Austin’s Birthday

Austin’s birthday wish was to take some of his buddies out to a special river spot where the kids could swim, jump off big rocks, and coast down some mild rapids. On Saturday, before his birthday, we packed a picnic barbecue and some cupcakes,

loaded up the van and headed to the Nawra river. What started as a beautifully, bright sunny morning, gave way to a cloudy rainy afternoon. But did the kids mind? Not a bit! They played, swam and ate throughout it all. The river is located just down the hill from a local village house.

The family from the house was very kind to let us party in their “backyard.” This greenhorn girl was very impressed, however, when one of the women from the house came down after several hours to let us know that it was time to pull the kids out of the water because the rain water from up the mountains was about to come down our way and make the water stronger. Along with her years of experience, she indicated the greater number of floating leaves on the water as her clue that the river was about to flood. We were in wrap-up mode at this time anyway and made the transition from fearless rock jumpers (well, heh, heh, except for one height-anxiety momma) to uphill hikers as we made our way back to the van.

Austin jumps!

A satisfied, soppy sort of smiling celebrants.

By the way, Mom did finally jump but she liked riding the rapids better!

Especially with Kylah!