Sunday, March 17, 2013

Viva Spring Break!

 

I love spring break. Its existence in the world makes me a happier person.

Ryan after his game in Abilene
Proud parents
The Brady Bunch?

Trying again with the smiles
Nana and Benjamin
Nana, Banjo, & Poppy
Apparently smiling was not fun at this point
Benjamin and his Auntie Val
Frontier Texas
Patio
Newly planted flowers in the front
Roses reappear
Japanese maple wakes up after a long winter's nap
New blooms each day
My favorites while they last
Ready for their close up
Purple blossoms
To the park
Stop to say hello to the chickens
Swing
Swing 2
Using the grill for the first time in a while
Eating outside on such a pretty day
Yummy
A great way to end the week


After our big meal and the usual nighttime affairs, we ended our day on the back porch listening to music, looking at pictures, and reading stories under the glow of the porch lights.

...Just a few reasons I love this time of year.

Wednesday, March 6, 2013

Baseball Begins

Once upon a time there was a little boy named Benjamin who really loved baseball...

Some moments are special. You don't need too many words to explain why. All you can do is pay close attention and hope that all the memories are being stored somewhere safe.

 

Sunday, February 24, 2013

On the Verge

The flowers blooming in our front yard tell me that something great is on the way. We still have a few more weeks to wait, but soon enough it will be spring. It's almost here.

Today Benjamin went to his first soccer practice - his first official practice for any activity. It was a brand new experience for the whole family. Benjamin had an excellent time. He ran and jumped and kicked and even listened to the coach (mostly). As he came off the field at the end of practice, he proclaimed to Valerie and me, "I did really really good!" Then on the drive home he made some inquiries as to how many fans would be coming to his first game on Saturday. I'd say his first outing was a success in every way. It's been a memorable almost-spring day.


In my eyes, something bigger than spring is coming. Benjamin boy is about to make his debut in the world as his own little person. Watching him today made this fact very clear. I realize he's been doing that since his birth, but watching him prepare for kindergarten and look forward to soccer and t-ball seasons, it just feels different somehow. Children really are just little people and soon he will be on his own, at least a little bit. Making friends, making mistakes, making mischief, making his way.

I'm so glad we get to go along for the ride.

Congratulations on your next big step, Benjamin Felix.