At a crossroad

Just a quick post to say that we had an amazing time in Colorado at the Lehnardt family reunion. But, no detailed post on that yet since we are heading out tomorrow to Tennessee for the weekend - and I have to clean up and repack. I'll have lots to update next week - so check back later.

Summer Party I

The girls have been wanting to have a summer party.

Simple - swimming in the river, dinner, and hanging out.
We decided to split it up into two parties - one for church friends and the other for school friends - that way more people can be invited without having too many at one time (that would be to keep me sane).
After days of no rain, a storm decided to move through right at party time. But, by the time everyone was there the thunder had stopped (and the storm was well south of us) and we headed to the river. They got to swim in the pouring rain! and loved it - that was one of my favorite things to do growing up. Soon after it started clearing up it was time to go in for dinner - summer favorites of hot dogs, chips, soda and watermelon. The girls played outside, then worked on some crafts and the older girls played MASH - gotta love that game.
Everyone had a wonderful time and Alyssa and Natalie can't wait to invite their school friends. But, it'll have to wait until we get back from our family reunion next week.
Summer Fun!

Happy 4th of July!

The kids were very excited for the 4th of July to roll around. Downtown Watkinsville had some activities during the day, including a kids' corner.

Hula hoops, goats to pet (that got Robert thinking again about getting goats), big bubbles,

chalk drawing, old games, fire engine, music, free cotton candy (Logan didn't know if he liked it at first, but had some and Natalie was glad to finish it off for him) and more. We picked up a watermelon and cantaloupe on our way home.

After an afternoon of swimming in the river with friends (forgot the camera, I'll have to get some of the pictures our friends took and add them later) we had dinner - grilling some hamburgers, corn on the cob, cornbread, cantaloupe, lemonade. Our two-berry pie (raspberry/blackberry) we started eating on Friday. Later we went to some friends for cobbler, homemade ice cream and fireworks. Logan covered his ears for the first one, started shaking with the second one, and after Robert tried to convince him they were fun, Logan and I were inside the house by the fifth one. Everyone else enjoyed the show and Alyssa took some great pictures.

With all the fun and activities and food that goes along with the 4th of July, it is also great reflecting - on our nation's birthday - of the freedoms we have in this country, of the people who serve us and protect the rights we have. I'm grateful to our founding fathers, their courage and determination to establish a nation with basic rights and freedoms and to all our men and women who maintain those rights and freedoms today and for their families and all those who support them in their efforts.

God bless America!

Good Morning!

(pictures by Alyssa)

After running one morning last week, I told Alyssa she should come with me and see the sunrise - she loves taking pictures of the outdoors.
I woke her up the next morning to come with me - and we took the camera. We were a bit too early and Robert had to get to work so we needed to get back. We made another attempt this morning - a little bit later.
Alyssa said it was well worth getting up at 6:10am during summer vacation to see the sky turn from pinks to golds and then the sun explode over the trees.
Beautiful!

Blueberries!

We finally had some time to go pick blueberries!

We were going to go Monday night for FHE, but it just doesn't cool down that early. So, we got up early this morning to pick before the heat of the day. Natalie's friend, who was spending the day gave us an extra pair of hands.I've been wanting to go for two weeks and should have gone earlier. There were slimmer pickings, but still plenty for the taking. Usually there are just gobs all together, where now we had to look a bit harder for the ripe ones.It seemed to take forever to even fill one bucket, but when I check the time it had only been 1/2 hour. Time enough to pick a second bucket!There will definitely be another blueberry picking trip - can't miss the late season varieties. And, I need my year supply!
Our blueberry bushes need a few more years before they are producing well enough, until then we are happy to go to the berry farm!

Birthday Boy Again

Today we had Jake's friend party. It was so hard to keep guests to a number I could handle, especially with school friends added this year to the people Jake wanted to invite. He had a really hard time making his list - he always wants to include everyone!

The river has gotten lower and it was perfect for playing in. And, can you believe it, I had the camera in my pocket the whole time we were at the river and didn't take one shot!
After an hour in the water, we came back up for cake, ice cream, and gifts.
Jake wanted a Lego cake. With such bold frosting colors and red or blue Kool-Aid to drink, we checked to see how colored everyone's mouths got.I think Natalie was the winner - imagine that! :)
I love how excited Jake, and all of his friends, got when opening presents. It great to see such enjoyment out of little things.
Have a great year Jake! We love you!

The Winner

When Jake and I got for walks around the neighborhood, we usually race around each of the cul-de-sacs. He usually "wins." Yesterday he rode the scooter on our walk and we raced. The third cul-de-sac (there are four - one we do twice) I beat him. I whooped it up and cheered. He laughed. He had slowed down after half way through because he thought he was beating me by a lot, but then had to go up hill at the end and I passed him by.

When we got to the last cul-de-sac on our walk, and were getting ready to race, looked confused and said "we didn't go down Nicholas' street" (a friend who lives on the road of the race I won). I said "yes we did, remember, I won the race." Then he said "oh yeah. I just don't remember the races I don't win."

Now THAT is a great winner's attitude!(He "won" the race around the last cul-de-sac.)