Warm weather does something to people. I finally saw an elderly neighbor after about 4 months of hibernation during a long winter in Nebraska.

I have been red meat-free for about 2 weeks now. In the beginning, I just wanted to see if I could do it. I was inspired by a friend who is a pescatarian (real word), meaning she eats fish and no meat. It has been a lot easier than I thought; I don't drool uncontrollably when we pass a Wendy's or attack Dave when he makes Sloppy Jacks (in our house). We'll see where it goes.

Avery is walking, climbing up and down stairs, trying to maneuver all obstacles on his own. I just want to know when he got so big and why no one told me about it.

We set up the camper we bought over the winter and have been working on it a little bit here and there this week. It's for sure a starter-very simple and basic. But as I think about where we can go and how we can leave the t.v., Ipods, and noise behind, I think that the ultimate quiet won't come unless we leave the kids, too. Since that's not an option, I remember that vacations are not just about me anymore, but about reconnecting and remembering how much of a blessing the noise makers are.