Scavenger Hunt Lesson

This morning the kids and I had planned to go for a walk, so I decided to make a picture scavenger hunt to keep them interested (and to ward of complaining - not that my kids ever do that). ☺

It was fun to look for all the items on the list and discuss variations of the pictures. With Nate I especially worked on his colors. Our conversation went something like this:

Me: "What color is that sign?"
Nate: "Red!"
Me: "What color is the tree?"
Nate: "Green!"
Me: "What color is that dog?"
Nate: "Salt!"
Me: "What color is Emma's shirt?"
Nate: "Dark!"

I love seeing things through my kids eyes. I can be so "in the box" at times that I appreciate the lessons my children teach me. Today I am thankful for big lessons from little people.

Colorado Biking Theology

If you live in Colorado, I find that it is essential to have a well-thought out biking theology. The reason? Elevation!

Not long ago a friend of mine in Oklahoma posted her running log, which included a commentary on great dislike for the "hills" she had to run. The small print noted there was a total change in elevation of 30 feet. It still makes me giggle. I think there's a 30 foot elevation change from one end of my driveway to the other. Well, maybe I indulge the truth...but not by much.

Elevation in Colorado is serious business. All of my bike rides include an elevation change of no less than 1,000 feet. I can't even run around my neighborhood without descending or ascending several hundred feet in either direction.

So biking theology = good idea! Mine is very simple. Go uphill first. This makes perfect sense to me. If you bike uphill first, enduring all the strain and tough work of long hills, you will be rewarded at the end of your ride with a fun, easy, downhill coast. There are several cliches that come to mind that fit this theology. "Work hard. Play later." * "No pain. No Gain." * "The difference between try and triumph is a little umph."

The interesting thing is that about 95% of the bikers I pass on the trails do not share this biking theology. That is — they go downhill first, then uphill. It makes for an interesting ride. As I dig deep and pedal uphill, hoards of bikers fly past me — going downhill — all smiling and greeting me with a cheery "Good morning!" I huff out a "Hi" or "Morning" trying not to expend too much precious energy. I rarely smile.

(Side note: I would think it would only take one bike ride with the incorrect theology to realize a change was needed, but this does not seem to be the case because I continue to be the odd biker on the trail...going the "wrong" direction first.)

Oh, but the tables do turn; and I am the better for it. As I come flying downhill, I pass all those cheerful bikers but there is a vast difference in their countenance. They no longer shout cheerful greetings; they rarely smile or even look up. I, on the other hand, become Pollyanna on the trail and share joy and happiness wherever I pedal — downhill!

PS. My daughter and I tested my theology this morning when we rode our bikes to her piano lesson. It was a quick 15 minute downhill ride to get there. We were smiles and giggles the whole way. The ride back was a very steep (probably the steepest in town) long uphill...and it was hot! It took us 45 minutes. We were grumbles and sweat the whole way. That's not a ride we'll be doing again — at least not any time soon.

What's not to love about Wednesday?

This morning I woke up and went for a mile run around the neighborhood. As I neared the top of the first hill, I was taken with the view - city in one direction and mountains in the other. I stopped, thinking to myself, "I never want to be so hurried that I don't have time to stop and be thankful." So I stood and praised God for all the blessings in my life as I took in the beautiful scenery.

That was followed by breakfast on the deck (one of my favorite things about summer) and more time with God. I love to start my mornings listening to the birds and the breeze through the trees. It makes me feel like I am worshipping God with all of creation.

The kids and I had plans to go to the pool, but they begged me to let them play in the childcare area first. Really!?! OK...so I dropped them off and rode the stationary bike while I read a fantastic book by Elisabeth Elliott. An hour of uninterrupted reading. That just doesn't happen to me very often.

So I thanked the kids by swimming with them all afternoon. We snacked on lots of fresh fruit and veggies and swam till we were too tired to go on. Our time in the sun was followed by a nap for all! I relished laying on the bed listening to the afternoon rain and feeling the cool breeze blow in the windows. And the thought occurred to me (as it often does), "I am so blessed."

Blessed. Not because I don't have troubles or trials or failures or broken dreams. Blessed. Because I have a Heavenly Father who gives me days like today - days of reprieve. My daily bread. His portion for me.

That's My Boy!

It's official! Nate is now a water skier! We went to the lake this week for the first time this summer, and Nate was more than ready to try out his ski. At two and a half years old he already looks like a pro! Way to go buddy!!!

Emma started skiing at the same age, and she started on combos last summer behind the boat. This is one water ski crazy family!!!

Water fight!!!

We had some friends over for Sunday brunch, and the girls decided to play in the water because it was so hot.

They started out on the slip-n-slide.


Then progressed to a water balloon fight...with the adults helping out.




Then a full out attack on our neighbor returning from his morning run!



This picture is so funny because the girls were trying to sneak up on our neighbor who was sitting on his front porch, but he was on to them. You can see him sneaking up on them on the other side of the car.

Annual Wright Family Picnic

Every year the Wrights have a famliy picnic at the Pueblo City Park. The best part is the rides we get to go on...for a quarter! The whole family takes a train ride together then the kids scatter to ride their favorite rides.











Nate is on this roller coaster with his Aunt Judi. She is holding his head to keep him from getting whiplash. He LOVED it!

Summer. Oh how I love thee. Let me count the ways!

1. Waterskiing!


2. Lunches in the kids' fort.
3. Dinners on the deck.
4. Going to the zoo.



5. Painting my toenails.
6. Going to the pool!


7. Riding bikes.
8. Going for hikes.
9. Driving with the windows down.
10. Afternoon rain showers.
11. Reading in the hammock.
12. Annual family picnic at the park.



13. Fresh fruit.
14. No schedules.
15. Watermelon!
16. Homemade ice cream.
17. Chillin' on the lake.



18. Picking berries at Great Grandma Gladys's house.




19. Play dates at the park.
20. Barefeet.
21. Flipflops.
22. Shorts.
23. Tank tops.
24. No make up!
25. Lazy days.
26. Fun-packed weekends.
27. Open windows.
28. Cool mornings
29. Warm evenings.
30. Corn on the cob.
31. Colorado PEACHES!
32. Camping trips.


33. Afternoon naps.


34. Playing in the irrigation ditch at Great Grandma Gladys's house.




35. Flowers in bloom.
36. Deer in velvet.


37. Lemonade.
38. Popcicles.
39. Lawn games.
40. No school.
41. Hot sunny days.
42. Swimsuits.
43. The smell of sunscreen (Alba is the best!)
44. Family birthday celebrations.
45. BBQs with friends.
46. Fishing.
47. Sunglasses.
48. Roadtrips.
49. Weddings.
50. Sidewalk chalk.

So tell me, what are your favorite things about summer?!