1981

"...We are to give them the recognition they deserve for their God-given authority. We are to respect and esteem and value and prize them as gifts from God."  ~Greg Laurie

In an e-mail this morning that I try to read daily, I was reminded to give credit where credit is due. I just want to thank my wonderful parents for raising me up "right" and everything they have done for me. I'm not sure what I would do without them in my life. Most of the credit for me making it to ... AHEM... twenty nine... is given to them. I love you Mom and Dad! :)

I woke up to the red roses this morning :) And Dave brought home red, pink, and yellow roses for our anniversary. Nine.

Mom would call me "spoiled" but I consider it ... blessed. This guy just never stops! And he knows better than anyone that he's stuck with me in this forever. Forever.

pigskin season

Even though Peyton's baseball career just ended for the summer, football allowed for no breaks and he started those practices the week after baseball ended. Last night were the first scrimmages. This being his third year, he's getting more involved and actually catches the ball. VERY exciting! Our all star made one interception, one huge tackle, and completed one catch for gain of yards last night... progress!

mosquito aftermath

After the long day in the water on Saturday, the kids fell asleep almost immediately on the way home. Tayt was the first to fall asleep and was asleep before we made it out of the park. We didn't notice until we were home getting pajamas on that he had been almost eaten alive by the mosquitos. Apparently he wasn't sprayed down AFTER his shirt was removed. Oops. No worries. He's still alive, but it was quite the array of nibbles on his back.

In falling asleep, Tayt missed out on the giant pink elephant at one of the local gas stations. Reminded all of us of our trips out west and seeing the giant buffalo. Photos had to be taken :)

discombobulated by toads, ducks, and mosquitos

This last weekend we traveled almost 3 hours south of our home to visit with some family we don't get to see very often. Our last family reunion was in 1992 so things were a little different this time. I remembered a lot of the adults and I guess now I might be considered one of those adults, but I'm not sure I feel that way some times.

I was taking some photos of the "cousins" and after they were finished, Austyn says "Mom, MOM! Take my picture." Of course. I have no idea where she got this charisma, but this pose was thought up all on her own.

Jake and Dave, our co-chefs for the afternoon.

Lia and her toad, and numerous games of corn hole.

 

After my obnoxious hillbilly directing, we were able to get this lovely bunch lined up for a group shot of "cousins." This reassures me even more that I was not meant to be that photographer who lines people up for group shots. I'd much rather do the candid shots of everyone laughing and not even noticing me running around getting those great moments... yeah... whatever kind of photographer that is... and I use the term "photographer" extremely loosely.

Hey you, you... all the way on the left... be happy, it's family time :)

I had a great time getting to know this bunch a little better. This spry bunch is just a smidge younger than myself and I feel like we all had a great time.