At Last

  It was humid and 83* with the pool water almost as high as the air outside.  We decided it was time for our first swim of the season.  Israel has been ready for months now, and we were so excited to see River's initial response to this new sensorial experience.

  Israel's relationship with water was somewhat complicated.  He loved it as long as I had a kung fu grip on him and the water level didn't raise above his chubby little knees.  We were expecting the same kind of response with River.  After the sunscreen was globbed all over their delicate skin, Israel jumped in, and I slowly acquainted River into the pool.  He honestly didn't even seem to notice the difference in his environment.  He was elated as usual, grabbing at every toy and noodle that floated his way.  He splashed, tried to escape from my grasp, and dipped his little face in the water over and over again.  His nose would have tiny drips on it, and he would just smile like he was the coolest cat in town.

  The next test was putting him in his little floaty.  Sure it was easy to be content while snuggled in mama's arms, but what about a more detached approach..?  We stuck him in and he was happy as could be.  Israel swam up beside him and spun him in circles while River squealed with delight!  He was a born water baby!  He definitely has his home in the Sustar family for that one; no trepidation, just at peace like a little fish.

  As Justin held him, he kicked his legs wildly, and his arms were going like he already knew how to doggy paddle.  He liked being free from our bodies and loved to splash splash splash.  Of course he didn't like being splashed, but with all of his cousins in the pool too, that was unavoidable. 

  We spotted a birds nest, which usually can be found every year near my in laws deck.  Mama wizened up this year though as we found her nest a little further away.  There were three tiny babies who made their appearance as we all reveled at how stinkin adorable they truly were.

  While River took a nap in the cool of the shade with his sun hat protecting his baby skin, we had fun swimming with Israel as we all got a little too crispy in the five hours we were enjoying the water.  It felt good to be tired from all of the exercise.  We packed up our cooler and headed for home where we cleaned up and snuggled as close as we could in the living room and watched a movie with our tanned skin and fatigue.

Inhale...Exhale

  Driving with the windows down, Wilco on the ipod, warm fresh air breaking away any of life's harshness as our hair whipped in the wind on the narrow road that envelops you with life on the path to Mohican.  It was one of those moments in life where you felt as if you were watching yourself from a safe distance with a really amazing soundtrack playing softly in the background.

  We parked at the Covered Bridge, put River in the backpack, strapped on our camel pack and headed into the beauty.  Unsure of how River (now 7 1/2 months old) would handle the long day ahead, we relished every moment we could in case the day ended sooner than planned. 

  We started by skipping stones in the water (that wasn't as high as we had anticipated due to all of the rain), forged ahead while River giggled into the air and ate the silicone hose of the camel pack.  Soothing to his gums, he became an excellent multi-tasker; pulling our hair while handlessly sucking on the spout.  We climbed, swatted bugs, sat in a shady spot just to take it all in, and reveled in all of the blessings we have in one another.

  At the end of the trail Israel and Justin scaled a pretty cool rocky hill and then proceeded to climb the steep steps to the top where it overlooked the dam.  River and I stayed behind of course because of how slick it was and for him to have his afternoon meal.  He fell asleep in my arms as the cool breeze from the water kissed our skin.  Israel ran and rolled down the hill, laughing and screaming as little boys should. 

  When again we met at the bottom of the muddy hill, comparing bites from some anonymously strange creatures that Israel dubbed 'vampire bugs' due to the blood trails on our skin.  We headed back for a picnic lunch and a swing on the swing set.  We ate, washed our dirty feet in the water, and then climbed behind the public outhouses so Israel could once again pee in the woods, which by the way he claims is one of his favorite things to do outside.

Back in the car, we headed to the fire tower where Israel challenged Justin to climb all 80 feet, yet while he himself chickened out.  He laughed from the bottom, and taunted Justin the entire way.  After that feat was accomplished we headed to the Gorge Overlook where little boys need a careful eye and a little fear.  We soaked it all in and then headed home, tired, appreciative, and more in love with the God who made this wonderful world and of course, with each other. 

caught watering the foliage...haha

evidence of the 'vampire bugs'