For Those About To Rock.

The Hunt.

Sometimes you have to come up with a new scheme towards the end of the day.

I'm tired.

The kids are tired.

And all any of us want to do is watch more TV. 

So, instead of spending time with our good friend Curious George yesterday, we had a little scavenger hunt. 

Nothing earth-shattering.  Just little some'ins from our back yard.

The kids did just what they needed to meet the requirements.  Nothing more.  Nothing less.

I can dig that. 

Cuz there's nothing better than the satisfaction of a job...well...that's done.

Upon Arrival.

We went to a wedding this weekend. Whew - such a pretty wedding.

But more on that in a bit.

Before the wedding we met Grandpa so that Henry and Stella could have some fun while Dave and I went to rehearsals and such.

And these kids are just never happy to see their Grandpa. 

Exhibit A.

Thanks, Grandpa, for being so kind to these stinky lizards. 

They sure love ya. 

As do I.

Huh?

The 12th Year.

So - whew, this has been a busy week.  There's been painting, there's been driving, there's been school.  All kinds of crazy goodness. 

But, prior to all this hoo-ha, I got to hang out with my bro Jeff, Dee dee and Tyler. The goal was to take a couple shots of Tyler for his Senior pictures.  But it really turned out to be just one of the loveliest mornings in a while for me. Jeff took us on some backroads up in the mountains. We'd stop, get out, take pictures and...well, just hang out.  And I don't get to do that with him and his family very often. 

It was a good day.

And good company. 

And here are some of my favorite shots of that handsome fella Tyler.

Great kid.  Big fun.

Off You Go.

Big day.  Big day. 

First day of first grade for HJS. 

And first day as a "Senior" Tree Frog at preschool for Missy Miss.

Henry was excited. He was up bright and early, just laying on the couch, eyes facing forward. 

When we asked him if he was nervous, his answer was a very quick, "no."  Followed by a quick head movement, and then another intense look at the wall. 

What a big change for him.  And for all of us.

But there's good news all the way around. 

He's got his new shoes on.

His new backpack.

And he has a really fantastic teacher this year. 

What a great kid.  Can I say that if he's mine?  Hopefully so.  Cuz, whew, he just rocks.

Happy first of first, Henry.

5 Days and a Wake-Up.

School starts soon.  Too soon.  So we're getting in as much outdoor fun as we can in these last days, last hours.

Yesterday, we said goodbye to summer the right way. 

If I remember correctly, there were rollercoasters and ponies involved.

But more on that later.

For now, let's just jump and yell as much as we can for the next 120 hours.

Brilliant plan.