A three year old child is a being who gets almost

as much fun out of a fifty-six dollar set of swings

as it does out of finding a small green worm.

~Bill Vaughan

This weekend I was able to spend some time with my cousins in KCMO. They were up for the weekend from St. Louis. Amber and I took the boys to the park Saturday afternoon and it was a ton of fun and held lots of laughter. The weather was nice and the sun was shining. We walked to the park. Along the way the boys were always watching the ground for some new discoveries. They were particularly fascinated with the dead snake that we found. I thought Amber and I would never get them away from it. I have learned, however, you do not shield a child from those things, but use it as an opportunity to explain things. The snake was lying in the road, so we discussed how the snake probably didn't look both ways for cars and it got hit. A sneaky way to send the important message of watching for cars. (Smile) We spent quite a bit of time at the park. We played basketball, enjoyed the swings, flew down the slides, and hung upside down on the bars. It was fascinating to me, however, to realize that the boys would have had just as much fun without those swings. They love to just walk around and look for new things on the ground, roll in the grass, or explore in the woods. I've been lucky so far to keep that part of my youth, the love for the little things, I think the boys help me to remember how important lil' things are. Amber and I had a great time running around with them, but we soon realized that it takes a lot of energy to keep up with a 6 year old and 3 year old. (Smile) Nothing warms my heart more than to hear them yelling 'Cousin Jenny' and breaking into laughter.

Friday night Amber and I went to Des Moines. She wanted to see where I was from since she had never been there. So, we went up for the night and hung out with my family and went around town looking at various things. I think my favorite part of the trip was our car ride. 3 hours in the car and I don't think we ever stopped belting out our favorite songs (with and without music)---except for one of us came up with a great insight! (Smile) It was loads of fun. Sometimes it is nice to escape with a friend, leave the homework behind, and just drive in the car. I think it just might be a magical prescription for the soul. Today was a busy day. Discovery Day is on Wednesday and there is much to be done---but I am looking forward to the day. It is always intriguing to see the different presentations and what fellow students have devoted so much time and energy to It is a fabulous day of learning---of discovering.

I am happy & tired at the same time after a weekend full of family, miles on the road, lots of singing, and a heap of presentation preparing. I am currently fighting a humdinger of a cold and praying it will pass before I have to speak in front of people on Discovery Day. If not---it could be quite entertaining to hear me speak. I hope the week treats all of you well!!! ENJOY the sunshine.

Picture: Me & Andrew (my 3 year old Godson/Cousin) doing some gymnasitcs on the bar at the park! How I love that lil' guy. His brother Kevan is on the bar next to us, he doesn't need help on the bar anymore!