Digging For Worms

Today after church, Rachel decided that she wanted to go outside and dig around for some worms. So we went to the backyard and the girls started digging and I supervised.

Sorry  to say that no worms were found today. But they had a great time getting dirty and burned off some energy.

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Today also happens to be Lola's birthday! We have never "celebrated" her birthday before. I never really paid any attention to her bday, but Rachel knew it was Lola's big day, so we got her a special treat.

Hamburger from McDonald's !!

Some pictures of  Lola in her puppy days

Lola today- taking it easy

Rachel also took Lola for a "scooter-walk"

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Yesterday afternoon we dropped Raphael off at the airport for his big trip to Australia!

Rachel and I both cried a little bit, but managed to get ourselves together for the ride home. We are missing Raphael lots and are anxious for him to come back home and wondering what the future holds?

"For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord. Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."  Jeremiah 29:11

Our Garden

Earlier this spring, I decided to try and grow a little garden in our backyard. I ordered a garden kit and bought some little starter plants.

I am happy to say the despite the crazy heat and humidity and that I often forgot to water- our garden did pretty well this summer.

June 2010

 I planted cucumbers, tomatoes, squash, green peppers and lots of herbs. Most of them did well, though I only managed to get one squash. The bugs and butterflies enjoyed the garden too.

Today, I harvested the last of the veggies. I haven't watered the garden in days and it is looking pretty beat up and tired.

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Our backyard has a concrete patio that I wanted to clean up and have a more comfortable spot to sit in the shade and watch the girls play. Before Rachel's party, we worked really hard at getting it nice and pretty.

Before & After

I can't remember the name of the purple plant, but the tag said "grows well in heat and humidity"
And that is exactly what summertime in the South is. I love the summertime, but I am just about over the heat and looking forward to fall. Usually a little bit after Labor Day, the humidity drops drastically and then we can finally go back outside to play!

                                                                     

For the Grandparents

I know it has been awhile since I last posted anything. I guess we have been busy with back-to-school activities, appointments and errands. I can't think of anything to write, so I will put on some pictures of the girls for the Grandparents to enjoy!

                                                                      
  Rachel seems to be liking first grade. She is making new friends and adjusting to a new teacher. She started back to AWANA and is almost finished with swimming lessons!

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Rebecca seems to get bigger everyday! She is talking a bit more and it is so cute to hear her little voice. Right now her favorite word to say is "baby".

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My Mom saved some of my baby stuff and one of things I have is a little blue dress. I had both Rachel and Rebecca wear it and took their pictures. I can't find the one of Rachel anywhere, but here is one of Rebecca.

Me - Christmas 1974.

                                                                          
I am grateful my Mom saved this little dress. I started boxes for my girls with some of the dresses they have worn. Hopefully someday, they can pass them along to their little girls.
                                           

                                                                            

Climbing

Our little Rebecca has spent the past few weeks working on her climbing skills. She has no fear and attempts to climb up or onto anything. It is amazing how quickly she moves-I have to keep an eagle eye on her!

This is pure joy- she managed to climb onto the kitchen table!

On the table in the keeping room.

Sitting on the arm of the chair.

Finally sitting where she belongs- in her rocking chair on the porch.

First Day of First Grade

Yesterday Rachel headed back to school!  She was up and ready to go in record time. The whole family walked to the bus stop with her and watched her climb on the big yellow bus.  I tried my best to get some before school pictures.

Rachel and her new backpack.

Rachel says that she had a good first day. She made new friends already and saw lots of old friends in the halls. We are looking forward to the new school year and excited to see what first grade is all about!

                                                           

Random Ramblings

We are enjoying the last few days of summer vacation! Rachel goes back to school on Monday. I knew that summer would fly by and it has. I have been trying to keep the girls busy this week and out of trouble!

On Wednesday, I took Rachel for a haircut. Ms. Gwen trimmed off a few inches and now it is much easier to comb and keep those tangles out.

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Then Thursday morning we went to school to meet Rachel's new teacher. Her teacher seemed very nice and Rachel checked out the room while I filled out lots of papers. Rachel saw lots of her friends in halls and I know she is excited to get back to school.

outside the school

After school we went to Wendy's for lunch. Rachel loves a frosty and fries!

Thanks Nana for the money for lunch!

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Friday morning we went to Mulberry Park bright and early. I was trying to beat the heat and humidity-ha!

We came home for naps and lunch. Then we went to Imaginations At Play for the afternoon.

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Today we all went to Lake Lanier and splashed around for awhile.

And that's it !

                                                                 

                                                                      

Our Little Mermaid

Rachel has been busy this summer with swimming lessons. She has learned alot and come a long ways with her swimming skills.

Rachel and Mr. Seth

Rachel waiting her turn.

Each week the number of kids in her classes has gotten smaller. Last week she was the only one! And now her teacher instructs from the pool deck, so Rachel pretty much swims for forty five minutes straight . She does come home tired!

Practicing the freestyle.

During the summer classes are everyday. School starts next week and we hope to keep her swimming.