It Feels Good to Be Home . . .

There really is something special about coming home. After twelve days of traveling through California and Oregon—seeing towering redwoods, rugged coastlines, waterfalls, mountains, and so many beautiful places—it feels especially good to be back on our Indiana farm. As much as I love traveling and exploring new places with our family, there is a peace and familiarity here that I always miss when we are away.

This afternoon, Shawn and I took a bike ride around the farm, enjoying the quiet field, and the simple beauty of home. It felt so good to be outside together with nowhere we needed to be and no itinerary to follow. Meanwhile, Logan, Landon + Malia spent the afternoon swimming in the pool, soaking up one last little piece of summer.

And just like that, another season is changing. Mikayla and Mason packed up their things and headed back to Purdue, which always makes the house feel a little different. Watching your kids grow up and head off on their own is such a mixture of excitement, and a little ache in a mama's heart. The house gets quieter, routines begin to shift, and you realize once again just how quickly these years are passing.

Tomorrow, school begins for the kids, and our slower summer days officially give way to schedules, lessons, and the familiar rhythm of a new school year. Summer somehow seemed to fly by, filled with family adventures, miles traveled, photographs taken, laughter, and memories I hope we never forget.

Tonight, though, I am simply grateful. Grateful for the adventures we were able to experience together, grateful for our children and the different seasons they are each stepping into, and especially grateful for this little piece of Indiana we get to call home.

The adventures are wonderful—but coming home is pretty wonderful, too.

https://youtu.be/9__ZuMOlFGc