Awesome!

We had such a fantastic weekend, I can't think of a better way to spend my time than laughing with family and falling down about a 100 (or maybe 200?) times and still getting up laughing. We went skating with Aunt Neesie on Saturday morning, and I realized quickly at how awful I am at it. But that didn't stop us from having fun! Denise was great about helping the kids around the rink and I thought of how Dad must have felt teaching us to skate - lots of bending over, picking people up, helping someone else balance while trying not to tip over myself. The kids of course loved the hot chocolate and spending time with their cool aunt. Towards the end of our time (a full hour of skating) Archer's frustration at falling every two feet was growing. And Shelly had nearly fallen asleep in David's arms. It was time to go.

Next we dropped off Shelly at Grandma Sue's place for a slumber party, and Archer got to spend the evening with us. We went out to dinner and then Arch chose the movie - Tooth Fairy. It was surprisingly good.

Its so hard to put into words the simple joy of spending time together, of seeing each other smiling and laughing, and knowing we'll be able to laugh about the whole thing again when we remember it later. I'm praying the kids will remember the good parts and forget about the falling down and the wind and cold, that they'll know they can count on Aunt Neesie to hold them up, and pick them up, and encourage them to try again.

You will go out in joy

and be led forth in peace;
the mountains and hills
will burst into song before you,
and all the trees of the field
will clap their hands.
~ Isaiah 55:12

I certainly felt like singing and clapping this weekend! What awesome blessings the Lord provides to his children.