bay.

Shark fins 

Sunset

Assateague Island

 Assateague is home to wild ponies and it's only 45 minutes from Bethany Beach. Last summer Lilia and I read Misty of Chincoteague. This past spring we read, Stormy, Misty's Foal so we had to experience these wild ponies for ourselves!
We were so fortunate - we saw a mare and her foal right away!

We also got about 3 feet away from this horse, pictured below. He was just chillin as we stood there taking lots of pictures.

Perfect ombre mane

Dragonfly

They loved the ocean and didn't want to leave.

Ponies in the bay

Close and personal

We stopped in OCMD for a boardwalk experience and cotton candy.

I was panning for shells for a good hour. It's still my favorite thing to do.

Beach days

 We had taken a break from our beach vacation last year because we were in Colorado for most of the summer. So when July came around I was so excited!!
We always go to the beach with my parents and stay at this adorable house that is just the right size for the six of us. It's only 5 minutes driving distance from the beach - perfect!
The first day was a bit chilly. The waves were fierce and the current was so strong that we saw 6 people get rescued in the hour and a half we were there. My kids only go in up to their ankles, so we were good.

 Alex started off scared of the ocean, but by the second day he got a little closer. By the third day he was letting the waves wash up on his legs. It's better than two years ago when it wasn't until the last day that he was cool with the ocean.

Pictured below is Dave trying to encourage Alex to "slap the waves with your tool" and run away. He got the running away part well before the wave reached him.

Isn't it funny how kids don't mind having sand all over their bodies? What changes in adults that we would say a big, "No thank you!" to being buried up to our neck in sand.

Here is Lilia and Alex playing on the last day. The weather and ocean were perfect!

Dude!!!

 Two weeks ago we were up at my parents. The kids can ride bikes in the street because their aren't as many cars around. I was jogging (yes you read jogging...I have to jog a bit so they can enjoy bike riding and not have to wait forever for me to catch up) behind Alex on his bike and I noticed neither of his training wheels were touching the ground.
This past week we met Dave on Penn's campus after work and took the training wheels off.
Dave ran with Alex for about 20 feet and had to let go. Alex was riding too fast for Dave to keep up.
When he let go Alex kept going for a while. He totally got it!!! We were so surprised, and excited for him.
Dave helped him get started and he was off riding! Alex and Lilia rode all around campus for a long, long time. He was even riding on the grass that afternoon. It was so awesome!!
We celebrated at the Lil Pop Shop just like we did with Lilia when she learned in April.

Now we go out on bike rides around the neighborhood most days. I have to jog to keep up. It's really fun and exciting when your kids become more independent in really fun ways.

Farm Camp

 Lilia just finished up farm camp this past week. She stayed with my folks for the week, the camp is 10 minutes from their house. Lilia was so sad to have to say goodbye for the week. She cried and cried when we said goodbye Sunday night. 

Lilia and Bubba

 The camp goes from 8:30-3:30 and these kids work hard doing farm work. Anyone ages 6-11 are welcome to come for camp.
Because Lilia was the smallest kid she could ride the miniature pony, Bubba.
Their day consisted of feeding animals; goats, sheep, llamas, horses, chicks and bunnies. They also had to work in the garden. There were nature walks, finding tadpoles in the pond, and crafts.
Their was also yoga one day and a spa day. On the spa day the older counselors brought in nail polish and foot lotions and pampered any one who wanted it done.
They finished the day with swimming.

Lilia learned that if you hold a chick and blow on their belly they will fall asleep in your hands.

On Friday afternoon the families were invited to tour the camp and meet the animals. Lilia showed us around like it was her place. It was amazing to see her interact with the animals - she was such a natural.
God is seriously gifted her with animals. He has big plans for her. I don't know what they are, but God is going to use her in incredible ways.