every time they smile i see their heart pull back together
daring to be alive fully 
defying death, deafening sadness, leaving emptiness alone
crossing day through darkened nights
a braver little soul 
walking, smiling through the cold



every time they smile my heart defies too
i find my way again
their little hearts are invincible as they rise
in the wake my heart is lifted and reawakened
to a new dawn, 
to a new day, 
to a new strength, 
to a new life
in so many little ways these are the hearts that rescued me


every time they smile i am reminded that courage is a choice, not of strength but of presence
of heart and mind, 
of faith and trust, 
of love and life
as a child, their smiles haunt fear and pain hunting in their hearts
they quickly forget and more quickly trust
they know God and he knows them
 

A few days ago, we left for our official family vacation.  It was a small vacation, but seemingly appropriate as it was the first by ourselves, without Marianne.  In the past year, we have (re)learned how to do lots of things.  Lots of small adjustments were necessary.  The girls love to be outdoors.  They love nature and exploring new things.  Their hearts are full of adventure.  I could not be happier about that!  And so, we booked a cabin for a few nights to escape the busyness of life, mostly my busyness, and be together.  

We hiked and explored until we were completely worn out.  Then we retreated to our cabin, cooked meals together, talked about nothing and laughed about everything.  We ate way too much junk food, slept as much as we could and ignored the world around us.  It was just us and the moment we were in...together.  Our hearts rejuvenated and filled.  And to top it off, the weather was amazing.  Only about 20 degrees cooler than Texas!!!

I took them on a 2 mile hike in the mountains and they got to explore in a huge cave.  Lots of sweat and smiles and good memories...together.  I really like being in this element with them.  So many teaching moments present themselves naturally in nature.  Needless to say, we won't soon forget our first small vacation together.  Here are a few more pictures capturing just a bit of the trip...