Sand

This past week we went camping at Indiana Dunes State Park. The weather was perfect. Cool, breezy and sunny. Nights were pretty cool. This was Baby Bean's first camping expedition on the outside. We went camping while I was pregnant with him. He slept well at night and even took a nap! He loved the sand and was really good on our hike. My blessed husband carried him in the sling. The big kids were amazing. Boundless energy. They scaled the dunes like pros. Husband and I are not exactly in the same shape we were in 10 years ago before children so we took more pauses. The view of the lake was spectacular. We could even see the Chicago skyline clearly. The kids definitely want to go to the beach again. Hopefully, it involves an ocean this next time. :) DH is not a fan of the beach so we will see if that will come to pass. Probably mountains or Nebraska prairie next.
We even got to see Venus in transit between the sun and earth. Something we will never get to see again. DH was able to get a pic on his iphone so I will try to upload that later. So awesome to see God's creation. From a planet to a small lizard it is truly amazing to see how big God is and His creativity knows no bounds.

 The black speck is Venus

 Evening on the dunes

 These flowers were everywhere on the trails

 Ready to head onto the beach from the trail

The water was beautiful. Large ship in the distance.

Survival

This has been a long difficult week. Baby Bean had surgery to repair his cleft palate on Monday. Surgery went well and the surgeon seemed pleased. Hopefully, it will heal well and completely. We go for his post-op in another two weeks. At that time he should be off all restrictions. He has to wear arm splints to keep his hands out of his mouth. He is not happy to put it mildly. He is slowly eating more and drinking is going a little better today. He is currently sleeping. In his own bed. By himself.

Haven't really taken any pictures of the kids this week. I did snap a few quick shots of some plants. Last summer my in-laws bought me some plants for my birthday. We had a drought last summer so I wasn't sure how they would fare. Everything seems to be doing fine. I might have to move a few things that need a bit more sunlight. 

Hydrangea just starting to bloom! Lovely.

Lavender. This one is thriving! The other two need to be moved a bit to get more sunlight.

Oh dear. I have done it again. I like reading other blogs but am awful at updating mine. I think I try to set high expectations when I need to be more reasonable. How about a post every Sunday? I think that might work. No promises. Not even going to try to update everyone on the past months. Two pics and then more on Sunday!

 Easter

My sweet girl turns 7. She wanted banana splits. Yum.