Family Time

 Labor Day weekend was filled with lots of fun and family time! Reed and I left around 4:30 Saturday morning to watch Maddie in a Cross Country meet that was held in Munford. She continues to amaze us with how well she’s doing. We are so proud of her. Pop and I loaded up the big kids and headed west  Lindsey and Josh followed close behind. We enjoyed cheering on the Tide that night. Sunday we gathered for some pool and family time. For our anniversary, our sweet kids treated us to a wonderful meal and had a photographer come and take family pictures. I can’t think of a better gift. I will share more when we get them.  We couldn’t recommend the Virden’s more. They were awesome!

It's been a really great 40 years.

Lots of fun at our house.

Splish Splash!

Blurry, but we had a delicious meal together planned and prepared by the kids!  These are the only pictures I took of this!

We are so proud of this girl!  Her work ethic is simply amazing.

Soccer season is in full swing!  Love watching him!

Forty

 Forty short years ago, Reed and I began our journey together. That was after dating for 4 years. We were two bright eyed 20 year olds ready to tackle the world. Sometimes the road was winding, but every journey led to where we are now, and I honestly wouldn’t change a thing. We have been blessed with two awesome children and their spouses, and just let me tell you about our five perfect grandchildren. Life is good! Here’s to 40 more!

Then-

Now-

Back to School

I just can't believe all grandbabies are all back in school. Where did the summer go?  Now, its soccer, softball and cross-country time.  I love watching them all! We will have lots of trips to east Alabama, and we can't wait. 

Cutest K-4 student ever!  So far, he's had a great year.

This cutie moved up to a new class with new teachers.  He's been smiling every

time I pick him up.

These sweeties just started last Fridy. They all had an awesome first day.

Smartest and sweetest 3rd grader I know.

And how precious is this fifth grader?

This pretty eighth grader is ready for a great year.

She is also ready for Cross-Country.  She set a personal goal to run 250 miles this season, and far exceeded it. I just can't imagine!

Last week these cuties wanted to hide Easter eggs, so that's just what we did.  Jack took a little break to eat a M & M  or two.

John Sawyer surprised Pop with some silly string.

I have completed my 5th day being back at school. The teachers and students have been super inviting.

That's all for now!

Sweet Summertime

Summer flew by very quickly this year!  All the grandkids are gearing up for a new year in new classes, and for John Sawyer a new school.  I know it's always good to get back to routines and schedules, but I will miss seeing these babies as often as we like.  Cross Country, travel ball, and soccer are starting soon, so we will be busy with that!

John Sawyer and I were able to spend two special days together at the beach.  Even though the weather wasn't the best, we managed to see a movie, go to the beach, ride the pirate ship, swim in the pool, go to an awesome playground, eat a little ice cream and candy, and more!  He's off to pre-k soon, which is hard to believe!

We came home and enjoyed a couple more days together with Jack.  

Best cookies EVER!

Meet Fancy!  She is the latest addition to the Smith household. She is just beautiful and will receive lots and lots of love!

No animal is safe with our tree climbing Belle! She is actually going through some medical issues, and we are praying she will soon be well.

 

Always take time to smell the flowers!  

On a personal note, I have been living my best retired life the last year or so.  Somehow, I was persuaded to go back to work part time.  I will be doing what I love most at the school I love most.  I'm going to put on my big girl pants, and jump back in. I truly love being home, so wish me luck! No one is more shocked than me that I am headed back to work.

A Puppy, Horses and Rings

Summer is winding down quickly, and I am just not quite ready.  I've been seeing Christmas and fall decorations in stores for a while now.  I'm still in full summer mode though!  The kids will be back in school soon, and all kinds of activities come with that.  

Lillian had her first travel ball tournament this weekend and came out with a little bling. She is playing with many of the girls from her former team, which meant we were reunited with some special friends we've made over the years.  Lots of fun for all!  She loves playing, and we love watching her!

She got hit in the ankle not once, but twice by pitches.  This led to a little extra TLC from the coach.  I'm happy to report that she was just fine.

Headed to shake hands with one of the other teams and giving Marlie a little ride.

Go Team Go!!

Meet Fancy!   I predict lots of great rides in the future.

She and Jovi will be great friends.

And meet Luna!  This is Caleb and Taylor's new baby, and I am in love!  She is an absolute doll.

John Sawyer has been getting in lots of snuggles!  Jack is just not too sure of him yet.

And Jack is just his precious self!  He is as adventurous and awesome as they come!  

More to come

Soccer and More

We rarely get one on one time with our grandbabies.  Last week was the exception!  Reed spent the week with us to attend the University of Alabama's Soccer Camp.  It was hot, hot, hot! However, he seemed to love it. The two little ones also spent a couple of days with us, so that made it even more fun! I sadly didn't get a picture of either of them.

This boy loves some soccer!  We can't wait for the fall season to start.

He also got in some tractor time with Pop.  Below are two of the treasures he found!

He was great help in the kitchen.

I had never seen a Marvel movie or a Jurassic movie.  This week we saw both.  Only for my grandchildren would I do this! I have to say that I actually enjoyed both.

We enjoyed some time at the World Games until thunderstorms cut our night short. Do you see how tall Maddie is??

More to come!

Three Days of Fun!

What a weekend!  We have always enjoyed the Fourth, and this year was no different.  We celebrated for three days!  First, we had a pool day, followed by a river day, and we ended with a 'Merica Birthday party for Caleb.  We so enjoy spending time with our favorite people.

 Lillian made this delicious cookie cake for us to enjoy with our other desserts.  Reed roasted corn and cooked ribs and chicken.  We added all the trimmings and we had a fantastic meal! 

Ready! Set! Go! (Check out Reed's shirt!  I'm still not sure how that happened.)  I also bought a croquet set.  Maddie told me that was a game for old people!  :)

The perfect way to cool off on such a hot day!

The next day we loaded up and headed to the river. This will always be one of my favorite things to do!  I love that the grandbabies enjoy it as much as we do. I couldn't convince JS that those goggles weren't going to help much in the river.

Riding the tube and jumping off the boat-Jack literally has no fear!

A day well spent!! Lindsey got up on her first try.  I am happy to say, she's still got it!

I often talk about how the girls are growing up.  Well, this cutie pie is too!  He is just a doll!  He will be here next week for soccer camp at UA.  We can't wait!

Taylor planned a super fun party for Caleb's upcoming birthday.  It's hard to believe that he's fixing to be 33! Good food and good times! I'm going to share some pictures that pretty much sum up our fun day!

Dressed and ready to go!

Happy Birthday to you!

I feel like I need to add that it was way too easy for some of us to get into character!  Reed has already said that the do-rag and sleeveless shirt will be his new river and grass cutting attire!

Love my people!