BIG Zoo!

We read a lot around here and many books happen to be about a zoo. We have a small game-ranch style zoo in Athens, but no big animals. Last weekend was the Planet Party at the Atlanta Zoo in honor of last week's Earth Day. We, the Botanical Garden, had a table there with a bird hat craft and information about migratory birds. Since I was there, what a perfect time for Esther to FINALLY visit the 'BIG Zoo', as she calls it.

E and Poppi looking at snakes - Esther's favorite!

Rock Outcrop and Sweetwater Festival

We had a wonderful week of springtime activities. During the week, Esther and I had a playdate with some good friends. Her friend, Amara, is four and they play really well together. After going to the playground, we visited a local rock outcrop that has an abundance of threatened and endangered plants. Esther and Amara had fun hiking around and tromping through the little streambeds.
This weekend, we headed into Atlanta for the Sweetwater Festival in Candler Park. Saturday Ben and I went and met some friends, leaving E to play with the Grands. She came with us on Sunday and we had such a blast. She loved playing with her hula hoop and dancing to the music. She's already asking to go to another festival ("festibal"). So glad she's following in our footsteps of good music and good times!

Old friend, Em, and I with LED hula hoops - So cool!

Family fun!

Esther's having some boogie-time. Also check out her new skirt. I bought this great pillowcase and turned it into this adorable skirt. She's worn it the last 4 days...I think she likes it!

About 5 minutes after leaving the festival

Easter Weekend

We had a really nice Easter weekend! Saturday, we went to Memorial Park for a fun family Easter egg hunt, including a visit from the Easter Bunny. It was really well organized and lots of fun for little E!

YAY!

Smooches!

We spent Sunday with the Allegood family. We went to my childhood church, which brought back a lot of wonderful memories. I went there from birth until around 16 years old, then we changed churches for various reasons. The music and ceremony were really nice. It was amazing to see many of the people still there and the kids I used to teach in Sunday school with my Mom were all grown up. After church, we all went to Brunch then back to Grammi and Pops' for an Easter egg hunt.

Could she be any cuter?!

E and cousin, Spencer.
Can you read his shirt? "Big Brother" We're going to be Aunt and Uncle again!

Hope you had a beautiful weekend!

Revived and Refreshed!

It's amazing how life can get so busy and full that you forget to slow down and enjoy it. Even with the reminder of all my blessings, we haven't really soaked it all in for quite some time. This past weekend we headed west to some of our dear friends in Bowden. Both friends we visited have a good bit of land, so we were able to soak up the sun and blue skies and endless green grass. Esther enjoyed playing with the chickens, riding the tractor, and running around with the other kiddos at Rob and Christy's.

*****

Tom, Vickie, and Kaya

We then spent the rest of day at Tom and Vickie's. We trolloped down to the creek and skipped rocks. Ben and I were able to have a wonderful prayer with our good friends that we consider close family. We always feel refreshed and rejuvinated after our visits. We are taken back to center and reminded what is really important - each other and life lived to fullest. No matter the hardships or stress, we are reminded of how blessed we are and that we have no reason to complain or fret about where life is taking us. God has always taken care of us and will continue to do so as we walk our path in life.

Yes, there will be bridges to cross.

And rain will fall...

But a brighter day is always ahead

and, oh the joy that life brings!

My Little Blessings #10

A sense of wonder! My final 'blessing' in this series is a sense of wonder that I am reminded of every day with my sweet girl. This is something we tend to lose as we grow older. Whether we feel like we know it all or just get jaded, we somehow stifle our imagination and desire to learn. I love this quote from famous ecologist and author, Rachel Carson.
If I had influence with the good fairy who is supposed to preside over the christening of all children, I should ask that her gift to each child in the world be a sense of wonder so indestructible that it would last throughout life.
There are so many blessings that I cannot possibly list them all. Another one being my amazing family. My Mom and Dad who have taught me so much in life and given me amazing love and acceptance. (I have to give a shout-out to Dad...Happy 60th Birthday!) My brother, Ben's family, all our wonderful friends...so much to be thankful for.

And I leave you with a sweet song that Esther made up for Ben (completely on her own). As the day passes, I hear more and more "when will Papa be home?" Well, I walked in on E singing this sweet song and had to capture it. I even admit to tearing up a bit. For those of you who don't understand two year old, here are the lyrics to the tune of Thumpkin.
"Where is Papa, where is Papa. He's at work, he's at work. Wish that he would come home, wish that he would come home now."
Can you get any sweeter?

Oh, and the interview. Went well - they said I'm overqualified and would love to have me, but...may be losing funding - story of my job search. Everyone who receives my resume says I look great, but all their funding is cut and they have no open positions. Praying for direction and doors to open and close as is right for me and my family. Love and blessings!