Back To School

"The past can't see you, but the future is listening."

The kids started to school last week.  They live right next to the school, so it's an easy walk for them.  Cole is in 7th grade, Chloe 2nd and Carter is in 5th.

I watched them walking together the first day.  Cole was so responsible at getting them across the school parking lot.  He took Chloe's hand.  That didn't last too long, she was soon ahead and in the lead!  

Next week, Cali starts her second year of pre-school.   Next year she will be in Kingergarden and all 4 of them will be leaving at the same time. What will I be doing with all that free time?!

Amazing Grace is 5

"A granddaughter is a miracle that never ceases to be miraculous. . .full of beauty and forever beautiful. . .loving and caring and truly AMAZING."

It's so hard to believe that my "Dumpling" turned 5 today.  I called her today and the first thing she said was "I'm 5!".  She's been talking about being 5 for so long.

With them living in California, it's hard for me to get updated pictures.  You may have seen these before, they are from this summer when they were visiting.

She loves climbing on things at the playground and feeding the ducks is a favorite of her.  She loves animals.  I think she might become a Veterinarian.  She was even picking up snails and saying "They are so precious!". She has such a kind heart.

She loves her brothers, most of the time.  These pictures were taken in California in May.

She is so beautiful and it's always so hard to say goodbye.  

Happy Birthday Gracie!  Love you lots.

Happy Birthday!

"I know not what the future holds, but I know who holds the future."


Today is my "Enchiladas" 4th birthday.  We didn't get to spend it with him, but I did talk with him on the phone.   You really have to think about the calls because of the time difference.

The first thing he said to me was, "Today is my birthday!"

He loves the pool and is always saying, "Hey MamMam, look at me!" and then he jumps in.

Sometimes it's hard to tell if he is enjoying himself.  He's so sober.

He is so polite, so darn cute and I love him so much.  Best of all - he wants soccer cleats for his birthday!!  That's my boy.

Carnival Fun

"Children need the freedom and time to play.  Play is not a luxury.  Play is a necessity."
All 9 grandkids were here at one time, so we went to the Fireman's Carnival.  I usually don't go, but I wanted to see the kids enjoying themselves on the rides.  IT WAS HOT!!!

We met up with my nephew and his family.  Bella (r) joined the crew.

Of course, big cousin Chloe was on hand to go on rides with Camryn.

This little guy, our youngest, isn't quite big enough to enjoy the rides.  Maybe next year!

He did enoy himself, even though he looks so solemn.

He loved the slide and went again, and again and again.

My camera wasn't fast enough to get JBird on this ride, but he was so cute and wanted  to ride it again and again!

This a better one of him, just couldn't get him looking at the camera.

Sometimes he just had to watched the others.

Cole and Carter were there to entertain, hold hands and do whatever big cousins do!

It was so hot, I had to go home.  I missed about 2 hours of their fun.  They played games, picked ducks and won some prizes.  They were so happy to show me their prizes when they came back to the house.  I'm so glad they had a good time - but- I did enjoy my time in the swimming pool while they were gone!

After The Park

"If you don't have time to respond to a tug at your pants leg, your schedule is too crowded."
After the kids played at the park, we went back to house and jumped in the pool.  It was so hot that day and the pool water felt great.

LOOKING FORWARD TO ANOTHER FUN DAY BEFORE THEY GO BACK TO CA!