Fishing in Bolivia

Yep. You read that right. Robby went fishing in Bolivia. Here are a few of his (amazing) pictures.

The pictures of natives intrigued the kids and I, so we are working on a report (in magazine form) about them. They are the Tsimane people. The Tsimane still live a hunterer-gatherer life and are relatively secluded from all others. Their language (also called Tsimane) is exclusive to them. They live off fish and monkeys, for the most part, and they live in straw huts. Fascinating. Robby said they seem like happy people.

You know what? Robby would be appalled that I included so few pictures of his fish. He had an amazing time. Many thanks to his friend, Buzz, for taking him on this adventure! I'll add one more fish, so I don't get busted.  :) This was caught on one of the THREE HUNDRED flies he tied before he left...

The Boys' Second Annual Backpacking Trip

This summer (which is insanely almost over!!!), the boys (excluding Y) went on their yearly backpacking/fishing trip. It looks like a lot of fun, doesn't it? On the way home, Robby called, and when I asked how it went, he said, "Ohhhh. It couldn't have been a more perfect trip."

I'm glad they had such a fun bonding experience.

Next up, I get to bond with Robby. He's planning to take me on a backpacking/fishing trip sometime soon. I'm excited (and a little nervous....) He says I have to leave my books at home because we are going to be doing some serious fly fishing.

I'm pretty sure I'll be able to sneak one in, though.

I'll let you know how it goes.

Escaping Out of Doors

God writes the gospel not in the Bible alone, but on trees and flowers and clouds and stars. ~Martin Luther

I am told that when I was just old enough to talk, I would climb up to the windowsill and beg to go, "ow-side. ow-side." I have watched my babies beg for the same. Y-Y loves to be out. Daily, I pace the front yard trying to keep him contented. When I turn toward the front door, he tenses up and fusses until I turn away again.

Where does this longing originate?

When my sister was only a toddler, she saw a picture of a beautiful meadow with deer and sky as far as you could see. Barely able to speak, she said, "That's where Jesus lives."

Could it be that babies remember Heaven a bit more than we do? That they long to be in a place that reminds them of the peace they came from?

As an adult, isn't it still easier to feel closer to our Maker while appreciating the beauties of nature?

What a pleasure it is to watch my own little ones as they explore "ow-side" and glimpse the Heaven from whence they came.

Our Latest Outdoor Adventure

Fall is the most beautiful time of year here. I am so glad we have lots of time to enjoy it together.

On our latest adventure, I hooked a fish on a fly rod. My Bebe honestly said that he felt a new level of love for me at that moment. Wow. He's a bit obsessed. (If you or a loved one happens to share his fly fishing obsession, check out his new blog.)

I look a little loopy here...



Since we forgot to bring a blanket, the kids made their own.




Yes. This is actually me. The girly-girl of the world. Trudging (and almost falling) through a river.

See you soon!

PS. These pictures were taken like 3 minutes from our house. Heavenly, huh?

An Evening by the River

Thanks to our good friends, The Hausers, we enjoyed a quiet evening at the river...chatting, roasting marshmallows, enjoying the summer night, and fishing, always fishing.

Don't you wish you could follow this little path to the water? It looks like such a treasure, doesn't it? What dreams couldn't come true, right here in this quiet little spot?