Hill and Dale

Hope all of you had a great 4th of July...(at least my fellow American friends!)

I just wanted to pop in again to show you a few pictures from our holiday afternoon.

It seemed that when I said we'd be doing virtually nothing before heading out to see fireworks, I was wrong.
I suddenly had the idea to have the girls and I take their daddy to the park where our home school recently picnicked...and go for a nice, long bike ride.
Everyone said OK...Littlest girl said she'd just rather ride in the bike trailer since she hasn't mastered the two-wheeler yet...so hubby graciously packed up everything and we were on our way!

This park happens to be very close to us...play ground, fields, a nice bike trail....and so much beauty!
You know, one of those places that you ask yourself, "Why haven't we been coming here all this time?"

The paved trails actually gave way after a time to dirt trails...and it felt like we were far into the deep, deep woods...
The pathway had it's share of up and down hills, so we got our workout. All except one of our little princesses, tucked daintily into the bike trailer!

There was a quaint little bridge, where we saw up close the works of a beaver family!
While looking on the other side of the bridge, was this serene view, and I almost expected Lewis and Clark to come sauntering over.
(Never mind that this large park is surrounded by residential neighborhoods)

And then, at the top of the hill, back where we started from, we all rested on the grass and looked down on the lush pond of lily pads below us.
Here is our oldest, walking over to just crest the view...it's hard to tell but what looks like a green valley is actually the pond, completely taken over by lily pads.



(Double click to get a better view)

Afterwards, the kids played on the playground while their daddy and I tried to recover relaxed at a table.
And this all brings me to the fact that at the last moment, I opted to stay home from the fireworks this year.
This is SO rare for me...and there were several factors at play here. But the bottom line was that I really needed some alone time to rest that night...

(Well, if your neighborhood is like mine on the 4th of July, rest is not really the right word here.)
But it was kinda' nice and truly what I needed, just the same.

Yet, this was a one time thing. Next year I won't be playing hookie again if I can help it. I found out that my youngest missed me a little too much when she said, through stifled tears, that the fireworks were much better last year...because I was there.

Pang goes my heart.


I'm not only posting two days in row, but it may be three! At least that is my hope....
Marriage Monday is tomorrow! The topic is just on marriage in general this month, so feel free to join in by visiting Chrysalis for the rules and to read all the contributors!

Blessings!