The World is a Book

This is a summer of change and one in which the term roots and wings is beginning to seem like a bad idea -- no more wings for my kids!

Jacob left this morning to move into the dorm in his Atlanta university. I've called him twice and he's called me twice so we are even. It's an exciting time and I think will be a good fit for him but is hard on mom (and siblings -- Charlotte shed tears when she woke this morning and he'd already gone). Sam will be moving to Denver next week so we get to go through it all over again.

I found some old family beach photos that I thought would be fun to post. Good reminders of the many trips and joys we have shared and hopes of many more to come! Forgive my wandering into the past but the changes make a mom sentimental.

Three here from Scarborough beach in England -- about 1990-92. My home and birthplace and somewhere the older two boys loved.

Moving on in years -- some memories from Hawaii:

Then Jacob (the biggest) and Ben in Khorfikan, United Arab Emirates:

And lastly a teenage Sam parasailing in Malaysia:

We have not managed to go far abroad this summer but have been busy with a month long visit from Grandma, wedding (pictures to come), beach and mountain trips, and activities around town. The pool and local fountains have been popular given the heat and humidity here in the south US.

We are lucky to have various fountains and these in the middle of downtown Knoxville are especially fun during the farmer's markets. Sitting at one of the outside restaurants while the kids run back and forth to the fountains is "almost" Mediterranean feeling!

A new friend from ballet class gave Charlotte a princess hat and the next day she saw a cat-sized matching one in a store. Too good to pass up although I think the cat wishes someone would turn into a frog!

Thought we would share a few pictures of our additional family members. Our still loved old guy was Charlie (seen here with Max when he was about 2 years old) who died on the same day I found out I was pregnant with (now) Charlotte -- no one tell her she was named after the dog!

Here is said Charlotte with our other older guy, George (he's 10 and she's 3). Lovely George puts up with many different outfits and play times each day. He particularly enjoys tea party when he gets biscuits.

Then there is Tallulah who is about 5 years old. We got her from a border collie rescue group after she and her sister were dropped off at a kill-shelter in Georgia. We think she was a farm dog as she knows some commands but does not know how to play with toys. She's a sweetie but very driven to herd and spends her days staring and stalking the cat!

And then there is the stalked cat. She couldn't care less about Tallulah and occasionally hits her on the nose to remind the dog that cats are in charge!

I won't bother with all the gerbil or small animal pictures as they don't sit still long enough in costumes to be really exciting!

Last one is Max with Tallulah. Both had fallen asleep under my desk as I worked!

Charlotte has wanted to start ballet for ages. Put her near a stage and she immediately dances and sings! It has been a fight to get her out of the outfit!