Our fingers are crossed

We are all hoping the weather in Duluth is as nice this weekend as it was two weekends ago, when these pictures were taken. We just cannot resist going to the lake to throw rocks, although the port-a-potty situation was much easier to refuse. Maybe we'll schedule more visits at the beginning of the tourist season next year.

Bound for preschool

Darby seems to be settling into his Tuesday, Thursday school schedule, although he does request an extra hug and kiss at the second drop-off of each day. Here he is looking like the big boy he has become during this summer.

40 years and counting...

We were up in Duluth last weekend celebrating, among other things, my parents' 40th wedding anniversary, so congratulations to them!

Chim chiminey, chim chiminey, chim chim chiroo. I does what I likes and I like what I do-es...

This photo answers the question, "What would happen if I dug bugs out of a partially burned log and then my nose itched?"

It's getting close to crunchtime for decisions on the basement...

First day photos

And for the record, there were some fears but no tears today, just a few extra hugs.

The long shadows of September

Troy and the neighbor kids playing Star Wars

Today was our family's last official day of summer vacation; Zada starts kindergarten tomorrow. We had a beautiful day weather-wise and just the right amount of things going on in the neighborhood to keep the hours interesting. After dinner tonight I went for a walk and as the sun was going down over the western part of our neighborhood I experienced one of those peaceful moments that only come around once in a great while. It was like seeing everything around me for the first or last time and feeling content with all I took in.

Now, whether that serenity will stay with me through the throes of the morning routine, breakfast, lunches, backpacks, drop-offs, I can't really say, but it was a pleasure to enjoy the sunset-colored sky, reflect on the end of summer and the start of our school year. The whole experience made me happy to have bought fresh crayons and watercolor paints, and it made me grateful to have a five year-old girl waving to me in the window when I got home, the same one I'll hug goodbye in the morning.

I think I miss her already.

So much fun!

We had so much fun in Indiana last weekend and most of you will recognize the smiling faces below. If the first pose looks familiar, we arranged to take another photo in the same location as last year so we could compare the two. And we did try to include Lanie as much as possible, that sweet, two-napping pipsqueak. We all had a great time and will try to make the trip as often as possible, whether it is for the s'mores, the donuts, or the really fun times. 

All of us being brave on Great Big Mable. Way to go Zada!

The girls were adding a little excitement to their ride by getting a little closer to the surf and spray.

What an evolution -- a few years ago Zada had a hard time being on the beach with the afternoon waves. Now she is wearing a lifejacket, swimming out to the raft (not pictured) and jumping in by herself. 

Darby was a good sport keeping his ear dry.
Nothing like a swimmer's ear infection to start a long weekend at the lake. Boo!

This is maybe my favorite picture as all the kids look so snuggly in their sweats. We are heading across the lake to the local donut place. MMmmm donuts...

A happy family, complete with one dozen donuts