A Change of Plans

Mother's Day started out normal, with Ben waking me up for my Mother's Day surprise. This time I came down stairs with printed out pictures of scorpions, spiders and such all over the floor. It was supposed to be my Mother's Day Scavenger Adventure! The first thing I was lead to was the picture of the kids on our computer screen, to remind me of what it's all about. I was then lead outdoors to the tire swing, where I dug up a sweet letter from Ben. Finally, I was directed to my gift in the BBQ; a much needed new pair of running shoes! Then the kids got busy making me breakfast.

We had a kink in our day, as Sophia was coughing like crazy and there was no way I could take her to church. I couldn't' imagine staying home and being without the older ones, but I also couldn't imagine being away from her. I told Ben I didn't want my family to be divided for Mother's Day and that I would rather we all stayed home and the kids could all sing to me here. Well, that wasn't exciting enough to celebrate my special day, so we decided on a picnic. Of course, a picnic in 90 degree weather is no picnic, so I suggested we take a drive up North and enjoy a picnic there. Montezuma's Well came to my mind. We had gone there for a family picnic when Ethan was only a month old, and I remember it being very secluded and quiet. I knew that was the place for us. On the way up I was trying not to feel guilty for skipping church as the kids were asking why we were buying gas on Sunday! I tried to talk to them about the ox in the mire! I am always quite hard on myself when I miss. I hardly missed even when I had babies! I do admit that this ended up being the BEST Mother's Day for me EVER! I had such a great time with the kids.

When we first got there we started on lunch, and Sophia was not in the mood to eat. Ben told me she felt hot, and when I felt her she was burning up. Ben went to get some Tylenol while the kids and I played some crochet.

We never seem to have time for things like that these days. We had such a great time! When Ben got back he laid down on a blanket with Sophia, while the kids and I went exploring.

They have all these mini-canals that are meant to irrigate the park. They have valves that you can open and close. The kids and I had fun opening them and following where the water went. One of the canals went quite a long way, so we ended up turning around. When we got back I laid down with Sophia while Ben played another game of crochet with the kids. After that game the kids had fun climbing this tree!

We ended up spending about 3 hours in the park. It was so fun and relaxing, and Sophia even enjoyed herself napping, and watching the squirrel's and cardinal's in the trees.

After our time at the park, we headed over to the Well. It's small lake where Indian's used to live. A lot of their houses are still there. They are built in the side of the hill.

The kids had fun checking that out, along with other beautiful things on the trail. After walking those trails, we headed home.

Such strong boys holding up this rock! LOL

How do u think this cactus started growing here?

We got back around 6, and watched Funniest Home Video's before we put the kids to bed.

Usually on Mother's Day I feel frazzled trying to get kids ready for church, etc. Then when I get home Ben always watches the kids while I nap, or do something for myself. This year I spent Mother's Day like it's meant to be spent....enjoying my kids and being Mom!