Ha Ha Tonka

The family and I spent Saturday at Ha Ha Tonka State Park (just south of Lake of the Ozarks). It was 65 degrees out, a bit cloudy, but still wonderful. I was so glad to be outside, walking in the forest, getting exercise, and watching Holton soak it all up. He was great in his backpack -- didn't mind it one bit -- so Chris and I took turns shouldering our precious load. Below is Holt in his first sandbox, check out his expression:

Balancing Rock:

Having lunch at the castle ruins:

Check out these actions shot of Fin. Have you ever seen a dog get so dirty?

The old castle:

We had a VERY lowkey Saturday night. I watched the most hilarious movie I've seen in a long time and I recommend it for hearty laughs: You Don't Mess With the Zohan. It's an Adam Sandler movie, but not a dumb one. You should totally rent this.

And here's a quote I ran across the other day that I'd like to pass on:

"Strange is our situation here upon Earth. Each of us comes for a short visit, not knowing why, yet sometimes seeming to a divine purpose. From the standpoint of daily life, however, there is one thing we do know: That we are here for the sake of others...for the countless unknown souls with whose fate we are connected by a bond of sympathy. Many times a day, I realize how much my outer and inner life is built upon the labors of other people, both living and dead, and how earnestly I must exert myself in order to give in return as much as I have received. "

--Albert Einstein

And finally, in that spirit, I'd like to thank my husband for getting up at 6:15 this morning with our wonderful son (hence letting me stay in bed) when he would not go back to sleep, even after multiple hugs, ssshhh's, a diaper change, and just ignoring him wouldn't work.....and then letting me take off for 2 hours this morning for a fabulously restorative yoga class. Thank you, Chris!