It's Personal.

On Sunday, John, my darling husband, decided it was time for some personal interviews.

I always had them as a teenager with my dad. It was just a few minutes alone with Dad to discuss life, unload any worries, and maybe plan something fun to do together later. They were a life-saver for me in those troublesome teenage years when I didn't feel like talking, let alone talking to a parent, about maybe something weird that was bothering me. It was nice though, just getting things off my mind and hearing Dad says something like, "I think that's very normal" and I would challenge you to....". Helped me through some tough times.

(My very first interview didn't go that well, actually. I was about 8 and was fussy and pouty. But, when I found that we were actually planning a bike ride together and that was it, well, I cheered up and started thinking of what I would ask to do with Dad next. Just a little encouragement encase you try it and the first time it's a disaster.)

Clara got her interview first. John took her into her room and I heard him talking to her and then he sang her a little song. Then, I think, they fell asleep in the rocking chair. Everyone seemed happy about that. I asked John what they talked about because I was so curious. He said, "Oh, we talked about what she does at home, with you, while Grace is at school. Stuff like that."

Emma was next, later, after dinner. She was so delighted to get to talk to Dad for a few minutes, to have him all to herself. They planned a Daddy-Daughter date for Tuesday night. Chinese food and a movie. (I was a little jealous)

Grace was last. I have no idea what they talked about but they planned a date for next week. She was a little unamused that Emma got to go first.

Later I was just tickled and asked John "WHAT did you talk about??" I was so interested in what they might have had on their minds.]

"Well, it's personal. I can't really tell you" was his reply.

I'm charmed to think that John kept their thoughts "confidential" even though I am pretty sure they consisted of pretty innocent things like, "what are you going to be for Halloween' or some such thing.

They seemed to be charmed too.

Tripping!

Did you know,

I got to go on vacation with this good-looking guy?!

and this little darlin'.... as well as this happy snacker....

this pretty sweet heart..... even, this beautiful young lady...

and this tiny cherub.

And The First Red Ripe Taste of Summer Goes to....

I thought I would take a lovely photo of Clara holding the first fruit of summer.I handed it to her and as I prepared to take the picture, she got down to business.

She really was serious about it.

And,

after about 10 minutes of focused munching, since she was done...

she left the last bite for me.

It was pretty tasty!

1st Day of 1st Grade!

8:00 A.M. Ticonderoga pencils.. Where's the sharpener! Out the door... Not too nervous.

I loved walking in the front door of the school and hearing Mr. Oldenkamp, Grace's Principal, (who used to be my principal when I taught in Parma), saying sweetly to some 1st graders who seemed to be wandering... "Come with me, I will show you right where you will line up when the bell rings. Who's your teacher? "

Grace seemed to be very comfortable with her friends, running into each other's arms, hugging as first grade girls do, discussing important matters as they waited in line.

This is Grace's teacher. She had about 35 kids in her line. Thankfully they weren't all hers. I thought the smile was a indication of a good sense of humor given the experience. Mr. O showed some good humor too! I did notice that the other 1st grade teachers seemed pretty happy with their short lines of about 10 students.

Grace and Katie laugh at Mom taking pictures from the hall as they sit down at their new desks!

Grace rode the bus home without telling me so when I went to pick her up she was already gone. Very funny.

When I drove up and found her walking home from the bus stop, she wasn't interested in riding with me.....

She's too big for that.

PRAY TELL!

And WHAT, pray tell, is THIS?

I was fairly interested to see what the explanation for this was. I found Grace in the room with the door shut and this lovely sign posted. Emma wasn't ruffled, in fact, she seemed rather happy about it . Perhaps, I misunderstood it.

The Camping Trip .... But not for Long.

We loaded up on a wed. Planning to drive into the Trenity Lakes and camp until Sat.Wed. was perfect. Very nice temp. Not too much wind.Tons of wild flowers.We had a great time setting up, eating, running around. John went fishing a little. Didn't catch anything but it was beautiful.

Wed. night we had some interesting thunderstorms but stayed pretty dry in the tent.

Thursday wasn't too bad but a little chilly. John took the girls on a lovely hike until the thunder brought them back to camp.

John and Grace did a little fishing... It rained off and on.... Finally we decided to make run for it and go home... about 5 p.m. I think.

John and I packed up in a downpour. John patiently loaded everything up while the rain dripped off his hat.

We were sad to abandon nature and go home.but we knew we had better find somewhere a little drier to sleep.

And the girls had a fabulous time waiting in the truck.

I hope we can do it again next year!

Day Two and a Name!

Baby Isaiah Diego!

Clara meets her nephew for the first time! She seemed to think it was pretty fun!