Here is a story of our day at Lake Natoma a couple of weekends ago. We finally had a free day, so we decided to explore a new lake with the kids. A friend from work told me about Lake Natoma near Folsom, so we packed a lunch, swimsuits, a blanket and the kids. What a perfect day for the lake. It wasn't as hot as we would have liked it to be, but it was sunny enough for shades. Casey really thinks he's hot stuff wearing his, and Madison is terrified of getting wrinkles around her eyes because of my answer in the car about why we wear sunglasses.
So we get there and are pleasantly surprised that parking is free and beach access is free. Great for our budget! We find a picnic table in the shade once we realize that the blanket is not going to work since there is loads of goose poo everywhere. We happily eat as we look at our surroundings seeing that there is only a small amount of people there. For a weekend, this was awesome! Finally, Madison insisted that we take her to the water...
She found a rock, which she calls her "island" and forces Tim and I to stand on it for what seemed like an hour. As I am watching Tim and the kids play in the water (you will notice that I did not go in....nor am I in a picture because it is was like Tahoe water and you will never see me in a picture in a swimsuit at this point in my life yet) I glance over right next to us at 2 young families right next to us. They seemed like they were close close friends, both had kids the same age...a boy and a girl...maybe they have been friends since college. Of course the mommies are in impeccable shape, all the while they are nursing their newly born infants, while their husbands were out in a canoe with the boys. Since Tim and I have been married, we have always had a knack for reading each other's mind or just thinking about the same thing. Sure enough, he was gawking at the families next to us as well...
We finished our time in the water and decided that it would be a good idea to burn some calories walking on a trail around the lake. As we were walking, we spilled our guts to each other about what was on our mind. Yep! You guessed it! He was thinking the same thing as me....why does their families have to look and act so perfect!?!?!?!? Everyone is in perfect shape...their kids are peacefully digging in the sand....the babies are napping on the towels....while the blonde mommies sit and veg and chat about who knows what....the dads are daring each other to jump in the freezing cold water. Our family however, during this time....well....Madison was screaming at us to get on her "island", Casey was mad that he had to sit in the stroller...but then decided he didn't like the cold water, Tim and I are of couse are not in shape at all, there is no time to talk, no time to sit as our kids prevent us from doing so....and I could go on! Once we spilled our guts to each other....we felt better and then God reminded us through these pictures that our family really is the perfect family....for us anyway. We may not be in shape yet....but we keep telling ourselves that once our kids are older, we won't be so homebound and can be more active. Our kids are uniquie, full of energy and smart. Their challenging personalities will be great for leadership someday I imagine. They are not content with the average, boring....unactive life. They want adventure and unpredictability and we are along for the ride!
Enjoy the unpredictability of life! It is where the best memories are created! Signing off....
