Family Day

We've been attending a 5 PM Saturday evening service at our church, here in Falls Church.  Last weekend, we decided to make Sunday (April 3rd), a family day.  After being very busy and having visitors, it is always good to have a day for just the three of us.  My brother and his fiance, Sarah, gave us a Virginia State Parks pass for Christmas (what an amazing, creative gift, huh?) and we had yet to use it.  We decided to explore Shenandoah River State Park, which is just over an hour drive, west of where we live.  We enjoyed a lunch at Five Guys Burgers on our way to the park and we hiked there for several hours.  It was a beautiful, partly cloudy spring day.  It was our first major hiking trip with Hosea.  He spent most of our first hike (Wildcat Ledge - a difficult, steep .4 mile round trip trail to a park overlook) sleeping, but woke up to enjoy our second hike along the river (River Trail - an easy 4 mile round trip trail).  We stopped about half way through our second hike to enjoy a snack along the river.  Hosea loved playing in the grass and looking at the river.
Today, April 11th, is Hosea's 9 month birthday.  I am still amazed that Jed and I have a son at all, let alone a 9 month old one.  God is so good to us.  One of my favorite things about spending time with Jed is how easy it is just to "be" in his presence.  We don't have to talk much, however, we do love to process and reflect on life with one another.  Jed is my best friend.  Spending time together on a day like this one, reminds me how blessed I am to walk life with a godly husband. Having a strong foundation in our walks with the Lord and in our marriage is crucial, even more now that we have a son.  On our hike, we stopped and read A Guide to Prayer for Ministers and Other Servants.  It has been an amazing guide for us to get into the Scriptures, individually and with one another.  The devotional has an invocation, one specific Psalm to be read repeatedly throughout the week, daily scripture readings, a selection of readings for reflection, a time for prayer: for the church, for others, and for myself, time for reflection: written and silent, a hymn, and a benediction.  We highly recommend it as a devotional.  The Sunday of our hike was the 4th Sunday in Lent and the weekly psalm was Psalm 143.  I was struck by verse 10, which says, "Teach me to do your will, for you are my God.  May your gracious Spirit lead me forward on firm footing."  God, that is the desire of Jed and my heart...we want to do Your will.  Graciously lead us forward (as Your sons and daughters, as husband and wife, and as parents) on firm footing. 

Lunch at Five Guys.  Good pre-hiking food - yummy!

Beginning of our first hike - Wildcat Ledge Trail.  Hosea was already asleep on daddy.

View from the top of Wildcat Ledge Trail - so beautiful!

Jed, Hosea, and dogs at the top.

Reading Psalm 143 in a beautiful spot



LOVE! - Smoky kisses are an important part of family day



Sweet baby still asleep on daddy as we begin hike #2 - River Trail

Pit stop for a snack and a family photo

Mama & baby...Hosea is the best!

Hosea exploring the grass

Cheesy family photo by the river

On our way back to the car - Hosea was fully awake for this portion of the hike and he was loving it!

Leaving Shenandoah River State Park.  What a great day!