Living the Unexpected Life

The men in the family spent an entire day learning water sports.  I was unable to go!  Huge bummer.  From the different stories they each told, this experience is something they will never forget. The boys had never wake boarded or water skied before.  In fact, the instructor asked if the kids did any type of boarding sports.  Jason told him they bike and swim only!  I guess that is partly my fault because I value their brains and don't want them to get knocked around or have them break bones.  It may not be logical but I stand by my decision. :) The following pics and videos are evidence of the amazing experience my sons had with their Dad.  I am happy they had a bonding experience- I think they will talk about it forever! EVAN DAVID JASON

The human spirit needs places where nature has not been rearranged by the hand of man. Today I traveled to Entiat to learn more about natural forest fires , shrubs , and macro invertebrates .   I spent a good 4 hours with   Stream Ecologist, Dr. Mark Oswood and Fisheries Biologist, Phil Archibald (really loved this guy-he hummed all the time!) I am so grateful that they have spent the core of their lives preserving and studying nature.  What an experience to listen to them speak passionately about God's creations.   To top it all off, I spotted an elk in the distance!  Watching it run was the most beautiful thing I have seen in a while.  I also almost held  a snake and I waded in a stream with a net to catch the smallest invertebrates I didn't even know existed. Here are my best pics for the day.  Enjoy! As I was taking this picture my family was boating just down the river Morning Cloak perched on evidence left...

Yesterday, I went on a field trip with my naturalist class up to the White River area.  Besides not being able to talk the entire day due to laryngitis, I had an amazing experience.  They say a picture speaks a thousand words...take a look at these photos! Hummingbird Nest- a first for me! Lake Wenatchee Tree Roots from a fallen giant Lots of buds and WIND!  So cold. Lichen and algae on tree bark These were popping up everywhere- can't remember the name! Napeequa River Here I saw an American Dipper.  He flew away before I snapped the shot! Taken from Tall Timbre Ranch-Chiwawa Ridge The Creator knew what he was doing. Every time I go outside I am reminded that he does exist.  And, he does love each of us individually!

This Easter, like many others, I will be thinking of all the loved ones I have lost and loved.  I often think of these people as I am going about my day wondering if I am living my life to the fullest.   I wonder if I am taking full advantage of all that I have been given.  Most days I can say, "YES!" and other days I realize that I am taking a lot for granted.  It is quite an experience to ponder your life consistently and make small commitments to work harder and grow.  I have enjoyed that process the most in this life. I am not afraid to try new things.  I am not afraid to admit that I need to change.  I am not afraid of death.  All because of Him.

According to David I take way to many pictures.  So many in fact that I do not live in the moment and someday I may regret that.  I don't know where Dave hears this stuff but he really wanted me to put the camera down.  Below is the last shot of the day. Dave lecturing his Mother on why living in the moment is better than taking pics. I asked Evan to kiss the pig.  He was a little too scared to get any closer and it took me 5 shots to get a good one.  I think that pig wanted that popcorn which smelled a whole lot better than she did! Miss Priscilla thinks Evan is pretty cute. Watching the boys play tether ball was hilarious since Evan is half the size of Dave.  They giggled like a bunch of girls and I loved taking shot after shot.  I could have watched them all day! I   The boys are not getting smaller that is for sure.  This pic illustrates quite well what I deal with on a daily basis. ...