Gifts to the River

Happy Monday! In light of the current events, our economy, and our current credit rating as a country, it's safe to say we've seen better days. If we want to look at a brighter side, the weather this summer has been heavenly! I know, that's a big jump from a serious subject to the weather, but it also speaks to how far we have to go to choose to see the bright side.


School starts next week for Mason and the following week for me. Dave got back to school last week and in true Hero form, he's been working hard all summer long! As for fun, well we've had our fair share of good times this summer. Most of which have been low to no cost, like spending time at the river. We live just a mile and a half from the confluence so to pack a little lunch and our sunscreen is super simple. Mason and I have been spending lots of time building dams, skipping rocks and something unique - giving gifts to the river. We take colored Sharpies and decorate river rocks with messages like "Peace," "Love," and one of my favorites that Mason made, "Summer Rocks" which provides a double meaning. When you place them back in the water, the colors light up, they are just beautiful! We leave them there when we leave and it's a wonderful feeling to hear the squeals of joy when a group comes in behind us to swim where we've just been. I don't know if people take them or toss them in the deeper parts of the river, but when we've returned the next day, they are gone.


Though summer is winding down, we have many days of sunshine and gorgeous weather left. I was just telling a friend that we have been swimming in the river the Sunday after Thanksgiving! It won't be long and the days will be short and the nights will start cooling off, so make the most of what you have today! Happy Monday!

Summer 2010 Highlights!

I thought instead of recapping the last few weeks of not-so-much-fun, I would go back over the summer and post some pics of the Fun, Friends, and More!

We spent lots of time at the ARD pool. I expect this is the last year Mason will pass for "little enough" to play in the water park.

I love this picture! Mason wanted desperately to mow the lawn. Something told me to capture this moment in time as I expect he won't be that enthusiastic ever again...at least about mowing the lawn! Priceless!

Many afternoons were spent selling lemonade in front of the house. There just wasn't an opportunity to get a good shot without posing it. I didn't want to stage it so this is what we get! Oh, and by the way, in this economy, Mason did alright selling lemonade!

If my memory serves me, Mason spent more nights sleeping on the front deck this summer than he did in his own bed. I say it's because his room was such a disaster, good, restful sleep was just not possible. He will tell you something completely different. No matter, that's what summertime is for, warm nights that make sleeping outside so enjoyable!

The girls had pretty feet all summer long! What girls you ask?

Kathy, Diana, and Julianne in this picture!

And here the three ladies are getting ready to go out with our lucky guy, Dave!

Max, Kathy, and Julianne.

We had a lovely cocktail party one Saturday in July while Julianne was visiting from Minnesota. We had such a wonderful visit. I hope I can post pictures next summer of my family visiting hers in Minnesota!

Lots and lots of new Smoshpellow recipes! These are caramel smoshpellows, one dusted in powdered sugar and the other dusted in cinnamon chocolate. Oh yeah, they are to die for! And don't forget Teresa's homemade truffles. Mason said they are the best candy he's ever eaten...now that's say'n something!

Mason got his own set of paints and figures to paint while school was out. This is really a milestone for us because painting miniature figures is Dave's favorite pastime so Mason being interested, too is pretty cool!

Spencer turned one!

We celebrated with cake while we sang Happy Birthday!

Just so y'all know, Spencer ate the vanilla icing but not the chocolate cupcake.

That part was just for show!

Back to school! Mason started the 1st grade!

Ms. Morris is his teacher and he gets to ride the bus! Note: It's very important to Mason to look like a teenager...note the jeans and shoes - key pieces!

With back-to-school came soccer! Yay! Mason is #6 and plays on the Pistol Pete's Pirate's team. He really loves soccer and loves playing goalie! This is gonna be great fun for all of us...can you tell who's really getting in the spirit? Opening day for SoccerFest 2010 and Dave was our official "Pirate!"

Mason got to call the toss! We won the flip!

My little goalie in action! This was his first scrimmage...or real game as he will tell you. Hey, they played another team, I'd say that's real!

And of course, he had to pose for mom!

It's been a great summer. I'm ready to head into fall and then winter. We have big plans for ZipperBack Gloves and you all know we are planning to move from the Aeolia house after the first of the year. We will be staying local for another couple of years, but we all know how fast time flies! I hope you had as much fun this summer as we did! Drop me note and tell me what your highlight was over the last few months. I love hearing back from all of you! Have a great week and thanks for not giving me too much grief for being late! Smiles!