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....

You spin my head right round.....

Here is to the latest member of the High School Band


Although she isn't technically playing in the band (although she could on either of her instruments)


She is marching with them and did quite well if you ask me!

When eating mashed potatoes

When eating mashed potatoes....


You must smear them on your face...


Sure not to miss the eyes....


Smash them into every chubby little crease....


Then proceed to lick them out....




Occasionally stopping to look cute....


And then end with a totally fab new hair do!

Lucy the Margate Elephant...

The story of this elephant is just so cool....



I would tell you all about it, but I want to know if any of you can guess where it is. Without looking it up of course. Or more importantly, does anyone KNOW where it is? She is a national historic landmark you know?!?!?

She has been rebuilt over the years - and moved - and literally saved from the wrecking ball. And not in that order....




These shots were taken inside. Yes - inside the elephant and up quite a set of twisting winding wooden steps.

And these.....









From on TOP! That's right - look at the first picture - and we crawled all the way up on her back. Up more winding, narrow, twisting stairs. And back down them too!!!

And someone has even painted her on their water tower.



She's a landmark I tell you - and has a story that is worth reading about. And a visit that is worth taking!

Skipping ahead....

Although I have yet to blog about our last vacation - we are currently on a slightly slower paced adventure and I hope to blog as we go. We are visiting the in-laws out East, and although we are here due to illness, we are still trying to have fun and make some memories. Our kids have only seen the ocean a handful of times (for the oldest) and I don't think at all for the youngest. And we're just soaking in the sun in general before school starts in a couple weeks.

The very generous neighbor out here has given us all free run of his pool while we visit. What a blessing with 5 grandkids visiting. I snapped a few shot this morning and will try to grab some more as the water is crystal clear and the pool is just gorgeous. Thank you to the wonderful neighbor......

Mother and Daughter swim lessons


Eric just lounging


Back Dive


No fear jumping in


Peeking out


Coming up for air


My only red-headed niece - and what a charmer too!