Labor Day Get-Away

this weekend was near perfection-->not because everything ran perfectly but because I experienced perfect moments and memories, and I felt recharged. After two of the busiest weeks of my life..."Mr. Garrett" (as my students called him) stopped in after my last period of the day, picked me up, and we headed for Eden. The last few days were filled with family, nature, sunshine, and no plans! 

Spending time with these people ^^ is always one of our favorite things to do. 

I was also able to do something (that I LOVE) and haven't been able to do for awhile...take pictures. 

(we all had fun with the camera.) The weekend through my lens:

 

We went on many gorgeous hikes and spent countless hours at the lake. My mom raised us to love nature; it is where we thrive. 

(You can see where I get my love of photography from. ^^)

And when we weren't outside, we were playing card games, laughing uncontrollably, and bonding late into the evenings (in my Grandparents' magnificent Eden home). 

The boys enjoyed some mid-morning mountain biking!

and shooting... 

I feel at peace. I feel recharged. I feel oh, so happy. 

I feel ready to conquer the week, knowing hard things are doable when surrounded by people I love more than life itself. 

Tomorrow morning my family is moving from our home. Change is all we have known the past month. Along with change has come uncertainty, stress, and so much work. As we pulled away from our house the last time today, I could not help but think...it is the people that makes a home, a home. We have been through it all together and we will continue climbing to greater heights...together. 

***

“Everyone wants to live on top of the mountain, but all the happiness and growth occurs while you're climbing it.” ― A. Rooney