Making up for lost time.

Life got a little crazy on us! We have been busy, and when we're not in school, working, running, picnicing, bowling or enjoying trips to the zoo and visiting grandparents, we're going all DPS and trying to suck out all the marrow of life. That primarily involves not being in front of a screen, but present, positive and focused on these two little girls who are growing up way too fast! 

Excuses, excuses... 

So here's life lately in an absolute ton of pictures and even more words.

 1. My parents came to visit us for the girls' fall break. To say it was a wonderful visit is an understatement. It flew by! We're hoping to visit Camp Yellowstone this summer for some more chess, playing beauty salon with a very patient Papa, and some world's greatest chocolate chip cookies! The stunning vistas don't stink either.

2. We painted our pumpkins this year while Papa and GrandMia were in town. Neither Hubby nor myself is really a gooey pumpkin innards sort of person, and they just get so moldy so fast.

 

After a couple Fall Fests and a trip to the farmers' market, we now have 7 large, beautiful pumpkins in a vast array of crazy faces and glitter polka dots on our front porch.

Also, I love the family resemblance in the picture. :-)

3. We went on some lovely hikes/walks with the new and gorgeous fall colors. Autumn is definitely our favorite season, and the south is treating us to some spectacular colors and weather lately! Papa took this family photo of us, for which we are much obliged.

4. A picnic lunch at a favorite park is always in order! We also discovered a Paws-for-Reading program at the local library this day. Children read to support/therapy dogs to gain confidence in their skills. It is a fabulous program! And Papa and GrandMia got to listen to a Cumberland Winds Dixie Band concert while the girls and I were playing Legos in the kid section. LOVE our library! 

Just the crazy side of the family. 

5. Parent-teacher conferences recently. This sweet goose is having some shyness/anxiety issues at school. Hard to believe our crazy, spontaneous little nutball refuses to talk to some of her teachers or participate in P.E. If you ask her, she will tell you that school knocks her socks off and she adores it, and we feel confident that it is not a willful disobedience issue... Our hearts break for her. We are proceeding with having her meet regularly with the guidance counselor and/or school social worker to see how we can better help her.

Other than that, her teacher says she is exactly the happy, healthy, smart as a whip, snuggly & sweet bookworm we know and love.

6. This darling girl is having a marvelous time in 2nd grade! Her report card and teacher conference confirm she is dedicated to her academics, and almost as devoted a social butterfly. We are thrilled with her class this year. Our giggly bookworm is also back in ballet, and happily practicing for a December recital. Big Sis is just blossoming into the most wonderful little lady, though we plan to keep her 7 years old for as long as humanly possible.

 

7. I ran my first half-marathon last weekend!! It was so much fun, and my knees are only mildly ticked off at me. It started as just a bucket list resolution, but I'm totally hooked. I fully intend to run our local Army 10-Miler this March, as well as the Oct. Half again next fall. Also, I need a haircut and am trying quirky, bigger (free!) frames.

8. These two have become ace pancake flippers! They are the best breakfast buddies ever, and are even patient when Mommy insists on brewing coffee before mixing batter. Of course, it's in their best interest...

We are just so tremendously grateful for our sweet daughters, and the precious opportunity we've been given to be their parents.

Peace, love & pancakes!