The Life

On Tbursday, a beautiful little hummingbird graced us with a visit to our feeder. Unfortunately, I had given up on being visited by these tiny guests this summer and had let the necter evaporate out of the feeders without refilling. (SHAME on me, I know!) I jumped up, ran outside, grabbed all of the feeders (4), washed them, made up some necter, and rehung them incase he decided he would give us one more chance.

And he did! We all went out on the porch at about 1:30 or 2 this afternoon and lounged in the hammock, the hammock chair, and the glider. We, children included, silently watched not one- but 2- hummingbirds take turns feeding for over half an hour! It was about 83 degrees outside with a light breeze and low humidity. I laid in the hammock with whisps of my pulled-up hair blowing in the breeze and Abby, wide-eyed, lying next to me. Once in a while the silence was broken with a GASP! and a gently whispered, "Did ya see that one, Momma?" or "Look Daddy, there's a woodpecker on its favorite place on the power pole!"

Ahhhhhh, THIS is the life.................

Spikey

Ben has gone all "spikey" on us. We took him to get his haircut and he said he wanted red spikes. We compromised on the spikes...... isn't he adorable?

heehee..oops! Nemo wasn't deaf!

But he was "dear"!

As our deaf friend, Nemo, said.....

FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL! FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL!!!! Please forgive the blurry picture, it looked much better on the camera!

Abby did it! She took the plunge and very joyfully endured the first day at Crestwood Day School! For those of you who do not know- Abby is attending "school" at a neighbor's house who is a certified teacher. (Alabama law says that to homeschool you must be the parent, grandparent, or certified teacher.) She teaches in the Charlotte Mason style and has the most beautiful schoolroom set up in her basement. There are 4 other precious girls in Abby's school and they vary in age and grade. Abby is the oldest.

In Abby's own words she "had so much fun I never wanted to leave"! And she can't wait to go back tomorrow.

I however, have now stopped crying and crawled out of my fetal position. And just in case you were wondering, there was a hero's welcome for Abby when Ben saw her after school! :o) More hugs and kisses than I have ever seen! And lots and lots of "I love you"s and "I missed you"s!

4th of July

We decided to head to South Carolina the 4th of July to visit the Cain clan. We purchased, for the first time ever, fireworks for the kids to set off. Not too much, mind you- merely poppers, sparklers, and a few roman candles. We had fun!

Grandma and Grandpa fabulously agreed to watch the kiddos for us one evening so that Andy and I could sneak away to celebrate our 13th anniversary! Andy booked a room at the new Clemson conference center and resort. We spent our evening walking through Clemson, reading, and watching movies. It was soooooo nice and quiet!

The End of a Summer

It's been 3 months since I last blogged! I would typically apologize and say that I will try to do better, but the truth of it is that I have been spending one fabulous summer with my family. We haven't done much- gone to see Nonny, Grandma & Grandpa, been to the waterpark, went to 2 Baron's games, Ballet Camp, Art Camp, Vacation Bible School. We have so enjoyed just being together. Living simply is such a big part of who we are. I missed church this morning as I wasn't feeling too well, and the first thing that Abby said as they all came in the door was "Yea, the family is all back together again!" I love that. I LOVE that!

I do have a lot to catch you up on, though!

These first pictures are from Abby's ballet camp with Ms Kathryn. She loved it just as much as last year and did a wonderful job! Andy took off so that he could come watch this year and we are so glad that he could.

This pic of Andy and the kids was taken Father's Day weekend at Lock 17 on the Warrior River northwest of Birmingham. We had a great day picnicinng and swimming. We plan to go here for camping soon, anyone wanna come?