Running Like the Wind

 I enjoyed watching Rachel run today. She even smiled at waved at the camera when she probably should have been focused on running (I missed taking a picture of the wave).  As I watched her run, I thought of the times I chased her when she was a busy toddler. I can't believe how fast time goes. As much as I miss chasing my cute little toddler, I love watching my middle schooler make good choices and become such a lovely young lady. I love the child she once was and the young lady she is becoming.

 She was just behind this girl from Northshore and sprinted ahead of her at the end of the race. I was impressed with Rachel's burst of speed at the end. I told her if she ran that fast the entire race, she would have left everyone in the dust.  She told me if she would have ran that fast the entire race, she would have vomited.  Glad she didn't vomit:)

Ice Skating, Beach, and Cat on the Roof

 Rachel did a great job skating in a competition today. She actually smiled a few times! I am glad she enjoys ice skating and I love watching her.  Here are a few pictures...(well....maybe more than a few because I couldn't pick a few....) followed by a video.

 

Here she is after the performance with her wonderful coach.

 After skating, we enjoyed a fabulous, expensive lunch at Rachel's favorite restaurant. We then enjoyed another sunny day at the beach. We are trying to squeeze as much fun into the remaining sunny days we have left because we know the rains are coming soon.

 We are so thankful that our friend Jean brought her nephew, niece, and friend to watch Rachel ice skate then play on the beach with us. What a fun day!!

 After playing at the beach, the kids tried to help Jean get her cat off the roof.

 Erin Joy ended up on the roof, but could never get the cat.

 And so the cat remains on the roof....

 When I downloaded pictures, I discovered about 20 pictures of this structure that Erin Joy created with Jenga blocks and Dominos. It must be important to her if she took so many pictures of it with my camera. I'll include it for her:)

First Day of School and Mid Autumn Festival

 Here is my fifth grader!

 And my seventh grader!

 Love them both and I know they will work hard and have a great year in school.

 Mid-Autumn Festival was early this year so it was hard to celebrate with school just starting. We did get together with a few friends, had a potluck dinner, and ran around with lanterns. (Even though lanterns really have nothing to do with Mid-Autumn Festival, but we like them anyway.)

 The moon was gorgeous tonight. I love looking at the moon...especially when it is full....especially during Mid-Autumn Festival. I often think of my children's birth families and wonder if they are looking at the moon and thinking about the babies they couldn't raise. I hope that somehow they know their girls are safe, healthy, happy, and very loved.