our big boys.

ossi and finn are on a mission.

they plan to find and raise baby crows to be their trusty companions.

lots of evenings they "suit up" in their adventuring attire, complete with all the essential gear.

they borrow dad's binoculars to share, they strap on a satchel of supplies, and they're off to... wherever the crows are.

one day they left their satchels on the coffee table and i couldn't help taking a peak at the gear they take along on their quests.

ossi's satchel included a hunting knife, first aid kit, and a bag of coins.

finn's satchel included a box of "wizard tricks," a bouncy ball(he told me later it was for protection), and the book of mormon.

liam went bird hunting once or twice. he didn't bring any supplies except his mad-tree-climbing-skills.

liam's feet are bigger than mine, now.

 we went on a date the other morning (i don't think he'd left the neighborhood in a month) to vacuum the car out and hit the drive-thru for some apple pie.

i miss our many drives together. with his late ballet classes i could always count on a dark drive and a quiet conversation with this shy boy. i miss asking him prying questions and hoping he'll actually answer me since siblings are safe at home.

he's thirteen, wow.

maybe it's a good time to share our family theme.

we wrote it last year, i think, and it's been hanging in our home since then.

here it is...

• Our family chose to come to earth because we are adventurous and obedient.
• We came to work hard and find the lessons in life’s challenges.
• We are learning to be like Heavenly Father; creative, caring, and wise.
  
• We believe in learning and gaining skills that will bless us now and in the future. We dance, we read, we tinker, we garden, and we attend the temple.
• We practice nurturing skills in this life by caring for and loving each other, our animals (both real and stuffed), and babies.
• We choose to follow the prophet, pay tithes and offerings, and keep the word of wisdom. We want healthy bodies and spirits and are willing to pay the price.
• We ask questions and search for answers by study and through prayer.
• We each have gained a testimony of the Book of Mormon and we know that it testifies of Christ.
• We’ve made mistakes, we are making mistakes, and we will continue to make mistakes so we embrace repentance and forgiveness through Christ as a way of life.
• Rileys express gratitude by celebrating life’s bounty. We look for the good in the world and find music, magic, gifts, good food, friends, and blessed sugar.