Run Maddie Run!

 Maddie loves being a part of her school's cross country team.  She has been sick for a couple of weeks, so I was very worried about how she would do in her last meet.  Her practice time had been limited.  However, she was only a few seconds off her best time.  She's just a tad competitive!  I am so proud of her dedication and determination.  Watching her run and cross the finish line is very emotional.  I told Lindsey that I just couldn't figure out why, but I want to cry every time she finishes a race.  She's just drained, but ready to do it again.  She is running with the varsity girls, and I know that it will pay off for her in years to come. I "borrowed" all of these pictures from someone else.  Lindsey and I facetimed during the race, so I could see her when she finished, but these are better.  To all the runners out there, I salute you.  This sport is not for the faint of heart.

Headed for the finish line!

You go girl!

Time for Soccer

Pop and I got to see Reed play this week for the first time this season.  Let me explain, he's been a little under the weather and had missed his first few games.  The six hour drive is worth every mile to see him play!  I have now been to many, many soccer games, and still don't understand it like I should.  I've learned terms like hand ball, corner kick, and goal kick (although I still don't really know what they mean).  What I do know is that it's lots and lots of fun, and he loves it!  That's all that matters.  His team is undefeated, and he scored a goal during this game.

Rushing for the ball.

So much running...........

 

Working hard!

I love this cutie!

Go team!

Cheese! Pretend like you don't notice that Maddie is as tall as Reed and I...........

I'm so glad these two get to experience this together!  

In between packing and working on the house, I am heading to another soccer game tomorrow and a cross country meet this weekend.  I missed Maddie's meet this past weekend, and barring something major happening, I'll be there for the next one!

Sand Pile Fun!

Caleb and Taylor were busy part of this weekend, so the boys got to hang out with me.  (Pop was also busy working).  I told John Sawyer he could pick anything he wanted to do.  I suggested Chuck E Cheese, the barnyard, or the playground.  He said he wanted to go to the sand pile, so that's what we did! I have long lost count with how many hours we have spent there.  It started when Lindsey was about 2, and has continued until now.  Snacks and a picnic lunch complete the trips, and we can easily make a day out of it! 

I mean-what can be more fun! Sometime along the way, I realized that it was lots easier to strip down when you begin, rather than try and clean up later. John Sawyer was a pro in no time.

A dirty boy is a happy boy!

Jack was a little uncertain for about 2 minutes, then he happily joined in the fun.  No jumping yet for him though!

I'm going to share just a few pictures from the past.  This was Maddie when she was about John Sawyer's age.  She's almost a teenager, and still loves going.

I am pretty sure that this was her first trip.  She's about 18 months old here.

Reed was probably 4 here.

Even Pop gets in on the fun from time to time!

The sandpiles are also a great place to practice gymnastics.

Jump!!

Now, back to this weekend.  After we got home, we had rain and more rain.  After Jack's nap, we looked out and the yard was flooded.  That only provided more fun!  The boys had a ball!

Next up, soccer!!

We Celebrated for Days

What a fun few days we had celebrating Reed's special birthday.  He and I went out to eat on his actual birthday, and then we ventured to Smith Lake for the weekend with the whole gang.  We had never been to Smith Lake before.  He simply wanted to spend spend a relaxing weekend with the family, and enjoy a little football.  I think we achieved that, even though he had to watch the Alabama game on his phone!  Internet issues wouldn't let us watch that one particular game.  Oh well! We had a wonderful time being together.  Praying for many more birthdays and adventures as a family.

Happy Birthday!

The Birthday Boy!

The Chief Cooks

Happy Birthday to You! Sweet Lillian was in charge of decorating.  She made sure everything was perfect.

We stayed in a beautiful new bardominium that was directly on the water.  BUT, to get to that water you had to go down 138 steps and a bridge that swayed to get there.  I made it to the last set of stairs.  Reed said there was no way I could handle the swaying bridge, and he was right. I documented the journey down.  (That's a neighborhood dog that spent the weekend with us.)

Everyone was all smiles going down, but there was lots of huffing and puffing coming  back up.

Looking back at me from way down below!

Once they got there, the fun was on!

Lots of pictures!

The celebrations just didn't stop!

My People

I am including way too many pictures below of our time together.  Games, laughter, playing, napping, snuggling, eating great food and more made this a wonderful weekend.  Also, Pop is very easy to celebrate.

60 never looked so good!! 

We are back home now working hard to get the house finished.  

We hope to move soon.