Picnic On The Parkway

Where I live in Virginia is all of about a couple miles off of the Blue Ridge Parkway. So today, at the suggestion of my three year old, we decided to picnic at the Blue Ridge Parkway Visitor Center.

As my mother always does when she visits, she kindly brought up the warm, Arkansas weather with her. We've been in scarves, puffy jackets, and mittens, and BeeGee shows up, and suddenly the toddler is running around shirtless in his Batman cape. (Thanks, BeeGee. Would you stay for all of January and February, please?)

Little Brother crawled around, exploring rocks, leaves, grass, and trees. :)

These pictures hardly do justice to the wonder that is autumn in Virginia. Whatever lofty expectations I had have been far surpassed by the unimaginable colors, and the light, feathery look of the foliage that covers every inch of the mountains. It's breathtaking.

When my mom comes to visit, it is so special. We treasure every moment, and we have such fun!

When the toddler came up with the suggestion for a picnic, he asked, "BeeGee, can we go on a picnic, please?" Of course, my mother responded with, "What is BeeGee's favorite word to say to you?"

"YES!"

I hope I can be as wonderful as she is.

It was a splendid picnic. And mainly, we enjoyed watching the boys--chasing after Big Brother, wrestling, exploring rocks, catching (and trying to eat) leaves and grasshoppers, and searching for bears to kill. With skinned knees, strawberry blonde hair, freckles, big smiles, they're all boy. I know I've never done anything for one instant in my life to deserve these two blessings. My boys. I thank God for them every day.