A hearty holiday greeting from my Sonflower Sisters group.

Chuck’s grandfather passed along his Lionel trains to Chuck’s dad, who passed them along to Chuck. He hasn’t done much with them since his father’s death, nearly 5 years ago. But this Christmas he’s beginning to pass on his love for trains to his own children.

Brad was so excited, he asked Chuck to wake him up every morning before he leaves for work so they can run them together.

Chuck’s been collecting train sets since we’ve been married. He has a set for each child. I pray one day they sit around their tree with their own children, showing them how their daddy taught them to run the trains.

It was 70 degrees on Sunday! After a yummy post-church lunch at Italian Sensations, we ventured over to Bel Air Family Golf. What a great place.

We strolled our way through the miniature golf course,

and hit a bucket of balls on the range afterward.

What a fantastic day! I loved hearing the kids hit the sweet spot. And they were so proud of themselves. Now they want golf lessons. Anyone know of any good ones in Harford County?

Poor little Junior Sparks had been struggling to breathe all day. I assured them it would be just fine to put him right into fresh new tap water. I’d done it my whole life. He’d be just fine and he’d be able to breathe.

The next morning, Brooke told me Junior Sparks was sleeping. Oh no. To tell the truth or a story that would buy me time to get a replacement? It didn’t matter what I said–the look on my face was honest. No poker face here.

An apology and acknowledgement that yes, there just might be a pink fish out there somewhere, was enough to quell the tears. Now I know.  No fresh tap water for Junior Sparks Junior.

Hubby makes sure he includes the children in home projects. Sure, it would be much easier and quicker to do it himself, but he wants the children to learn for their future benefit. He learned how to fix many things from my own father. He’s grateful for that, but I think he wishes he’d learned from his own father.

He even finds jobs for the littlest ones. I wish you could see the smile on her face.

I like to take the children on “dates” to local theater productions. Breanna is finally old enough to get in on the fun. This night we went to see Harold and the Purple Crayon. She loved it! I loved sharing it with her.

Years ago, before we even had children, a friend convinced us letting a child ride on a mower was akin to murder. We were frightened into banning all grass-cutting activity until our children hit 18.

But I’d grown up on our family’s tractor. I have plenty of fun, and quirky memories from my time on our tractor. Like the time I got the snow plow on the front of it caught in the neighbor’s fence when I was only eight years old. Driving it myself.

So this year we finally broke that stronghold of fear and invited our children to ride on our mower. The smiles on their faces tell the story of growing up enjoying all things in life. The joy of independence. Of trying new things and growing in confidence.

Fear keeps us from so many of life’s challenges. I hope my children grow bold and brave, and say we helped them to become courageous.

A few weeks ago, we had the Sons of Thunder father-son discipleship group and their families over for some good, clean fun.

It was full of targets and shooting,

serious propulsion,

and cyclonic fun!

Funny enough, the families all had Sonflower Sisters in them, too. Here are two original sisters, and dear friends, Phyliss and Juniper.

What a FUN day!

Sweet Brooke emailed Dad to ask if he’d like to go to dinner. Then, she emailed him to tell him what to wear.

[grin]

He did look handsome, though he didn’t take her wardrobe advice.

Daddy taught her to cross her silverware on her plate to signal she was finished eating. She loved it so much, she decided to do it with everything. Silly girl!

What fun memories she’s making with her daddy.

This summer Saturdays belong to our family

and our family alone.

On this particular Saturday,

we drummed up

a friendly game of baseball.

[Did you check out our hokey version of home plate?]

We spent fun,

goofy time together, making memories.

I hope our children never forget these carefree summer days. I sure won’t.