Perfect Day for a Bike Ride...

The first (I hope) annual SVCS bike ride was today!

We met at the Honda Hills.  The kids had fun on the jumps, etc.  I had a pleasant ride with two other moms!  At the appointed time we headed down the Jacktone bike path and out to our house!  Wade put me in the lead.  I didn't keep it for long - but if I count right, I was the 8th one home out of 36 bikers.  That's not too bad is it?

Upon arriving at our house - Wade fired up the Barby while the rest of us rested and enjoyed fresh picked oranges (from our generous neighbors)!

We were soon fortified with hot dogs, lemonade and chips - yum!

For dessert there were yummy brownies and colorful Popsicles!

Oops!  A couple of guys thought they'd ride on down to the river.

That didn't turn out to be such a good idea.  I think one made it back to Honda Hills by way of tow.  The other had to call mum and dad!

Garret - ready to head back to Honda Hills for some more jumps!

H. getting a tow from J.  What a nice guy!

It was a great day, beautiful weather and wonderful friends to exercise with!

Happy Birthday Bret

Two mismatched ones were atop Bret's coffee "birthday" cake!  We decided at the last minute to celebrate on Thursday, rather than Friday.  This allowed  his dad to be here for the festivities!

We enjoyed pizza from Pizza Plus, a movie and coffee cake!

Bret was a good sport about his mismatched ones, and unwrapped gifts.

This morning he enjoyed a pancake breakfast before hitting the books.

His newest cousin came to wish him a Happy Birthday!

This is Jeremiah Davis, born on March 7th.  Now there are three March birthdays!  Bret, Madison and Jeremiah!

Happy Birthday Bret!  The running suit is ok, but he really can't wait for dad to come home so he can open up the rocket!

One Year Later

A year ago this week we were moving into our new home!   For a long time, Wade and I dreamed of one day living in the country.  Wade wanted to walk out his back door and shoot his gun without anyone noticing!  I dreamed of trees for neighbors instead of houses.  We both wanted our children to have the freedom and adventure that came with living on acreage.

After many years of praying, saving and waiting - the Lord brought us to His perfect place.   We're so thankful that Jim and Mary patiently waited for our house to sell.  Especially grateful to the Lord for working out all the details.  So, here we are a year later.  The pictures are in date order from the middle of February - forward.

Here are a few of the lady bugs we've managed to rescue.  They like to come into the laundry room during the winter months.

The view last week from the school room.  It's hard for me to keep schooling, looking at this makes me want to run outside!

Garret and Lilly hard at work in the school room!

Rachel doing her math in the office.  

Bret - "Oh, was I supposed to tell you when I finished my math?"

A view from the front.

The new rope swing!

Our running track.  The kids and I are getting fit with the Presidential Fitness program.

Every kid needs a place to dig!

The winter garden.

Thankful for all the wood cut last summer!  We've been toasty warm all winter!

Bret's taken an interest in football.

He and Wade play catch almost every evening!

An Azelia bush I brought from Mt. Airy.  This was a gift from a cousin when Wade's mom passed away.  I couldn't leave it there.  It warms my heart to see it blooming again!

This is Sal.  He's one of our new kittens.  What a great hunter he turned out to be.  We love it when he gets a mouse.  I'm not as happy when it's a bird.

Dodge Ridge - Ski Day

An absolutely perfect day to ski!  Four in our Crew headed out to the slopes today.  Lilly and I hit the lodge donned with color books and games!  She was thankful to have a few friends to play in the snow with too!  Garret had a great day, getting in a quick run with his dad, just before his two hour lesson!  During his lesson - Wade and Bret went to the back side!  Rachel stayed nearby on her favorite - Lift 2.

After an early and quick lunch Wade and Bret returned to the backside - this time accompanied by Rachel.  She had a great time, and even did some Black Diamond Runs!  Garret got a little more time in with Dad, and thanks to Sam - he had one more great run before the day was over.

Well, I'm about through with ski trips for the season - but the home school group is shouting for more!   Who could blame them?

Almond Blossom Parade and Party!

The Almond Blossom Festival is an annual event in our town.  We call ourselves the Almond Capital of the World. 

This year the celebration was a little more special for the Crew's!  We've been enjoying our own Almond Blossoms!  We were also glad to have two of Wade's co-workers and families join us for the festivities!

My pictures of the day are seriously lacking!  Here are a few from the parade!

Clowns, and more clowns!

The Starbucks Float!

I asked Jack (my Sunday School student) what his favorite part of the parade was.  He said, "The tractors!"  

Yeah, Ripon Sea Lions.  Notice the little guy with his head sticking out the bottom of the float!  When we expressed concern for his safety, they told us his dad was a doctor.  Oh, I guess we don't have to worry, then?!

Garret is waiting for the adults to quit gawking at Papa's Bike!

Lilly wanted her turn!

This is pretend!  Wade and I share the same dream of seeing our beautiful country when we retire.  However, the mode of transportation has yet to be decided.  This is his idea!

The parade, and motorcycle gawking was followed by a great BBQ and fellowship at our house!