Memorial Day Weekend

In this shot, you can see the whole day: Food on the picnic table on the right and gifts for Poppy's birthday. The pontoon boat, ready to go. D, G, and J in the water/on the dock. K getting ready to catch minnows. The cabin in the background. And the beautiful sun making it all divine...

Gettin' crazy on the boat with Cousin KFishing from the dock!

Notice the wet shorts -- doesn't matter the water temperature, boys will get wet...

My Artsy Shoe Shot

When was the last time you saw a Pound Puppies logo? Gotta love the old life vests...

Aaron's Fish

We spent the weekend in Wisconsin, and Sunday we were at the cabin in Barnes. Aaron's first cast hit this beautiful Northern. Sweet! More pics later...

Daniel Sings

Daniel recently had his Kindegarten Program where each child chooses some type of performance. I encouraged to sing along with his favorite song, "Joy" by Tree63. (I think it was recorded around 2001, because I remember looking at baby Greg in his infant seat, and he'd be bouncing like crazy to the beat -- even at 5 months old!)

We were really proud of him, since he's not as enthusiastic about being up front, like some other people in his family, ahem.

I love the lyrics:

I love you Lord, I worship You, I love you Lord, always / So thankful Lord, You saved my life, You saved my life today / Let me be a shining light for You / Let me be a JOY to You always / Let me be a shining light for YOU / Let me be a JOY to You always

No Superman (Daniel's favorite lyric) / I'm no hero / I'm just a man in Your eyes / But through Your Son / I've overcome the father of all lies

Congratulations, D, on a great year!!

Twas the night before he turned eight...

And there was Mama, wondering what happened to this chubby, little boy who used to fall asleep with her on the couch in Texas. Nice bangs, mom. It's amazing to watch someone grow before your eyes.

I used to think when you had a child, you could "mold" and "shape" them into good little people, and only bad parents had bad kids. Excuse me - HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAH - okay, I'm done.

Greg has been Greg from Day One. Doesn't miss a thing. Extremely active. A master at vocabulary. And definitely my most challenging relationship - EVER. But this boy has taught me more about myself than I ever wanted to know, but needed to know. I pray that although we drive each other crazy, our mad love for each other will prevail.

Here's Greg in Florida, very happy to come in 1st at the Go Karts, even though he wasn't old enough to drive. That good-lookin' Daddy was the one pushing the pedals. Aw, Greg. I know you want to win everything, everytime. It's okay. God made you a passionate, competitive little guy. Just make sure you keep HIM #1, alright?

We're having too much fun

Me and my baby girl having a love fest

Something I thought you'd all enjoy:

This morning Daniel was playing with the stuff on my bathroom counter, particularly a bottle of Florida sand that I have kept for many years now. He wanted to pour it out, play with it, but of course, the answer was 'no'.

He replied, "That's okay. When you're dead, I'll just pour it out."

My Sister-in-Law is an Amazing Photographer!!

These make-shift light sabers were actually water shooters from the Dollar Store. But when you are a Jedi, everything is a light saber...

Sand in my Van

Hey Ya'll! We're back from Florida, peeling our burned skin, washing clothes around the clock. It was a great week with all the Reids in one big house. Seven adults, eleven children. That's a lot of groceries, folks.

Hope's first visit to the ocean!

So, it IS possible to do a road trip of approximately 23 hours with 4 children. I don't recommend it, but it can be done!

More stories and pictures to come....