Destin 2015...in the books

It is a little hard to believe that another successful and wonderfully memorable Destin vacation is in the books (and now on the blog).  On the drive down, I mentioned to Arthur how quickly the year has past since our last visit, but as I reflect back, so much has happened.

Against the beautiful and nearly unchangeable backdrops of our favorite vacation spot, I could really see how much my children have gown up in these past 11 months.

It is most obvious in Scarlett, who was just a tiny baby last May, is now a walking talking (even if we don't always know what she is saying) little girl. who wants to be involved (and usually in the middle) of whatever her brothers are doing.

The boys have grown up a lot too.  Their interests aren't that different rather they have matured.  Last year, hermit crab catching on off the pier stole the show.  This year, the boys (big and small) were after bigger game.  Crabs, minnows (used as bate), fish; none were safe from the nets, hooks, fishing poles and oh yeah...that giant nail and used line Arthur found on our first evening there.  

*Side note: If I ever have to go to a deserted island, Arthur would be the one thing I would take with me.  Not only do I love him like crazy, but that man has some keen survival skills and would have us living off the land, comfortably I might add, in no time.

The Great Outdoors In Our Own Backyard

I'm still not entirely sure how it happened.  I am still pinching myself that we live here.  I remember visiting another homeschool family a few years ago, when we first moved to TN, and Arthur and I fell in love with how much of their children's day was spent outside exploring, imagining, and just getting to be kids.  From that moment, we both started dreaming about raising our family on our own little piece of land.

It seemed like such a pipe dream then.  I can't believe it is now our real life.  I still wake up almost every morning and wonder how we got so lucky!

I took these pictures about a month after we moved in.  I think it is clear that the kids have settled in just fine.

A "REAL" 7th Birthday Party

Sometimes I look over at Jake expecting to see a chubby cheeked little boy smiling at me, but instead,   a tall lanky "big" boy is now in his place.  But the truth is, Jake seems more comfortable in this "big boy" skin.  I think his mature spirit always seemed to be fighting the littleness a little, and as he gets older it is like his body is catching up to where is the rest of him has always been.

This year, despite Jacob's 7th birthday falling 4 days after we moved, Arthur insisted that Jake needed a real party.  Arthur was right.  For the last 3 years something has come up, pushing "a friend" birthday party to the next year and then the next, so we really did need to make it happen.

I had no idea how we were going to pull it off, but somehow with lots of help from Ama (I'm pretty sure I would still be sitting in my house surrounded by boxes, likely crying, if it hadn't been for all her help) we made it happen and we hosted Jake's 7th birthday in our new house.

Jake has gotten very into Star Wars this year, and decided on a Star Wars theme party.  But the only thing that really translated this was the incredible Star Wars cake Arthur ordered.  It hurt my heart a little bit not to have decorations hung or some themed craft or activity planned.  But this year, a clean unpacked house was decoration enough and with 10 acres to explore the kids probably would have been annoyed if we had tried to slow them down with a craft.  Maybe next year we can really play up the Star Wars theme because I think the love of the "the force" is here to stay.

Surrounded by many favorite people on the planet,  Jake pretended (because Mommy forgot candles) to blow out the candles on his birthday cake and welcomed in another year.

I don't know what Jake wished for (very likely a new Star Wars lego set), but this is what I wish, or should I say pray, for him this year:  Jake, I pray that your curiosity and love for exploring and learning will continue to grow.   I hope that you spend countless days outside: hunting for bugs, fishing with your dad, riding your bike, getting dirty... basically, I hope that your childhood is filled to the brim with childhood.  I hope that music continues to be a big focus for you and our family, and that you will increase your skills as a violinist and you will continue to excel as a performer (it comes so naturally to you).  I pray that you will gain an appreciation for beauty because it is all around us.  There is beauty in the world, beauty in music, and beauty in good books.  Remember 'if there is anything virtuous, lovely, or of good report or praiseworthy, [Jake,] seek after these things."  

As this is the year leading up to your baptism, I also pray that this will be a year where you strive to understand agency and to use your will to choose the right.  Be aware of how you feel when you are obedient, to you parents but more importantly to your Father in Heaven.  Good choices will bring you happiness and peace.  I pray that you will be blessed with spiritual experiences, experiences that allow you to feel and recognize the Holy Ghost and how he communicates with you so you will be ready to have him as a constant companion in you life.  Finally, I pray that through the Lord, I can be the mother you need.  I pray that I will be guided to know when to step in and when to step back.  I pray that I will receive inspiration on your behalf so that I can help you grow into the man you were sent to become.  But please remember, that I am still learning too.  I have I have never had a seven year old before and I am bound to get things wrong sometimes.  However, I can promise you that I am doing my best because I love you more than you will ever know and I am so grateful that I get to be your Mom.  HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!

 (This is what is looks like when a seven year old finds out he is going to a Charlie Daniels' show)