This is why I do this...

I take pictures to remember things.  I organize the photos on this blog to do what I can to take moments and put them in my pocket.  Life is so sweet and good, and it's easy to get buried in other things and forget that very essence of it all.  These are just four moments that I recently put in my pocket to pull out on a rainy day.

Hadley and her pony, Harry Potter!  She took the kids riding with her and it was beyond amazing to watch my talented and kind niece ride and help her cousins.  

I already knew Mia has the horse gene but discovering Luca does too was thrilling for me.  Luca LOVED riding Harry.  He rode with a saddle and bareback, as did Mia.  The freedom of being on horseback is indescribable.  Hadley was so sweet as she worked with the kids.  She has it in her blood too, as I do.  She said, "I think I was just born this way....loving horses."  

Another pocket moment....with my girl at the track.  I like running on the track sometimes to do speed workouts.  Mia has begun to come with me and holy cow can this kid run.  I use her as my pacer! You know you've rounded a corner in parenting when your kids aren't just coming along with you places anymore, but actually participating like a peer.  

V texted me this photo the day before school started.  He took the day off from work to be with them to help them make the last day of summer special.  They started off at Bronco Training Camp.  It was HOT and they stuck it out until they all began to melt.  I am now very outnumbered around here.  Three sports fans.....and me.  I am proud of myself though because I'm really trying to learn more about the sports they all watch together.  

First Day of School!

First and Third grades this year.  They were really excited and I got great reports at the end of the day!

Well, his report consisted of "Yes", "good" and "Yup" when I'd ask questions.  He is a man of few words, when asked direct questions that is.  If he's telling me about wild animals or sports, he'll talk my ear off.  I asked all the dumb mom questions...who did you sit with, was your teacher nice, do you get two recesses, did you read any books, and I got one response, "yes".  

I was so proud of him as he walked into first grade.  He is a really good kid in class and always tries his best.  

Mia was thrilled to be going into third grade.  I got the full report (a difference between boys and girls that others may not experience but we do here).  She carefully pulled out her daytimer and checked off the items that she needed to do last night. 

She too is a good student and always tries her best.  

It was my first day of school as well!  I told my kids that even TEACHERS are nervous and excited on the first day!  I rushed off to work after I dropped Mia and Luca off in their classrooms to greet my own students.  I love that I get to experience this life on both sides, both as a parent and as a teacher.  

It's always exciting finding out who will be in class together this year.  Mia asked me several times to text all of her friends' moms and I suggested we do it the old fashioned way, just show up.  We did just that and she was excited!

Luca is in class with his bestie.  

Mia is in class with hers.  

One of my students came to my desk and said, "I hope you don't mind but I'm starting to use this notebook as a journal."  Mind????  I told her that I was thrilled.  

She then wrote me this note.  I have a feeling this will be a great year.  

The last day of our neighborhood pool....

Ready....

Go!

School starts this week and while I'm ready to embark on some change....I'll so miss this.  It's been fun Summer 2015.  Let's meet up again next year!

Summertime Fun. Still.

I love this shot that Luca took in the mountains.  Me and my mini me. I was laughing that we're wearing the same shorts, tank tops, and our hair in a braid.  The apple doesn't fall far from the tree apparently.  

This.  Is.  Living.  

Bowling with the cousins.

Mia's Final Softball Practice and Game

The last softball practice every year is always a big hit.  Coach Andrew (Uncle Andrew) has the girls hit water balloons during batting practice.  They LOVED it.  

The Pink Sox lost their final game, but had a fun team party with cupcakes and trophies.  Not too many wins this season but they learned a lot!  Next year we're on to kid pitch, which should make for another learning curve.  

The Little Brother Squad