Watch Out for Turtles

Racing out the driveway I nearly ran over a turtle.

He was moseying (is that even a word?)

right down the lane heading for our place.

And he was a nice, big one.

If he picks our pond I think he'll be happy.

To date there have been no alligators in it.

To my knowledge.

And I hope it stays that way too.

Ballet Begins Again

Ballet is one of Sarah's favorite things.

It makes her smile from ear to ear.

(You know when that left dimple shows - she's happy.)

And after God and family,

trees make me really happy.

This is Sarah standing beside our new oak tree.

It was a Christmas present from my Daddy.

So we call it the "Grampa Daddy Oak Tree".

Thanks, Daddy.

Every time I see this tree...I smile and think of you.

Running After a Rain

Get on your mark...

Get Set...

Go...

...and a muddy finish.

Maybe she should have worn different shoes.

Or not.

What's a little mud, anyway?

Ranae Running

Here they come.

It's the start of another race.

In Cross Country they always start in a pack.

But soon they disperse and separate.

And before you know it, each runner is fighting their own battle.

The 2 mile battle.

And when you are in a battle.

It's always good to know someone is pulling for you.

Cross Country

Cross Country started this beautiful late summer day.

This time the boys ran with the girls for the first all county meet.

Through mud, giant hills, heat and fire ants they ran.

...and ran and ran and ran.

Ranae has always loved to run.

Always.

Hay Day

Today we got a delivery of hay.

And our job is to get it into the barn.

And I'm taking pictures, mainly because,

this is Matthew's last time to help for a while.

You see, he's off to college tomorrow.

~ ~ ~

Where's the Kleenex?

And his brother Alex leaves next week.

So idyllic scenes like this will be few and far between.

~ ~ ~

Ouch. 

My heart is hurting.

I hope for them.

I pray for them.

I wish them health, hard work and happiness.

~ ~ ~

And me......

I'm gonna need more Kleenex.

First Day of School

My Sarah Kate is in kindergarten.

Today was the first day.

She was SO excited.

Me....I'm smiling through tears.

I guess I'll be carrying a box of Kleenex with me all day.

And the car line for the first day of school

was looooong and slooooow.

Which gave my separation anxiety time to grow.

~ ~ ~

Sarah, on the other hand, was happy go lucky.

Ready to go.

Smiling from head to toe.

~ ~ ~

You go girl!

Mommy can't wait to see you after school.

We'll go home for a snack

and you can tell me all about your day.

And I'll listen and smile.....

and keep that Kleenex box within reach.