Following An Urge

 Have you ever had a nagging urge to do something a wee bit crazy?

 My dear friend Kate lives about three hours away.  Typically she comes here to visit as her house hasn't been the most practical for small people.  But as her birthday is coming up I felt a deep desire to surprise her with a visit.  I had lost her phone number(this happens when I scribble things on scrap pieces of paper as is my wont) so had to resort to a rather vague listing in the yellow pages.  Bravely I dialed the number after assuring myself the world would not end if I got the wrong person.  (Have I mentioned that I have issues?)  Thankfully Kate's mother answered right away and was delighted with my idea.

 The plan was to leave bright and early this morning. But you know the old saying about the best laid plans...Instead I woke up around the time I had wanted to leave, tired and grumpy.  It was an uphill battle to get everyone and all their stuff into the van.  Then off we headed for a long and beautiful drive.  My children kept complaining, somewhat uncharacteristically for them, that they were bored.  Tiredness does not extend my patience, so instead I gained invaluable practice in restraint, although I made crazy eyes a number of times.  Eventually, we arrived at our destination.

 Kate was out at the lake when we arrived.  She was thrilled to see us, especially Aris as they missed each other on her last visit.  After lunch we climbed rocks, went canoeing, ate chocolate mint(the plant), made tissue paper flowers, went swimming(children only), had snack on the deck(my children loved it so I made sure to get the recipe), and hiked to Kate's fort where we enjoyed second snack.  We also stayed for dinner.  It was a lovely day for all of us.  My kids were thrilled to see where Kate lives and I was so blessed to spend time with her.  We have been missing each other a lot since our road trip in July.

 After dinner we headed home with an abundance of produce.  Shortly after turning onto the main road, we spotted a bevy of wild turkeys on the road.  Steve crept up slowly, attempting not to scare them.  I was more excited than the kids. :)  We didn't see much in the way of wildlife, certainly no deer, bear or moose, but we did see a gorgeous sunset.  Kian fell asleep in the car and then we were home after a wonderful day away.