I'm thankful for days like this.

It seems like such a little thing, taking a "feewid twip," as Gabe says, to the Castleton mall (field trip). I sat in on Matt putting Gabe to bed tonight and he recalled every little thing we did this afternoon and spilled every little detail to Daddy.

I have been so focused on moving and packing the last few months, that I'm trying to be more intentional about spending quality time with the kids. With all of the uncertainty and disorderliness of the house, my

nerves have been a little more sensitive than usual. I also needed a "feewid twip."

The main reason that I chose the mall for our outing this afternoon was because it was inside. We've been outside so much in the past few weeks, SWEATING, that I really wanted to do something indoors. And, I knew that after spending $50 on a pair of shoes for Adrianna, Matt would be glad that we went on an inexpensive outing!

Gabe was the leader this afternoon. Whatever he wanted to do, we did. We enjoyed things such as playing at the playground, trying lots of samples in the food court, browsing stores like Build A Bear, the toy store and Dick's, riding the car and space ship, dropping many coins in the spiral fundraiser thing, and having a cookie. I'll admit, I had a great time. And Adrianna...well, she wasn't complaining, either!

After we tucked Gabe in walked out of the room, I said a prayer of thanks. I'm thankful for days like this when Gabe and Nate can't stop talking about all the fun things that happened. I hope that I don't forget, in the future, that just a little

trip to the mall can make my kid's day. I hope that I don't forget that just a little trip to the mall can make my day, too!

Adrianna with her new shoes. She doesn't like to stand up in them and when she walks, she marches. They'll take some getting used to, I guess!

Gabe and Adrianna riding in the car.