My Mother's Day

Mother's Day is obviously an important occasion.  I cannot, nor will I ever discount the fact that it should always be celebrated!  However, what I do enjoy is being flexible with said celebration.  Each year has proven to bring on new outings for us; be it Disneyland, a nice restaurant for lunch, The Getty, a bike ride in the Netherlands, or a quiet family day at home...it has never disappointed me, and I manage to end "my special day" feeling loved, cherished and taken care of.  Sappy and sweet, I know, but I only speak the truth.

This year, after a wonderful morning at church, we set off for a drive up the mountains to Lake Arrowhead (which is in the range just behind our house).  We have only heard wonderful things, but had yet to make it up there.  The weather was gorgeous, the drive stunning, and the time meandering through the adorable town and seeing the lake was picture perfect.  For all of my Oregonian readers, Lake Arrowhead reminded me a lot of Lake Oswego in nature, particularly because it is all private access only.  In other words, we only were able to enjoy the lake with our eyes. ;)

The two that made me a mama!

Just up behind our house!!  

These three....they drive me crazy and I'm crazy about each of them!!

There are also touches of Leavenworth, WA to the architecture -- that's for all of my Washingtonian readers! ;)

Checking out the lake...with our eyes! 

We had some fun at the park - thank goodness that wasn't restricted access!

We wandered through the shops and finally found a place for an afternoon ice cream treat.  This was wildly successful and the highlight for our kids.  Is anyone surprised?

She asked me to snap a picture of her in these cool shades, so that "I would remember them and come back to buy them for her birthday."  I guess she forgot, because I never went back. ;)

My goofy trio!

Being a mom is tough, fun, rewarding, exhausting and often, a thank-less job.  But I wouldn't desire my life to be any different, because the calling I have to be "Mom" for Maddie and Geoffrey will forever be the biggest gift and responsibility I will have.  And I cherish this!!