I Like Thomas Wyatt Lemmon!

~I like to write his name on scrap paper when I'm bored at church. Then I stick the scrap paper in my scriptures somewhere to be stumbled upon later.


~I like to wear his birthstone...not mine. I will put one of my two ruby rings on once in a while in hopes someone will ask me about the birthstone I'm wearing.


~I like to design tattoos using his name or his initials (no portrait tattoos or footprint tattoos, thank you) and know the entire time I would never actually go through with it.


~I like to pull down his box of pictures once a year and go through each and every one of them all by myself (selfish me).


~I like when Bob and I talk about our kids and how they all look like Lemmon's, and Bobby will tell me "T" looked like me (sweet lies).


~I like when family and friends text me because they are unsure of what to say but want me to know they remember.


~I like acting tough, so no one feels uncomfortable.


~Most of all I like knowing that he is my son forever. I like knowing I will be his mother for eternity (and eternity is a long time).


~"I'll love you forever. I'll like you for always." ~ Robert Munsch

Summer Adventure #2 Julian!

Katie reserved a cabin for her week off this summer. She was so sweet to invite up any of her siblings who were available to join her. I jumped at the chance, and I brought Mallory along. The cabin was just beautiful, and the weather was a nice escape. We went a week without cable, Internet, or phone service. Strange but nice. We read, played games, slept, and watched movies. Delightful.

Not quite like the cabins we stayed in as children.

The kitchen and view were my two favorite things about this cabin.

We did a lot of reading...my favorite pastime.

A Downing family tradition.

Mallory had hours of fun with a few rolls of tape.

Life is good.

Kibbee's 11th Birthday!

Katie, Mallory, and I spent a week together in Julian. For the 4th of July, we loaded up and headed to see Kelly and the family for the holiday and to celebrate Mallory's birthday. Katie was so wonderful to plan a little party for Kibbee.

Summer Adventure #1 Oceanside!

My mother invited Sydney to go with her to my grandfather's timeshare in Oceanside this year. I invited myself to tag along. She pretty much told me I could only come if I brought the boys (long story made short). We had a wonderful time. We had a ton of family up there, and we kept plenty busy. Did I really have a choice with two boys?

My mother...The only human being on the beach wearing jeans. Love her!

Thank you for a wonderful trip, Mom! Thank you, Grandpa, for the hospitality.

Father's Day in Roll!

I didn't take a ton of pictures on Father's Day. I was too busy visiting, but here are a few, so my aunts can snag them and print them out. It didn't seem to matter how many times I told my grandfather to look at me and the camera. Not a one of the ten had his eyes on me. Auntie Joyce enjoying her first grandbaby. Adam was busy helping with the baby. Grandpa Harley getting once last kiss in before he hit the road home. My brother and my father. Lucky me.

Buddy & Behavior!

I was at Sydney's promotion while Bob attended Maverick's class awards ceremony. Maverick received several scholastic awards, but this behavior reward was by far our favorite! We apprecaite Mrs.Brooks, and her recognition of Maverick's fine behavior.

My Biggest Graduate.

Sydney was promoted last week. She will begin her high school journey in August. Unreal. *Of course, my camera died the minute we walked into the gym for the actual promotion. My mom is going to miss having Sydney at her school. I wonder if she will be there in another year when Mallory is ready for middle school. It's comforting to know Grandma is on campus when you are dropping your first born off to school every day. Yes, my dad needs a haircut. I'm pleased to announce he got one this week. I'm so glad he was there for Sydney's day. Kay-Lanie and Sydney have been apart an entire year! They are looking forward August, for sure. I love my girl. I'm so proud of you, Byrd. *Not pictured due to camera crisis: Adriana, Patty, Tom, and Aunt Vickie

My Littlest Graduate.

My "Littlest Babe" graduated from preschool last night. No tears were shed to my surprise. I did okay. Maybe, it's just time. I have spent many years with Hand In Hand, and I have learned and loved so much. All four of my children enjoyed the preschool program, and Maverick even did the kinder program. I will miss the staff and the morning chats with my fellow moms. It's been a fun run.

Tiny chose what he would wear for the event. Bobby couldn't believe I let flip flops and skinny jeans happen. Typical fourth kid syndrome happening in our house. Sydney wore a formal gown just about when she graduated. Mallory wore a church dress. Maverick wore a button down, and here we have Strider in a t-shirt.

Recital!

Sydney and Mallory had their end of the year recital last week. I am so grateful for Edna and her willingness to teach my girls. She makes it fun and laid back which is not the rigid method I was raised on. I figure, she turned out a musician, and I did not, so her method must work.