A Parade in Honor of our Kids...

I have to give our small midwest town credit in that they are very community minded. Each year, we have a parade, in Sept, honoring the youth of our community. Kids march, walk, ride bikes and scooters, make floats, the bands march, the boy scouts and girl scout groups are there and the kid clubs from all around the county participate. Kiwanis coordinate and organize the whole thing and make it even better with a pancake tent and all day events. Here are some pix of the kids in the parade this year....















The best part about this year is that I actually got to watch!!! Normally I am driving for a float or riding on a float or the likes. This year, I got to watch and see my kids IN the parade and take all the pictures I wanted to!! Ahhhh - how sweet it was!

It's the most wonderful time of the year....

Ok - maybe not the most wonderful, but certainly the most busy. And the most beautiful. And the most unpredictable with regards to weather. (and even that might not make the most list here in the midwest - spring is pretty unruly at times). It is my most favorite time of the year for sure!!!

It's soccer season!!! And this year we have ....

Not one....


Not two....


But three....


soccer players.

And not only do we have three soccer players, but now we have two soccer coaches. Oh how I have not missed the days of peewee soccer. But, honestly, so few have the patience to work with this insanely hive-like group of kids. Once a week for 45 minutes is manageable.

So, once again, we hit the roads on the weekends, we practice most every night, and we do it all for the love of soccer.

Never judge a book by its cover

We have not forgotten....

And cover the families who lost someone and survivors in prayer.

School Days have officially started...

For all of the kids. Today our youngest started PreK, meaning everyone is officially in school.

We have a High School Freshman







A 2nd grader







And one in PreK







Oh, how I could go on and ramble about how the years have flown by and how my babies have all grown up - but honestly, I've done quite well with this year and all the transitions it has brought. Mainly the step up to high school. I think it will be sad at the end of the year when we bid farewell to a very beloved preschool and all the teachers, some who have taught all three kids.

So, it's official...we get up early, and go go go all day long. So long to the lazy days of summer and sleeping in and midday swims. Hello soccer and football and marching band.

Having a picnik....

Yes, I know that I have mentioned before how much I love using www.picnik.com to play with pictures. But, it has been a while since I've bragged on the site and figure it's time to do it again, as I recently had an adorable subject and had so much fun playing with his pictures.

Original....


Revised with picnik...


Original...


Revised with picnik....


Original...


Revised with picnik....

My moment of serenity

Everyone has that place. You know, that place where they can take a deep breath in and breath out all that consumes their mind, body and soul.

This is mine

The Lake

Maybe not this particular lake that we visited in Aug. But I must admit that even this lake did my spirit good.




Most any lake will do. Not the ocean. A lake - a nice big lake on which you can just ride for hours in a boat. Or stop and anchor for a while to take a dip. Or teach your kids to ski, tube or knee board.

The lake we visited in Aug did afford a few treasures like this water park resort...


A great lighthouse....


A relaxing fountain....


And a lake-side walk...


And each night, it offered a view that I needed for the restful and relaxing sleep that I only get while listening to the sounds of a lake....