Sleepin' Under the Stars

We scored Caroline a Barbie sleeping bag for $1 at a yard sale a few weeks back. Ever since, she's been pestering us to "go camping". Last night we decided that sleeping out on the deck would be kindof fun, so we pulled the mattress off of the sleeper sofa for Jake, Clayton & I, and put down a foam pad for Caroline topped with her sleeping bag. We piled on the blankets, sprayed on some bug repellant (THANK YOU Pete & Sarah!), and snuggled together looking at the stars and listening to the wonderful night sounds in the country. Caroline & I decided that the frogs were singing and they were accompanied by the crickets on fiddle. Jake & I were a little concerned by the clouds that seemed to be gathering, but as the night wore on (and I woke up every so often to change position - a given no matter WHERE I sleep at this point!) I noticed that the cloud formations seemed to just float by us and the skies stayed clear. Until 4:15 a.m. Jake and I both woke up to the sound of constant thunder, the flashing of quite a bit of lightening and gloomy skies that had no starry patches. We quickly moved the kiddos to their beds and whisked the bedding inside just in time to feel the first - and last - couple of drops hit the deck. Seriously. That was it. But better dry than soaking wet with two little ones! It was fun to have that little "adventure" with the kids, and I feel so blessed to live in a place with beautiful wide open spaces where we can enjoy the little things in life!

Star gazing.