Nature walk finds

This morning we went on a hunt looking for leaves to dip in beeswax however found better treasures!  Three distinct mushrooms all with different personalities, colors and shapes. We are testing spore prints now with the instructions from here. 

We are so excited to share some of these prints with our friends from the nature pal exchange. 

1 week until deadline!

A weekend getaway

Last year Randy and I took our first weekend getaway and decided we should try to push for it once a year. It never has to be extravagant however just a break from most of the kids. Giddy comes with as he is still nursing but it is much easier to wrangle 1 kiddo than all 7.

 We took a trip up to the Mississipi Palasades in NW Illinois. It was a bit more walking than we were expecting as both of us are past the days of crazy excursions. It was around 90 degrees and the humidity was through the roof. Randy can't breathe well with those conditions and I ended with a migraine. We also ended up with a battle wound after Giddy ran into a metal picnic table.

 The views were spectacular however the trek to get to the top was sometimes barely worth it for me personally. The Mississippi River is wide and I was happy I could say I dipped my toes in the water.

 My favorite part of the camping trip was the butterflies had decided that our camp was their new home. They invaded our tent and landed on us. Giddy obtained his battle wound after he freaked out when one landed on his leg.

 

Randy and I have decided to not ever take the kids to this state park as you are unable to adventure on your own paths as the entire park is nonstop drop offs and cliffs.  There are also little to no flowers at this park so I was highly disappointed I could not take more photos.

We are hoping for another camping trip in our future when the weather is more cooperative.

sureal {picture heavy}

Some time to reflect on the last few weeks and share some things that have made me grateful.

 No time to be depressed when you are happy for what you have.

******************

... the feeling when all 3 of your boys must touch you while they sleep. We have had a trying and emotional few days and to know they view me as their rock and stability even in their dreams is priceless. occasionally makes up for the sleeplessness and foot in my back.

...knowing all my kids are home and safe. Nanners got seperated from us at our local state park. This park is over 300,000 acres and huge so we had the scare of our lives when she was missing 45 minutes. We are blessed a hiker found her following another group and brought her to the state and ranger police we had called in. She was near the trails the officer and Randy walked 3 times over but managed to keep missing each other.

...watching your husband talk with the boy about running and standing water.

...seeing flowers and discovering deer trails in our walk in the park.
 

...a new promotion and raise.

... Koda's sweater finally done.

...Giddy's new haircut. He looks like a big boy.

...processed asparagus the first time.

...a new to me car.

 

I am sorry that this is very photo heavy. We have had such an emotional,crazy week and I am very grateful to have documented all of it. 

What are you grateful for today?

An autumn poem

Yellow the bracken,

Golden the sheaves.

Rosy the apples,

Crimson the leaves.
Mist on the hillside.
Clouds gray and white.
Autumn, good morning.
Summer, good night.