Beaches and Castles

 On this particular day, we had a lazy morning and lunch outside with the sweet Robinson girls.

 Despite the overcast skies, we headed to the beach to walk on the sand, listen to the waves and collect treasures.

 love this kid.

 pretty girl....she loves treasure hunting.

 handsome men.

 treasure hunters

 Jesse. My Jesse. The baby that was a major surprise, who we thought might be a girl, but instead we found out it was this mighty warrior leader Jesse. Jesse who is small in stature, but mighty in spirit. Jesse who is a not afraid of anything...except maybe bees... Jesse who's spirit is strong. I pray for you Jesse that God will capture your heart, that you will be pulled toward his heart and not toward evil. I see you looking at those waves and daring them to come get you. You don't heed my warnings about wet shoes and cold feet. You stand there so sure that you are stronger than those waves. 

 If not stronger, at least faster.

 Jesse. You have no worries or cares. You face the world with fearless determination. I love that about you. There will be big waves in your life little man, but I know that you will swim strong. I trust that you won't go out swimming when the waves are too big for you or you have been told not to go. Listen to your Father. I know he will call you into some big waves, so I won't hold you back. I won't be scared for you or worry needlessly for you. I will pray for you.

 I know those wild things call to you, but listen for the still small voice too. It is only that Voice that will lead you in the greatest adventures and keep you from the snares. Remember you are a leader. You will lead many, don't lead them into turbulent waters.

 Sweet Annie who is unafraid of getting her hands dirty. In fact, you love a little dirt under your finger nails, you love the wind to snarl up your hair and your pants to be a little muddy.  You see beauty in the little things. You create beauty. You bring laughter and joy wherever you go. You search out treasure and you see the one speck of color in a dull gray rock that everyone else would pass by. 

You are a priceless treasure that will love many people throughout your life. You will find the hidden and lost and hurting hearts. You will see the one speck of color and polish it well. You will bring out the beauty in others.

 Oh Toby. I thought I wouldn't have enough love for another child and what would I do with a boy. Then I met you. Everyone who meets you sees something special. No one can quite put their finger on it. I think its your eyes. Your special eyes. To the doctors they see amblyopia and strabismus. But there is something deeper. You see into hearts. You have supernatural vision. When you look at others, they feel loved and known by you.

 You know something deeply about me. I see it in your look. You love me for who I am. Your heart hurts when my heart hurts. You look for ways to make me feel loved. I promise to share you one day and to help you grow independently. I will not hoard all the love and vision you have to give.

 You are a servant leader. Unafraid to be on your knees to work hard and to help others.

 You are the first to share your treasures.

 Jesse, Annie, Miah, Kinley and Toby....all waiting for the wave. Bold and strong.

 Jesse and Miah wait it out until the last second...the others run to safety.

 After the beach, we headed to Obidos, a castle from the 14th century....I think. It was old at any rate. Amazing tile. 

 I could live here.

 We walked the castle walls.

 looking out the archer hole.

 It decided to start raining on us.

 So we ran....

straight back to the car...a little drenched and cold...but ready for hot chocolate!