Birthdays and Other Goings On

Enjoyed another busy long weekend with the kids...

Happy Birthday Grace

It's a funny coincidence that all 3 girls/cousins on my side of the family have birthdays within about a week of each other.

 Fun at the apartment complex pool

A visit to the St. Joe County fair

Unfortunately, due to the weird weather we've been having (clear, then overcast, then storms/rain, then clear again, on/off, rinse repeat), this was the only "ride" the kids got. We'll try again tomorrow night - hopefully the weather cooperates.

I know combines are big, but nothing like being right next to one to put it in perspective...

I also have to give a shout out to the lady working the lemon shakeup stand right by the entrance to the commercial building. She flagged us down a while after I had purchased a drink just to give us a free refill because she realized she had left part of the lemon juice out of our original drink. The kids enjoyed the tractors, watching some cattle judging, the goat pens, the 4-h kids' crafts, cakes, models, and rocket project displays, eating cheesy fries, and every other part of the typical fair experience.

This picture doesn't really capture the fun and enthusiasm Kate had at her birthday party. She was so busy running and playing with friends and family this was the only still shot I could manage.

Starburst (or "strawbees") overload in progress...

...not that I can really say anything given my own childhood Starburst benders!

After Kate's party I helped put Colin to bed and read stories with him. When story time was over, he asked if I could stay and sleep with him or if I had to leave. We talked about that a little bit, and he said he was "sad and confused" why our family didn't live together. Oh, Colin, I am too; I am too... I am constantly amazed by his insight, ability to articulate his feelings, then bounce up and be a boundless boy full of curiosity and joy.