Scavenger hunt fun

Last year was hard. That is an understatement. Last year was painfully hard; physically, emotionally and financially. It was a humbling year as well. We made it through with God's grace (of course). Our perspective on a lot of things changed and will forever be changed. Okay, enough with the sob story. I'm just setting things up so you understand where I am going with this. Christmas was lean in 2008 for our kids. They didn't mind. They have a wonderful extended family who took a lot of the pressure off for us.

Unfortunately, because of 2008 there will be no traveling vacations for us this year or next probably. So, we wanted to do something special for our family. We found it fitting to do it on Valentine's.

The scavenger hunt begins:

The kids found cards with a note attached to the door telling them the hunt was on.

Evan, having a hard time waking up early on a Saturday.This was so much fun. I had rhyming clues on Post-Its all over the house. They would figure out the clue, go to that area and find their next. I had them upstairs, down, then back up.The final clue led them to the laundry room.You figured it out, you're smart I bet...go to the place we put the clothes that are wet.Evan didn't speak for a while (shocking, I know). He couldn't believe what he found.Now, this might not seem like a big deal to a lot of you out there. But, understand every video game system that is in our house Evan has bought with his own money. He was going to wait until his birthday and get either a 360 or a Wii. This is the one thing that we bought as a family gift and let me tell you what, there are a few people with sore arms around our house.

I'm so happy Tim caught this moment. I cried when I saw this picture. Evan was so genuine and lovingly grateful. Later that night he told us again how thankful he was and this is the best present he has ever got, ever!

To be able to do this after all the heartache is truly a blessing.