Views

Here are a few of the images I captured while we were in New Jersey a while back. It was a great trip! It is just such a different place there, and I kind of miss it. Many great friendships were built during our time there. It's always nice to have a chance to go back and visit.

On my flight into Newark, there was a lady behind me. As we were pulling in she mentioned that she could already "smell the smog". I laughed out loud! You couldn't smell anything. But seeing images like this one, which is actually steam, I see why she thought she did. :)

This is the tree at the entrance to the Grand Central Market. It's hung upside-down and has a bunch of crystals hanging off it. Jake and I had never been. It was a pretty neat little gourmet market. 

I had forgotten how tall everything is in The City. 

Jake and I even had a little time to head down to the Shore This is where the boardwalk was before Storm sandy came through. Our friends have a home three houses up from the beach, and actually had no damage to their house. They were counting there blessings!

It was a great chance to see some different views. 

Tired

Tired. That's what I've been a lot lately; really tired. It seems like these last several months have just flown by in a whirlwind. I'm sure at some point I'll catch you up on all the goings on at the Hamilton House. But for now. I'll just say that we've all been doing a lot of growing.
I'm really excited today. I'm headed back to the northeast where jake and I used to live. He's been there this week on business so in headed there today so that we can spend some time together and visit some of our old friends.
I know that there are people that can not leave their children. I've caught some flack about that in the past. You know, spending time, in days, away from my kiddos. But honest I think it's good for all of us. Cady and Wyatt LOVE spending time at their grandparents. With one set they feed the cows and horses, collect eggs, and ride the 4 wheeler. With the other set they read LOTS of books, "swim" in the hot tub, do crafts and soak up some cartoons. Then there's the Aunt's and Uncle's where Chocolate is always available for breakfast, it's okay to watch Sponge Bob (just don't tell your mom), and it's okay to skip your bath. My kids have a blast every time they get to go. Plus, I believe that God gives us children to share. My kids bring so much joy to my life and I feel like it wouldn't be right not to share that.
This time is good for Jake and I, and our marriage. I believe to my core that it is SO important for a husband and wife I take time together. Our marriage is the first line of God's love that we show to the world. I like that Jake and I still like each other. We laugh together and enjoy spending time with each other. I don't want that I change. Someday, when our children are grown it will just be the 2 of us again. I'd like for that to never be a terrifying thought.
Selfishly, this time is also good for me. Especially after the last few weeks. Jake has been working a lot of nights and now traveling for business. It has been a lot of time trying to find things to do to stay out of his way and not much help with the kids. Our schedules were changing all the time with Jake's schedule and we were all having a hard time adjusting to the crazyness. Today is the first day I've had all by myself in... Forever. I'm honestly kind of giddy about it. I have my phone, a book and a lot of waiting to do as I make my way east.