First day of school 2014

I wasn't able to get pictures of the kids this year, as I started working in June, and wasn't there to capture them.  So the photo of Savannah is blurry, and lighting is bad of Irelynd, but this is all I got.
Savannah is starting High School this year.  I know I say this all the time, but I CANNOT believe my baby is growing up so fast!  She is becoming such a beautiful young woman.  It's fun to see her blossom into the person she'll become.  She is so excited to start high school and progress towards independence.

Irelynd is entering 7th grade and will be in her first year in Junior High.  She's excited to finally move out of grade school and become a "big kid".  It's been fun to see her blossom as well, and see her personality evolve.  I'm so proud of my girls and the young women they're becoming.

Brighton is entering 2nd grade. 

 

Keaton and Waverly are entering 1st grade.  My babies have grown up SO FAST!!  I remember being excited for this day when they were toddlers and constantly underfoot and into everything, but now that it's here, I am sad that I won't have my buddies around anymore.  I'm not ready to have them grow up and leave the nest.

 

Waverly broke her arm shortly before school started when she fell off the side of the couch.  It fractured the upper arm bone.  We didn't realize it was broken til the day after, because it wasn't very painful, and didn't hinder her abilities too much.  She was a trooper and didn't complain too much.

 

Poor Man's lake front property

 In our neighborhood, when a flash storm hits, and it drops buckets of water in a short amount of time, it makes for a small reservoir at the end of our street.  The neighborhood kids like to congregate there and wait for cars to come by and splash them.

 They don't usually have to wait long, or beg too hard.  Most drivers are very willing to oblige them.  Some will make multiple trips back and forth.

 These are memories I hope will unite my kids when they're older and laughing about the fun they had to invent when we were poor.

Hare Krishna Temple

 One afternoon before school started we visited the Krishna temple in Salem.  We took Hannah Wood with us as well.  We spent most of the time outside with the animals this time. 

 While we were looking at the llamas, one of the keepers came out with vegetable peelings and we got to feed them.

 It was like feeding them candy.

 I loved how they all looked while watching the koi pond.  Not too many years and we won't have this difference in heights.

 Last we saw these Asian cows with big bumps on their backs.  I've never seen anything like them before.

Making wishes

Piggy back lessons

 Lesson #1 Savannah's nostril makes a good hand hold.

 Lesson #2 her cheeks do not.

Lesson #3 Hold on for dear life

Kids Summer Camp 2014

 Savannah did her summer camp again this year.  These pictures came from the carnival day.

 Sheriff Keaton

 The bearded lady

 Brighton is such a ham. 

Boston 18 mos

 I had to snap some of Boston too.  I love him in this shirt--it really brings out his blue eyes.  He is such a fun baby, and adored by everyone.

Turning 6

 I took some time right before the sun set to snap a few birthday pictures of my twins.  Keaton didn't want to cooperate for long, but Waverly posed like a pro.

 Waverly is my girlie-girl.  She loves dresses, skirts, the color pink, and having her hair curled.  She gets so excited over everything and squeals when she's really happy or excited.  Her laughter is contagious, and she makes us laugh when she's really excited.  She's quick to give a hug when she sees someone is upset, and likes to take care of her little brother.  She's very loyal and such a sweetheart.

 Keaton is my monkey.  He is all muscle and bone, no fat on this kid anywhere.  He can do chin ups at the park, and can climb anything.  He'd make a perfect gymnast or jockey.  He is fiercely independent, and protective of his dignity.  He likes to do what Brighton does, and has discovered that he loves soccer, and has great potential as a defensive player.  He hates to be the center of attention, opposite Waverly, who loves to perform for everyone.  He doesn't like to be teased.  He is all boy, and he and Brighton are the first to claim the fact that they just farted.

 We sure love our twins.  They have been so fun to watch them grow up together, and they way they are so very different.  I hope they always remain good friends.

 And stay silly.