lacrosse

Toby joined his big brother this winter in playing lacrosse. With five kids, I have a really hard time putting them in different activities that have me running every which way, so this was so perfect. They both were able to play for a local small Christian school, Toby on the 5/6 team and Drew on the 7/8 team. Toby had never played before, except out front with his brother …. so we were all pleasantly surprised at how well he picked up the sport and did with these other boys, especially because he is really only officially in the 3rd grade!! 

Their practices have been three times a week and games on Saturdays. Drew has actually played in most of the 5/6 games with Toby since they were short players this season. This particular game was up in Bellingham. (Here are pictures from last year's game …. same field) Once again, Num Num, Papa, and Tricia were able to join us to cheer them on. It was a really cold, wet day, but the boys did SO well. They both scored, and in fact one of Toby's was assisted by Drew. AND THEN, they were both awarded the team awards by the other team!! So fun. (Drew is number 7, Toby number 9)

And while the boys played on the field… the girls played on the sideline with their daddy. 

a little work and a little play

We made it to Num Num and Papa's a number of times this past fall…. 

Specifically, we went to help them around their home with yard work. 

They live an hour and a half north of us,

just south of the Canadian Border on an acer of land 

surrounded by corn fields. 

If you ask me, it's the PERFECT place to live in the country and experience

country life (it's right out the back door) but not actually live on a farm. 

Don't get me wrong, there is STILL so much work to be done,

and they don't even have animals anymore!! 

(they used to have chickens and sheep.)

How very thankful I am for this little respite from city-life,

BEAUTIFUL country, long walks,

good-ol' hard work for my family,

and most of all time spent and memories made at "Borderline Farm." 

 Papa taught the kids how to cut wood…. the old-fashioned way. 

 …. though we did rent a "new-fangled" wood-cutter for the day. 

These last four pics were taken over Thanksgiving. 

Once again, we headed to the farm, but this time for food and rest and play. 

Abby and I had a lovely long walk after our meal at the twilight hour. 

We had so much fun snapping pictures of each other,

talking about life, singing at the top of our lungs, 

and racing down long country roads. 

It does my heart so good. 

Thanks Num Num and Papa, for living in the country … and loving me so well. 

I still have to pinch myself every time I come visit you. 

Not sure I ever would have dreamed the first time I visited

(summer of 1993, about to be a collage sophomore) …..

that I would still love this place so dearly,

be married to your WONDERFUL son,

 be living here in the Northwest. 

…. AND be bringing your FIVE grandkids to visit. 

I'm so, so thankful for you!! 

a tea party

My kids have been in rare form this week and for some reason, the creativity has been flowin.'

(I say that just so you know that sometimes I go crazy because they won't

occupy themselves or keep asking to watch the t.v.!!!!!!) 

On a slow, cold day earlier in the week, they asked to have a tea party, and of course I couldn't say no. 

I wasn't sure what they had in mind, but I always enjoy an excuse to bring out

Mama Jo and Mama Hatcher's pretty china! And I always love an excuse to compose a pretty picture. 

While the tea was brewing, Toby wanted to help me get things ready. 

The girls were dashing around upstairs getting themselves ready. 

And before I knew it, he had also changed into his sunday best and donned

one of Pop's ties! Boy he looked dashing. 

As they were getting themselves seated, I realized that they were bringing

bags with them. I wasn't quite sure what that was all about.... 

until they started opening their "gifts" from each other. 

And as you see, the presents included lots of junk from

their bedrooms. And I guess they got a kick out of watching each other's

reactions as they discovered what their siblings had given them. 

It sure was sweet watching this all unfold. 

It made my day!