summer fun :: 2

Synchro, synchro and more synchro...









And then there's this other thing... my latest obsession. It's a little thing called Picnik. Photo editing, oh, my!

playing with dolls

Every time I bag up the baby dolls and think we are done, they get rediscovered and out they come again. Luke is fascinated by "Baby Alive." He loves giving her bottles of real water and changing her diaper. When she talks, he listens and sometimes runs to me for help. It's really very sweet.

So, I guess the babies will stick around for little while longer. It's nice to have such well behaved babies in our house. Too soon these days will be gone.

summer fun :: 1

:: cousins, swimming and watermelon

:: cake and family

:: synchronized swimming

raspberry mornings

Every morning we sneak outside, in ones or twos... We pick our daily raspberries; the perfect breakfast treat. Sometimes we find there are so many ready that we need a bowl to harvest. This bowl then sits on the counter and frankly, doesn't last very long.

This is an ode to our 2009 raspberries. Soon they will be gone and we can look back fondly and dream about next year's harvest.

God's beauty

There are blessings to find - even in my own backyard. Have a wonderful Sunday, friends!

overcoming fears

Rock wall at the year end Girl Scout party... Luke really wanted to climb it, but he was scared. Three and half is still pretty little, you know. Even though his shoe size is only one smaller than his 5 year old brother, and he thinks he can do anything that Cole can do, the reality of that big rock wall was a little much.

Anything is possible with the help of daddy, though.

You did it, Lukey! And guess what, mommy did it, too!! I'm hooked - anyone want to go rock wall climbing?

last day of 2nd grade

It finally came... the last day of school! I was ready. We need a break from the schedule. The closer we get to summer, the harder it is to get Grace in bed at a decent time. "It's not even dark outside, yet!" Yes, well... I really don't like having to wake you up in the morning.

No more running for the bus or mixing tuna at 7am. (I know, I should do it the night before, but I don't. I probably never will.) I would like to say that I plan on sleeping in, but who am I kidding. (I will try, though!)

So, goodbye to the bus - you've been very good to us this year. Next year is a whole new game (more on that later) and I'm painting my car to look like a bus. Kidding. Sort of.

Grace is looking forward to some serious friend time and I'm looking forward to some quality family time. Now begins the summer dance of "balance." Que the music!

A little 'Double Dutch Bus' (a family favorite) for you. I can't remember if I've ever posted this clip - sorry if it's a repeat. This is a great family movie for the summer, by the way!

praise

We had a little scare with our littlest guy, Luke, and his kidneys. We've been praying and waiting and today we sigh a breathe of relief. Praise God that all is well!

Now it's back to life as usual...

"The Lord gives strength to his people; the Lord blesses his people with peace." Psalm 29:11

freedom

A moment to cherish what was spring. Cool breezes and flowering trees... California Poppies brightening every turn. Perhaps you will cool us with one or two more spring showers.

But I can feel a change coming on... the kids are swarming with summer excitement. School is ending and swimming is in full force. Field trips and parties galore!

It's right around the corner. I can see the it! Sleeping in and staying up late, time with friends and family, barbecues and campfires... Memorial Day weekend gives you just a little taste of that freedom.

And thank you to the service people who protect our freedoms. God bless America.

Hope your Memorial Day weekend was blessed, friends.

a new chapter

Cole is officially a preschool graduate... and so ready for Kindergarten. We talk about it almost daily. Seems as if lately he's ready to tackle just about anything you put in his path. This last year has meant changes by leaps and bounds for Cole. It's really one of the greatest joys as a parent to watch your child overcome their fears and hit the ground running (that's the only way I can describe it.)

We are all so proud of you and excited about the new adventures that await you.

Here's the big question... Is preschool ready for Luke? Jerry's Aunt Cathy jokes about people having their "horns" out. (OK, often she has said this about me.) I thought she would enjoy this shot of Luke that actually looks like he has horns!

So congrats to Cole, and here's to a new chapter in our book! A new chapter for both of our boys.