More from Shanda-Land:

I had just a few more pictures from this weekend that I wanted to put here on my blog.  The  first one was one that I took on my walk in the woods in NH.  Do you know that the woods in NH smell vividly of Balsam?  *smells wonderful! *   Rich and I both thought the water looked exceptionally clear and clean.  We sat here for a while watching the water.

Here is a picture of yours truly, feeling very shy.  She is feeling shy because there are about 25 people in this scene that you cannot see, but she can.  Seriously, you know those pull-offs on the sides of roads that are there so people can pull over and enjoy the view?  The scenic pull-offs in NH were very crowded!  Everyone seemed to want to pull over, park their cars, get out with their cameras, and take pictures!  We actually had to circle around while we waited for a parking spot.  Just look at those mountains behind me. . . . the road we traveled went right through them, around them, above them, and beneath them.

Lets face it, one of the most enjoyable parts to my weekend away was being able to relax and read as much as I wanted.  There were several meals in restaurants that Rich and I ate with books in our hands, reading.  Just like you can bond with someone in total silence, you can also bond with someone in silence, while reading. . . . . . . .

My sister, Amanda, with her baby daughter, Naomi.  Amanda and her husband watched the kids for us and I had to get a picture of the girls for Mom.  Isn’t Nae-Nae getting big?  Baby girl, baby girl, baby girl, baby girl.

Today:  Today has been great because Rich was working from home, we had dentist appointments.  Before we went I did some school with the kids and I didn’t know he was paying any attention until he told me in the van that he could tell I liked it and that he thinks I’m going to be great at it.  I’m not saying this because I’m proud of myself, I’m just saying it because I soaked up the encouragement like a dry sponge. 
After our appts, we had a picnic at the park. 
When we got home, the kids had quiet time. 
I spent time in my hammock with a kitten and a book. 
When the kids got up, they immediately ran outside and jumped in the pond to swim.  They are so funny.  Their new thing is using the cheap plastic kiddie pool for a boat.  We asked Jacob if there was water in it and he said, “Just a couple inches!” in a very optimistic tone, while busily using a stick for a paddle.