Picture 2 - Rachel doesn't like her little bike with the training wheels because she "can't go as fast as Daddy," so here is the latest addition to the Berry-family-outing arsenal. She actually has learned great balance on this "trail-a-bike" because although she can't fully crash, she has to lean and correct to stay upright. Jared is just fine in the wagon (where Rachel got bored). The only thing we have to watch is that he likes to take his seatbelt off and stand up with the wind blowing wildly in his face - much like a chariot racer! When we ride as a family Darren and I each trail a child behind us, but this is our mid-week configuration for around the neighborhood and short errand runs.Story 1 - We had a great weekend (this last one). On Saturday we spent the day a few hours south in Fairview (where the Berrys purchased some investment land) with about 1/2 of the immediate Berrys that live in UT. It was a gorgeous day and so fun to be out in the wide open spaces. The kids chased and caught butterflies & grasshoppers, followed animal tracks, went on walks, shoo-ed away pests, flew airplanes, and tried to use the bushes when nature called. It was so funny, in many ways we are still New Yorkers, as Mike kindly pointed out when he noticed that we had a pop-up toilet seat in the back of the truck, but it DID come in handy with the little ones: ) We chatted for hours and hiked the terrain, built a fire pit and had lots of good food to eat. Sarah pulled out her guitar and strummed while we watched the sun set over Mt. Nebo, and the kids sang a few songs. It was truly "being at one with nature" and we loved it.
Story 2 -I woke up the next morning to the bounces of Rachel and Jared and found that they (and Darren) had brought me breakfast in bed at 7:30am! It was the works too with eggs, sausage, oj, toast, yogurt w/ strawberries, and a protein drink. Rachel pronouced that "Today is Mother's Day so since you always do everything for us, we are going to do everything for you. So eat your breakfast, then after that I am going to give you a bath and help you get dressed!" Was a nice offer, but I passed: ) Darren then hurriedly took the kids out of the room so that I could actually have one meal to eat in peace. The first minute or two was divine, but do you want to know the rub? As the clock ticked on I started missing everybody so decided to go downstairs! Crazy, I know. We have morning church so had to rush around to get ready. During sacrament meeting I look over at Darren who is looking kind of pale and light-headed. He leans over and said, "I don't think I had breakfast." Can you believe that? What a guy. We had a great rest of the day doing the bare minimum, and it was kind of nice to not care about the unmade beds or toys strewn far and wide. I just didn't care because of all the hugs and loves from the day. So mucho gracias to Darren, Rachel, and Jared for their kindness and thoughtfulness.
So cheers to all the great people in our lives!
