Today was our first full day back into the swing of things. Lizzie and Ruthie had their first violin lesson since March when darling Clara was born. She's such a cutie! I can't believe I didn't get any pictures of her smiling because that's what we remember...her beautiful smiles! She sure looks like her Daddy. We had so much fun holding her during lessons.

Ruthie was so excited to get back into violin. She loves violin and Mrs. Adina.

Lizzie is a busy gal...she's currently taking piano, violin, voice and guitar lessons! Our goal for music lessons is to equip our children to become good church musicians. We've taught them the difference between right and wrong music...and they have become very discerning. While it is a lot of time away from home, we feel it is time well spent.

I downloaded a bunch of pictures from my family's camping trip this past weekend. The drive is beautiful through the rural landscape.

This is Low Water Bridge Campground in the Shenandoah Valley. My hubby and four children met our friends, Chris and Ellen, from GA, to kayak down the river. The water was in the low 70s which my children said was perfect. Even though the area is in a drought, the water was still deep enough...in the low normal range.

This is the famous mailbox across from the campground.

The cabin in the background is where Ellen and Chris stayed. My family took tents. The firewood was free, gleaned from the woods.

Inside the tent that later leaked...so they went inside the cabin with Ellen and Chris. Thanks so much for your graciousness, E&C! Lizzie woke Ellen up by falling out of bed, but she didn't get hurt.

Maggie organized all the food and meals. Here they are eating grilled pita pizzas with goat cheese. Looks like they also have salad.

Allen took this picture of the early morning mist on the river. Beautiful!

For breakfast they cooked hash browns and sausage patties...and eggs for the egg people. The healthy Mom's breakfast!

Allen in the kayak.

Lizzie in her kayak.

I'm trying to choose pictures that will give you a feel for the absolute beauty of the place.

Bad picture but good s'mores. Maggie was able to find a dark chocolate with no dairy. Yummy!

Group photo.

So calm and serene. The river is shallow with the occasional rocks. Very little rapids.

Here are some rocks. Single file everyone!

There's always lots of wildlife...eagles, racoons, snakes, turtles, etc.

Another group photo.

Always lots of cows. Lots of farms.

A corn snake. Last time we went, Anna almost stepped on a copperhead!

This swing looks inviting.

And last but not least, a crawfish. My family had a wonderful time. I think autumn is the best time for this trip.

Today we had 2 violin lessons, 4 piano lessons, 2 voice lessons, 6 loads of laundry, and lots of camping gear to put away. Sarah made shish kabobs for dinner, a family favorite. Everyone is tired and ready to get to bed early. Very unusual but very welcome.

Many blessings ~ Kathie