Brave New Day

After we dropped off Dear Husband at the airport this morning, we set out on a daring, unprecedented adventure. I was more than a little reluctant to embark, as I was dreading another stressful, wretched car trip with the boys -- X-Man to be exact. But I decided to create a habit in practicing the virtue of fortitude and courage. We got in the car, said a rosary and prayed for the best.

We picked up a friend and daughter and headed for the hill country, more than an hour away, where we met other friends. Six moms (half of them pregnant) and 12 kids altogether -- some with one child, one with three and pregnant with a fourth. We created quite a scene everywhere we went, and were met with mostly smiles and good-natured chuckles.

We had a picnic lunch, then went for a tour of a local ice creamery -- with a free cup of ice cream at the finale!

The boys couldn't eat it, of course, but I enjoyed a new flavor: Centennial Cupcake with cake batter base, cake chunks, chocolate frosting whirled throughout and sprinkles. Yum! Boo Boo unknowingly practiced great self-control and denial, and happily ate a fruit slurpie.

Then we set out for a famous Poor Clare convent that raises miniature horses. Yes, you read that right. As you can see, Boo Boo -- and all the other kids -- was thrilled to be on a farm again (a REAL farm that is!).

My love of the country was renewed today, as I inhaled the clean air, smelled the sweet grass and gazed at the rolling hills painted with bluebonnets. And what is more delightful than fuzzy, fat-bellied little horses? They were adorable enough to squeeze!



It was a quiet ride back home. I am ecstatic to report that X-Man was near perfect for the entire trip, except for a small breakdown for a few minutes near the end of the drive. Boo Boo was on his usual good car behavior. It gave me new hope for future travels with the boys ... even the long drive back to Minnesota, if necessary. Thank the Lord for grace-filled days like these, full of friends and lasting memories!