Summer Nights

This summer has simply been a breath of fresh air - both figuratively and literally.  How grateful I am to have been able to get away with my precious family!  And oh, have we needed to get-away.  I mean really, we have needed to get out of town, ya'll.  Bless it.  God is GOOD.

We spent last weekend deep in the mountains of Arkansas, surrounded by God's raw creation.  It was absolutely gorgeous and we happily took in every little thing, including the humid, heavy air that filled our lungs each and every day we were there.  It was a "McLaughlin Get-Away", so we met up with Mike's side of the family for a few days of adventure and relaxation.  We laughed SO hard and ate incredibly well (especially for breakfast with Uncle Drew's famous french toast and Uncle Greg's impeccable, gluten-free pancakes); my kids didn't know what to do with all of that yummy breakfast food so readily accessible to them each morning!

There were hours and hours spent canoeing the Buffalo River as an entire family of nineteen - eight miles of that river, I might add, and we are all quite proud of that accomplishment.  We only overturned two canoes during the trip, one of which held me, Mike and Henry.  It was insatiably fun and exciting and the water there was cold, crisp and clear.  Henry collected many rocks for his collection, and both boys enjoyed fishing with their cousins, along with spending time in a paddle boat, and hiking the areas around our cabin.  Tiny frogs, tiny fish, and even a horny toad or two, were all caught by the kids . . . it was paradise!

"Rosie", the handicap-accessible van, did well as as she drove up the hills of Arkansas.  She may have spit and sputtered, but she made it and got us safely to our destinations.  I just cannot tell you what a blessing it is to have such a vehicle that can safely transport our family - most importantly, transport Lucy (in her wheelchair, mind you).  We are still praying for wisdom as Rosie is starting to wear out a bit, but we have no doubt that God will show us exactly what to do.

Family is important.  PEOPLE are important.  Sacrificing to be with people that you love is an important thing to do.  What can you do to love on your extended family in a more tangible way?  You don't have to go on vacation together to show and share love - you can do those things in so many other ways, and it's important to do so.  It's also important to teach our children to value their family, whether they live close or far away.  Go out and love your family recklessly today, and may the Lord show you fun and precious ways to express that love that you have!

I hope you enjoy some photos of our family, and extended family, from our time away together.