Full swing into Fall routine

Soccer is the sport of the season for Sawyer. Alice is taking piano and swimming. 

picture day  

3rd grade girls Ice Cream Social

1st grade boys Ice Cream Social

looking back 9 years on Mama's birthday

Today's been a day where my mind's on Mama. I made buttermilk pound cake with Alice to honor her 69th birthday, her second in Heaven. These pictures are all from a surprise 60th celebration that she LOVED. I loved surprising her and celebrating my mama and friend. There was no shadow of cancer this day, Mark and I weren't parents, lots of other things were different then too. 

Mama helped me love birthdays, while many people I know don't. Celebrating another year of surviving life's challenges and experiencing all the friendships and love is WORTH a big piece of cake! She'd say "Consider the alternative". Today her alternative is better than life here, but I still miss her. I'll celebrate in honor of the love she gave so freely and her impact on my life. 

Back to School Week

Sunday: Long Branch Neighborhood Triathlon

Alice completed the entire thing: 200m swim, 1/2 mile run, 2 mile bike!!!

Mark won the adult version!! 

Monday: Meet the Teacher Open House followed by Water Park with friends

Tuesday: First Day of 1st Grade and 3rd Grade

Summer visit to AL

Moss Rock Preserve boulder fields (looks like a gator) 

Hillary hosted a crew of cousin family :)

 McWane Science Center

 Birmingham Zoo with Shannon and boys (yay, baby girl arrived this week!)

bowling with Squires, Elys & Grandaddy

Created for a Purpose creative arts girl camp creations

VHHS 20 year reunion

Lake Martin life with Holmes, wonderful hours on the water with family

 quick detour to Highlands NC on our drive back

2018 summer in our neighborhood

Lots of swimming and swim team fun!

inner Harbor & Maryland Science Center with Birds

neighborhood July 4th Parade

Ely cousins visit