Refreshing Backpacking

Melody, Peyton, Janelle, Laura and I went on a wonderful backpacking overnight last month. It was even more refreshing than I had hoped; which is saying a lot, since I had been looking forward to this getaway my whole pregnancy!
It was physically refreshing for me. Since we were on the clearly-marked, well-maintained, sunny-day, limited-elevation-change, dry-feet, shorter-mileage, Appalachian Trail, this hike was significantly different (read: easier) than the backpacking overnight that Melody, Laura and I went on last summer. What a relief, since I had to unbuckle my hip strap (riding below "El Skippito") so that I could take full strides up hills. My pregnant hips were sore for a couple of days, but it felt really good to rise to a physical challenge in my third trimester.
It was environmentally refreshing for me. The leaves had not yet arrived on the trees at that elevation, thereby offering great views of the valley. In this picture, Laura is probably singing the praises of coconut oil!
It was refreshing for my perspective. We took in great views from Blackrock Summit, where, it turns out, I hiked with Micah and Paul last summer.
It was refreshing to be able to feel free and uninhibited by my three sons (even though I love them a ton). Since we're all wearing blue, you might not be able to pick me out of the crowd except for my unique "beer belly" look.

It was humorously refreshing for me. I think we brought some nice comic relief to the through-hikers, too; for instance, I don't think they had ever seen such a big tent on the trail!

It was spiritually refreshing for me. We had such sweet times of worship, fellowship, accountability, and encouragement. Praise God, creator of spectacular mountains and spectacular women!

Above all else, it was relationally refreshing for me. Having two days of uninterrupted conversation with women whom I love so much was a dream come true!

Steps to Easter

Considering the young age of our sons, this Easter we opted for 9 Steps leading up to Easter rather than the 14 (albeit powerful) stations of the cross:

Step 1: Despite the wind, have an Easter egg hunt at Blue Heron farm with Charlie.

Step 1, part b: Fall for Joey's "Hey Paul, look over there at the horses"

then join the pose for the J.C. Penny catalogue.

Step 2: Observe how sweet it is to see a 2.5 and a 1.5 year old sharing! Christ must be alive!

Step 3: Make sure that the dads have more fun flying the kite than the kids.

Step 4: Celebrate Charlie's 4th birthday with Cajun food, cake,
and Legos.

Step 5: Hop on the birthday bandwagon and celebrate Ben Miller's 3rd birthday. Yes, Paul is in the car, too!

See?

Step 6: Melt your mom's heart by playing sweetly with your brother, even though, I must say it is the norm for these two.In the midst of celebrating Easter this year, I forgot to take our third-annual-Tongen-boys-with-tulips picture, but I love this photo!

Step 7: Rejoice in new life with the Lookabills (here, Jude is practicing making room in a stroller for his baby sister, Naomi) and the Chases (seeing our sons' awe upon visiting newborn Hudson Paul in the hospital was awe-inspiring!) Celebrating these two births with baby showers was joyous!

Step 8: When your little brother Paul falls face first down the front porch steps, fall head first off the church playground. Never mind -- just color Easter eggs instead.

Step 9: Celebrate Easter with Jack at Grandma Jo's.

Step 9, part b: Provide mom with another glimpse of the beauty of sharing with a younger cousin. Again, I say, Christ must be alive!

Step 9, part c: Listen and watch attentively as the science teacher "Auntrea" mixes Easter egg dye.

Step 9, part d: Have another Easter egg hunt, including Resurrection eggs that tell the story of Easter for all ages to understand at different levels.

Preschool Friends

Ellie (jumping) had her 5th birthday party at an inflatable, indoor party place and Micah's preschool friends (plus some siblings, like Paul in stripes) had a great time!
Doesn't it already look like a junior high dance, with Micah and Owen nervously watching the girls dance?

Weeeeeeeee!