October 2011

If I didn't have someone having a birthday every month in the fall, I may never blog!  Drew is now eleven and it seems like time is flying!  We have been so busy here.  This is the most stressfull, high paced place we have ever lived and it is sometimes so difficult to avoid the trap of thinking I have to put the kids in every activity available!  We have deliberately let the three little ones simply play this fall - no sports, clubs or after school activities, just PLAY.  We have to take advantage of the good weather while we have it!  Of course, even with those kids free, we still have cheer, volleyball, and soccer to finish before we begin basketball next week!  I love having all these choices but it can be exhausting!  Thankfully, Emily is now driving in her own car (that she helped pay for) and that truly makes life easier for all of us.  She was the proud recipient of the title "Junior Homecoming Princess" at Woodson's homecoming this year.  It was an exciting night, albeit bittersweet because she had gotten a concussion at the pep rally that day when her flyer kicked her in the head!  Hence the sunglasses and earplugs she is sporting!

Happy Birthday Gracie!

Gracie is 8!!!

Ramie

It was a big summer for our Ramie.  She has grown (quite literally, she is almost as tall as me!) into a beautiful young woman.  She celebrated her thirteenth birthday on the same day that the regional swim meet was held.  She qualified as a twelve year old, but not as a thirteen year old, so she couldn't swim.  Although disappointed, she still stuck out the season with a great attitude.  It paid off, when, at the swim meet banquet, she was awarded the "Sportsmanship" trophy.  It is the most prestigious award given and we were so proud!!  She spent most of the summer at the pool, practicing or helping coach our "little dolphins."

Summer 2011

Wow, did the summer ever get away from me! The highlight was having Summier and Samuel stay for a couple weeks all by themselves!  We had some fun and than some, and then we had to drop off Joseph at Auburn....*sigh*  It was hard, but made easier by his excitement and the peace of mind we have knowing he is in the right place for him.  Here are some pics of our summer...