Congrats Lindsey!

My sweet girl, all grown up.

Lindsey graduated from North Oconee High School on May 22, 2010. It was an emotional day, maybe less so for her, but definitely for parents and grandparents in attendance. We stood as the graduates filed into Stegeman Coliseum, "Pomp and Circumstance" playing and bringing proud tears to many eyes. A chapter in her life has been closed, a bit sooner than it feels like it should, and she is on to a bright and exciting future: Gainesville State in the fall, University of Georgia in January, and possibly BYU down the road (hopefully WAY down the road, as I'm not ready to let her go just yet.) These days, though, she's keeping a pretty busy summer schedule with babysitting, her photography job and hanging out until all hours with friends at Jittery Joe's.

I'm not ready for this growing up business. (Did I mention that?)

Sign of the times?

Just sad.

At least these animal rescue workers have a role to fill. They can DO something to help. Avery was asking me yesterday what we could do, and I was at a loss. I don't know - raise money? For who? I need to research how best to help. This disaster makes me feel very insignificant.

Poor birds. Poor ocean. Poor us.

Summer so totally rocks!

Summer has been pretty happy and, dare I say, more manageable than expected. Kids are getting along, helping with chores most of the time, and I have found myself with time to play and enjoy our time together. We have planted tomatoes, gone for ice cream at Hodgson's a couple of times, and set up a little pool in the back yard. I'm trying to make the most of it now because I know once the thermometer starts hitting about 95 every day, I'm pretty reluctant to leave the air conditioned comfort of home.

This week began with a great find: a young box turtle had made its way out of a construction site and into traffic on Monday, so of course I had to stop and make a rescue. I brought him home (we know it's a HE because of his red eyes, which only males can have) and we kept him for 5 days before setting him free on our friend Jerry's property. The kids named him Turkey. He has been the highlight of our summer so far.

We really miss him.