The hammock

Well,My husband returned home from his trip. It was really exciting to see the kids so happy to see him especially when he brought them home gifts for being so good for me while he was gone. Sometimes our house can be so quiet and others just totally unruly. So what is a little bribe sometimes?? He brought them home a couple of videos that they wanted and a gift for me for my birthday. My birthday is not until March but John has no ability in him whatsoever to wait and is just like a kid that spills the beans on every little secret that are supposed to keep. So when he was explaining to the kids who's was who's he told them the BIG present was for mom for her birthday. Then my little one asked me so sweetly...."Mom when I am 72 like you will I get a big present from daddy too?" Nice, real nice. I will be 32...big difference kid.

I now am the proud owner of a hammock. Not just any hammock but a monster of a hammock that the kids demanded he set up in the living room to check and try out. If it safely handles 5 kids it would surely handle me!

Sure enough it was a huge hit for the kids and seems to be very sturdy. Our vacation consists of a rustic campground on a river fishing and swatting mosquitoes for a few days. The kids love it and so do we. Of course, there is always going to be some minor incidents as with any vacation IE: kids falling in, husband getting stuck with catfish barbs and passing out,someone throwing up in the tent, kids catching trees with their fishing poles.....the very tops of trees....but all in all, it is a ball. I am ready, a new hammock,fishing pole and now just need the nice weather!

Here is a picture from our vacation to the river last year before all of the major crisis happened and Boo caught his very first catfish. He was so proud he gave the thumbs up! A couple of years ago he would not have had the patience or ability to catch fish let alone smile and give the camera an opportunity to see him so happy....that is what it is all about. Kids don't remember how much money you spend or the fancy equipment you have, it is the memories of the fun they have and the time they spend with you.