Last hikes and aprons

Yesterday was Summer.

But today, Fall has begun.

Yesterday we took one last big family hike. Four miles round trip to Stewart Falls. They were lovely. Have you ever hiked four miles with a three year old? She did great, and fell fast asleep the minute we got home. Once again, we did hard things. This wasn't our most difficult hike this summer, but it was our longest.

And so, after a fun un-birthday dinner for our "Christmas" baby, Simon, at Pirate Island, we had our "Back to School Blessings." They were much needed, as my fourth grader was near to tears just THINKING about homework.

After their father and grandfather blessings, we talked about all their fears of school, and what they are looking forward to. Seems like math and recess are big topics, respectively. We talked about doing Hard Things, again. That this year, we can press forward, doing hard things. Just like on our many summer hikes, we can't give up. Just like Nephi, we can't give up. Where would we be today if he had given up? What might you be missing out on in life, if you give up?

We can do hard things!

And as Samuel knelt in prayer, ready for bed after a very tiring day, he cried. He cried and cried, asking his Heavenly Father to help him "find his Celestial plan that you have for me." He asked that he could be a good learner and that Heavenly Father could please help him with his homework. That it wouldn't be so hard and that he could get it done.

Yes. I cried.

I know that the Lord can answer these little prayers. I know that He hears each of our littleheart aches, no matter how big they seem to us. And to my little nine year old, they seem very big.

Simon couldn't wait for school to start. Of course, he's the kid that is always asking for more. What a gift. But he's also the child who nearly didn't make it on our last big hike for fear of the edge. He had to focus and be brave. He had to have faith that he wouldn't fall. He did a hard thing. And in the end, had a great time and got all wet in one of the Lord's beautiful, ice cold, creations.

And would you believe the real, true reason to the end of summer. (get ready to wipe a tear...) My sandals broke. (WAAAHHHH) Really. If you've seen me at all in the last year or so, I've most likely been wearing my orange Keen sandals. I LOVE THEM!!! Oh, rest their souls, today they died. One last trip to Costco, and upon arrival home, their strap broke and they died. It really must be the end of summer.

What could possibly make me feel better?

Just looking at this cute apron I made. I just love it. It's actually a gift for Katherine, shh. Don't tell. She's not a big reader of my blog, so she most likely won't see. But you can. Isn't it cute? I mean really. I love the fabric and think it's too dang cute! I spent a lovely gift card from my friend Aimee, and a full punch card all on this fabic. I had to do something with it. I think a fun apron will make me feel better. How 'bout you?