I have been focusing my life around gratitude for about 3-4 years now. And this weekend is no different. Yesterday, the boys mowed the lawn and cleaned up outside while I went through kitchen cabinets and tried to purge so we could fit our instant post in a cupboard and get it off the counter. After grilling steaks on the grill for dinner, we played a family game of kickball. It was so fun to hear the laughing and giggling. There were tears of course – as there always are when big brothers attack the mental acuity of smaller brothers, but overall we had fun. The boys love when Hubby and I smooch or hug while running bases. (LOL!)

Today after church, we went on a 7 mile bike ride together as a family. It was so much fun! Kirby rides on a tag a long or an add-on to hubby’s bike where he is able to pedal and help with the ride. Punky and I are on our own bikes. It’s so much fun to take in the nature around us as well as enjoy each other as we drive through town and ride along the mighty Mississippi River. My boys are infatuated with the river, and I am sure they got that groundedness feeling by water from their Mama. I love being by water. I love watching water. I love the sounds, rhythms, the cadence, the flow – it’s all so relaxing!

We biked over 7 miles and it was so much fun! It was invigorating, relaxing and just so peaceful. Here are a few pics and videos from our ride.

When we came home, Kirby fell asleep on the recliner after complaining of being so cold. He woke up with a 101.3 temp. 😦 I made him some of his favorite homemade chicken noodle soup (THANK GOD FOR THE INSTANT POT!) while the rest of us had grilled chicken legs, sauteed brussel sprouts and a Caesar salad. Dinner was yummy for all of us!

I sure hope his fever breaks overnight. Tomorrow, we are heading to Blue Earth, Minnesota for the annual Schaefer family reunion (My hubby’s grandma was a Schaefer). On Tuesday, he has a field trip to the Crayola Experience at the Mall of America. Sure hope he fights this stuff off!

As I sit here tonight placing my Schwan’s order for Tuesday evening….I keep thinking that there are only 8 more days left of school. Soon, I will be home all summer long with these fabulous boys of mine. My heart is so happy, so full, and so grateful!

Good night! I am so blessed!