Monday, March 24, 2008

Hidden Treasure

Sometimes you search for treasure, other times you stumble upon it, and occasionally you receive it as a gift. Treasure, by all means of acquisition, has been the theme for this week.

Hunted Treasures

Two weeks ago I would have assumed "geocaching" referred to world banking or international ATMs (Okay, I would have known the difference between cache and cash if I had seen it in writing). Today it is a new family hobby. In the past week, Jon and I have embarked on five successful geocaching adventures. Just in case some of you shared my ignorance, I will attempt to enlighten you.

Geocaching is a "sport" whose participants search for caches hidden all over the world. Geocachers find these caches using handheld GPS devices and a little detective work. Some caches require clue decryption and riddle solving. Others are solved in stages, the final stage resulting in the discovery of the cache. Most require a little hiking and patient searching. Inside every cache is a log where all previous geocachers have signed and dated their discovery. Most caches have various (and sometimes comical) items of negligible value. You can bring an item from home (or from a previous cache) and exchange it for a new found item. Geocaching adventures can range from easy (found in a few minutes) to difficult (taking months to solve). Caches can be hidden in bustling cities, popular tourist locations, or remote forests. Some geocachers even treasure hunt in the eerie shadows of moonlight. If you are curious, you can read more at www.geocaching.com.

Combining the challenge and competition of gaming with the exercise and adventure of hiking, geocaching has quickly become a family pastime. We could not enjoy this hobby if it weren't for Jim and Melody. They not only introduced us to geocaching, they are also letting us borrow their GPS unit. Here we are on a few geocaching adventures.

Hot on the trail (another geocaching adventure)

Hollow Tree

In case you were in doubt of Talia's princess status

Searching for the cache

We found the cache!

Unique cache

Talia's favorite cache (to date)

Signing the log

Chance Treasures

Jon and I had a conversation this month about the existence of four-leaf clovers. We know with certainty that they exist as Jon happened upon one today. It is estimated that there is 1 four-leaf clover for every 10,000 three-leaf clovers. Jon is so observant!

Four leaf clover in red hair

Gifted Treasures

Baby Bonnet: Auntie Nikki and Auntie Angie bought Talia a beautifully handmade bonnet, dress, and sweater. Nikki and Daniel drove all the way to South Carolina to commission these adorable pieces that Talia will treasure and possibly pass on to our future granddaughter (should we be blessed with one in the distant future). Talia has tried them on several times, but she finally got to wear the ensemble for Easter Sunday. Mommy took quite a few pictures. Nikki and Mom also posted some beautiful pictures of Talia in her bonnet on their blogs.

Too precious

Dressed to the nines (see notes)

Maybe not lady-like, definitely baby-like

Talia: Every day I am reminded of the amazing treasure that God has entrusted to our care. Talia fills our hearts with joy, laughter, and love. Training up Talia is an enormous task that we prayerfully take up daily. She is a pleasure to parent, but we know that God's wisdom will become ever more precious as she grows. We are treasuring every moment.

Messy face

Enjoying play pen time

Talia at Play

Toys within reach

I want the toy UNDER the block

Talia hard at play

He will be the sure foundation for your times,
a rich store of salvation and wisdom and knowledge;
the fear of the LORD is the key to this treasure.

Isaiah 33:6

7 comments:

Angie said...

Very lovely pictures of Talia!

I was actually just thinking about geocaching this week. People in this area do it and I know at least one person who loves it. Perhaps with warmer weather coming I'll get some sort of GPS device and try it out!

Claudia said...

Erin, I love that bonnet. I wanted one for Luci when she was smaller but could never find one. Do they do mail orders? I wonder if I can get one. I love that Talia is smiling in ever picture. She seems such a happy contented baby.

Anonymous said...

Great pictures - especially of Talia. Geocatching sounds interesting.

Anonymous said...

Hi Erin,

To answer your question; you have been tagged to answer the book questions, and then tag others.

I found that it was quite fun!
-Ash

Jon, Erin, Talia, and Elliana said...

Cheek,

I am glad you are open to new adventures. I hope you have fun with it. Part of the fun is avoiding "muggles" in populated areas. This can be done using stealth and timing. Or, you could try a midnight adventure (with friends, of course).

Claudia,

It was so fun to dress Talia up in her pretty clothes and her classic Charleston bonnet. I don't know the specific answer to your question but the website is www.82church.com and the phone number is (843) 723-7511.

We do consider Talia to be a pleasant baby. She is generally happy and curious. She does get fussy when she is tired, has an eczema attack, or when Mommy and Daddy try to leave her in the care of others. She is in a "Mommy and Daddy only" stage. The reason she is always smiling in pictures is because she loves the camera!

Mom,

There are 805 geocaches within a 10 mile radius of your house. One is in Parnell Park :). Maybe we could take you on an adventure when we come in May.

Ash,

Thanks for answering my question. I will work on that post soon.

Anonymous said...

Geo "catching" :)

So what kind of cheap devide would work for this? Do I have to spend $200?

Yes, let's try. Can you borrow the device you use? If that is not a problem...

Jon, Erin, Talia, and Elliana said...

Mom,

I was thinking of asking to borrow Jim and Melody's device for a short time while we are down in May. I wouldn't buy a GPS device until you try geocaching. We like it, but it may not be worth the money for everyone.