Goodbye, Summer

Today begins the journey.   The  first step on any journey is always the hardest.   This journey - the beginning of my school  year.   My days of staying home and loving on my babies have come to a close - for this year.   As a matter-of-fact, my babies aren't even here right now.   They are with family members while Nathan and I get back into the swing of life. 

We finished up a summer with a bang, though.   Jillian had her final swim meet.   It really was kind of sad for me.   I have enjoyed watching her swim.   We have had a good time getting to know some other swim parents.   She did well.   She won her breaststroke heat that night, but she also swam some of her fastest times.   I have said all along that I don't mind whether she wins or not (although it is really nice when she does) as long as she is improving.   She has consistently gotten better in each of her events.

After the swim meet, we traveled with my parents and sisters' families to our Mountain View weekend.   I had prayed quite a bit that the weather would be nice.   I hate it when it is so hot you can't breathe and you sweat when you are just sitting.   Well, God was listening, and we had great weather (except one little torrential rainfall that kept the guys from hiking on the last day).   The kids love playing in the creek - and it is so clear.   

Some kids just really wanted to throw rocks into the water.

Others just look handsome hanging out around the water.

Some found the water to be a bit on the chilly side.

 While others found a little spill-over that had all sizes of crawdads as well as little minnows.  

And then splashed away the clear water and probably all the critters...

 But he had a great time doing it!

 Some decided to ride the current (and find some rocks with their bums along the way).

 But they survived the quick moving water to come out on the calmer side.

 Some did not float the current but floated with Daddy instead.

And then we got all cleaned up and took a few pictures.   I can't promise that everyone was thrilled with this idea but 7 out of 8 cooperating is pretty exciting.

The whole gang...   Almost 42 years ago, it was just 2.   20 years ago, it was only 5.  Today it is 16.   

Thanks, Nanny and Papa, for another trip!
And, goodbye, summer!   I will see you again in about 192 days (plus weekends, holidays, and school breaks).