spending lots of time out-of-door these days. sometimes we stumble out in desperation (anything to keep these boys busy), but mostly because it's so beautiful. i try to read on the steps as i hold calvin and keep an eye on ransom, but i find myself jumping up every few sentences to rescue ransom from cracked head on a jutting rock or steering him away from old farm equipment, etc, in the yard.

but ransom loves it-- his whole being smiles when he's outside.  watching his wonder at creation delights our hearts and makes us catch our breath and wonder, too.

 josh and ransom go outside each night to look at the moon and stars before bed.  but tonight it was warm and, just as it was growing dark, we all went out.  ransom exclaimed excitedly, "tarr!" when he saw the first star peeping in the sky.  star.  one of his very first words.