Not knowing the plan, and kind of loving it

Adam and I were talking. Both the kids were asleep, and we found ourselves delving into a deep conversation which does NOT happen nearly as often as it should! It's mostly my fault.  I'm usually too tired and head to bed shortly after the kids do, or am too wrapped up into household chores (which feel like critical issues at the time).  But last night we talked for hours.  It was refreshing, and reassuring.  Realizing it's been almost 6 years of marriage, taking stock of all that has happened, and realizing just how much we are still on the same page.  Reminiscing about the first time we met, and suddenly it DID seem like it was 6 years ago!


We talked about our pride and amazement for our son Jack.  How we dreamed about having a son, and then Jack Wilder came along. He exceeded, no, he blew our dreams out of the water.  We can not believe who he is, what he can do, and how big his heart is.  Could God have made a more beautiful, loving, intelligent, and talented little boy? We think not.  We realized that whenever we talk about our son, our hearts overwhelm us with pride and we can't help but  brag about his astonishing abilities.  And now he is getting older. 4 years old already.  Yesterday Jack and I went to the grocery store by ourselves, and he asked to be carried into the store.  I carried him with joy and pride with his arms wrapped around my neck.  In the back of my mind I thought "I bet people are looking at us thinking- 'why is that woman carrying that big boy?' "  And my heart felt a crack.  But I carried him on because I could.  I love that Jack loves to be held, cuddled and carried.  I hate that those days are numbered.

Then Adam and I both broke into ridiculously huge grins. Our NonaJane. I can't mention her name to another person without breaking into this stupid grin.  NonaJane fills my life with laughter. She likes to enter with the element of shock and surprise. Her natural sense of adventure is overwhelming, and I KNOW that our future with NonaJane will be full of endless blog posts. A future of the unexpected, the type of memories that make life beautiful. She keeps us on our toes, and forcefully pulls me out of my comfort zone.  She is SMART. She is DETERMINED. Her personality is all consuming.  I don't know what to expect with NonaJane, I can't see what her future holds, because I already know that she will not let us mold her or determine which path she will take.  I think I had just better grab hold of her reigns and hold on tight.  It's going to be  a wild ride. One I would like to direct and control... but yea right, I can't even keep her off the kitchen table.

I do know the future with Jack and NonaJane will bring amazing moments and beautiful adventures, but I can't help but realize my babies are slipping away. Thus I wonder... will there, could there, should there, be one more baby in store for our family?

Adam Paul, I'm so glad we are in this adventure together.  I'm so glad you are my leading man. I don't know what our next chapter will be, BUT, I'm finally at a point in my life where I am beginning to appreciate the unknown.  I am content to take a step into tomorrow not knowing the title, not knowing the exact plan.  Let's not always take the straight and wide path. Thank you for helping me to be adventurous, thank you for filling my life with LOVE.

Camping!!!

Mema and Papa!

Last weekend we went on our first camping trip with BOTH sets of grandparents! My Mom and Dad recently purchased their first camper, and we were all very excited to have them join us.  We reserved three pull thru sites all side by side. One for our pop up, one for Adam's parents, and the third for my Mom and Dad.  We all  met in Independence Kansas where Ryan was going to run a 50k trail race.  Yes, that is 31 miles over cliffs, rocks, mud, trees etc.  I know, I think he has been hanging out with the wrong crowd. But what can you do?

Breakfast of champions!

Looking for Ryan

Saturday while Ryan was out running (for 11 hours) the rest of us spent the day at our campsite, ate some food, went on walks, played at the playground, and then headed up to the finish line to greet Ryan as he finished.  I had never been to a race before, and was surprised by how exciting it was to cheer on the runners as they came in! It was unbelievable to think about the accomplishment they had all achieved. Just amazing to think that anyone would be so determined as to run for hours, in the rain... for  really no reason at all!! They did get a medal of some sort... but I'm pretty sure you can get medals for much easier tasks! haha!  Anyways, we all anxiously waited and anticipated his arrival.  I think he calculated how to get the most excitement out of the race by waiting till the absolute LAST minute to make his arrival! They had to finish in under 11 hours to be considered a 'finisher' and Ryan came in at 10 hours, 59 minutes and 41 seconds!!! We were all yelling "RUN!!!"" and cheering and ringing those silly cowbells.  We weren't sure if he was going to punch us, or if he loved us :)

Finisher!!

Jack and Grandpa

Saturday night we invited Ryan to forgo his tent and share Jack's bed in the camper.  He seemed happy to avoid sleeping on the ground, but didn't get much sleep anyways.  I think his body was in a little bit of shock.  He shivered and said he was freezing despite the space heater, 3 blankets, a hoodie sweatshirt and jeans.

NonaJane helping Ryan tear down the tent

On Sunday, we headed over to the city park, which turned out to be AWESOME. They had a free zoo, train rides, and an old carousel for 5 cents a person!  The zoo was impressive! We saw monkeys, a bear, macaws, giant tortoises, and more. We even got to play putt putt (Jacks FAVORITE pastime) and it was only a $1 a person.  Seriously, Independence Kansas knows how to provide a GREAT park!
We are all excited to go back to Independence Kansas for another camping trip.  It is pretty equal driving distance for us all, so a nice place to meet. Ryan says he is going to run the trail run again next year.. so we will be there with our bells on (cow bells that is).

NonaJane in her rain/mud boots. Does it get any cuter? I think not

Gathering at the finish line. Keeper joined us too :)

Grandma and Grandpa's set up

Our fancy camper. Mema had a great shot of our camper looking nice and 'white trashy' in the morning after an animal tore into our garbage. It was spread all around the camper. Nice.. real nice

Mema and Papa's set up