The Confident wink... the coy wait... Ah, Kindergarten here I come!

She winks...
She waits...

Olivia's First Day of School...

Our first one is off and on her way into the halls of academia. I can't believe that she is old enough to be in kindergarten already... In many ways yesterday was a day of introspection for me. I think that I mentioned that in my last post. But it really was.

Have I done all that I could to help prepare her sufficiently for the next big adventure of 12 years... stop there chick... one year/ one day at a time is all that I have been asked to take care of. So, here is my first one off and on her way with a confident wink and a few funny faces... we're off.

She made sure that she knew what was packed for her snack and what was for lunch. Did she have her special kindergarten blankie... and did she have her summer scrapbook? We had our morning routine down pat this morning... the only glitch in the plan was her brother who wasn't too sure that he wanted to go along with this plan. She did great in the classroom - just a little nervous, but then again so were half the others in her class.

We made it! I can't wait to hear the stories of her first day of school. :-)

Blue Gable

In what has become almost a family tradition... yikes... we gathered again this year at Marble Lake in Michigan for time to close the summer! It was fun to see family (we missed Texas Duo) but kept tabs with them via the cell phones that worked this year around the lake!

My tribe camped out in a tent borrowed and initiated for the maiden voyage of tentage from some dear friends. We had a blast setting up and playing Canasta Caliente! late into the night trying to help dad stay awake until the clock struck 11! Pretty late for a "Mathew Niner!"

Though something kicked us all in the patuties - and the puick fest began, we still managed to get the cottage and tent back into running order ... It was amazing to watch the majority of 16 family members get sick... not a recommended for viewing pleasure movie though. At last count 13 have "gotten the whatever it is" crud...

Here are some shots of the cousins playing in the sand and then a few shots of the kids in the tent that we borrowed.

Happy end of summer tradition! We love Blue Gable!

Girlfriends in life are necessary!

OK - so for the past 5 years of my life most every Wednesday morning I have had a cup of coffee in my hand and spent my mornings with these wonderful friends and all of our children. We have cried together, been frustrated together and shared many thoughts, dreams and secrets together all in the name of friendship. Last week we gathered for the last time... April's house for Mom's group has been a highlight of my adventure in being a Mom. Here are some fun snapshots... if I looked further back in the electronic archives that have now become my photo album... I would find many snapshots of my kids as they have come and of other children as they have been added in. All in all this group of ladies represents about 10 families and about 20 children. What a blessing to have girlfriends - Thanks April.

The Toledo Zoo!

So, tonight, I'm looking at the summer, wondering where in the world it has gone to?! Can anyone please tell me... or does this feeling continue for the rest of my life?

This is the collage of a zoo trip this past summer...