This morning the six of us set out on a bike tour of the tulip fields in Skagit valley. It was a rainy day, so we had to bundle up in ski clothes. But it was an adventure on the bikes. And the tulips and tulip fields were magnificent. We also passed by raspberry and blueberry fields, daffodil fields, and rustic barns. It was a memorable experience on a cloudy day filled with color and light.
Sometimes we get it together enough on a Saturday to all go bike to a park and enjoy some time together. Well, we got everyone out of bed somehow and biked to a park nearby. Beautiful sunshine, but quite chilly out there. 
Brandon, Camille, Maren, and Robin enjoyed swinging and jumping and laughing while Erik and I threw footballs, volleyballs, and frisbees to them.
We went on a run around the park in honor of our friend’s 4.3 mile fun run that we didn’t make it to this morning. We tried out an Indian run, with the person in the back of the line running up to the front, and then the next person running to the front, and on and on. One lap was enough. Probably a good third of a mile. Some of us wanted to look up at the trees and contemplate, others walk alone and think.
Erik played frisbee with the kids. Robin climbed on the spider web.
Joy in the sunshine and trees. Probably the most meaningful part for me was coming back to the house and having a great heart to heart with Nicole. I am glad we have stayed close through all the teenage years, and we can talk about the real things she is thinking about and dealing with as she finishes up high school this year. Love these kids. Good to get out in the sunshine on a cold morning.