The Secret Garden...

A few months back we found the perfect spot on our property, during one of our long walks, for a "Secret Garden". (That's one of our favorite movies, can you tell?) It really is perfect. It has this amazing "swinging tree" that is all crooked (this was the first selling point when choosing our own Secret Garden ya know). The clearing is set in the bend of the trail that runs alongside the creek, and the beavers have built a dam there for the perfect little swimming hole. Just beyond the swimming hole is a small waterfall, it's just enough to make the most beautiful background noise while we are there. It's close to home but not too close, I'd say a few acres away from the house. It's very private and closed off except for our little beaten path where we walk. Like I said...it's perfect....

I wanted to share some pictures and a video of our last night down at the Secret Garden. The kids were in the mood for smores so Daddy loaded up the tractor and we headed down there just before dark. On the way there I could barely hear them singing in the wagon over the noise of the tractor. I knew right off what my little angels were singing! It's the same song that Molly has requests in church every chance she gets...the song they all sing proudly every single Sunday... I'll Fly Away. Yes that old Hymn. Do you know how my heart leaps when I hear those tiny voices sing that old song? It almost always makes me tear up. When we got to the Secret Garden I hopped down from the tractor and caught this tiny clip of them singing. I wish it were more but it still gets me!

(This is a video, click the play symbol to watch)

They all had their little jobs, Tim took the bag of food, Maddie had the jug of milk, and Molly had the towel to sit on. Oh we had so much fun! They played on their swings while I took pictures and Daddy built the fire. Tim found a big spider and stomped it (Just like a boy, huh?) and tons of tiny spiders ran out! Molly had me digging trash out of the creek (we don't like trash in our Secret Garden don't ya know). And My sweet little Madeline went to rest in the wagon because she was getting sleepy. Then we all gathered around the fire and ate smores til we thought we would pop.

I know I say this all the time, but I'm going to miss this. Childhood is fleeting, everyday with them seems to pass so quickly..... Not all days are this lovely but I'm trying so hard lately to really stop and appreciate it while I have it still. There really is no greater joy than sweet moments like this with my precious family.