Sweet spot

I got a few goosebumps with memories of sitting on this bench with my dad playing 'sweatout' for the court to clear, of the hours that I happily spent here working to finally beat my dad, of my mom playing with flip flops on or switching hands while playing, of getting annoyed at dad for feeding me goofy shots (that actually helped my game), of the moments with my friends playing 'friendly' matches, of playing a match while boys played basketball through the fence (this was a good tool for concentration at times), of victories over some of those basketball boys in doubles matches with one of my girlfriends, of sweeping off the rain in the 5 or 6 spots where it settled so we could get back to playing (my dad will say I never swept!), of having our own hopper of balls for a more efficient practice, of walking the 3 house distance home for more fruit punch gatorade or a few ice pops in between games, of just what an amazing upbringing my parents provided me. This picture is full of moments, memories and thoughts of thankfulness.

I can only hope Luke will have similar memories and thoughts as he takes a detour to his 'hometown' on the way to an out of town meeting someday when he is 'all grown up'.

He may still be living with me, though, as he is currently fixated on 'never leaving mommy's house' and I am not going to argue :)

Double date

 Saturday morning....and we are off!

 "The people on the highway are on vacation, mommy"

 My blues man...

 Waiting with no luck to try on some shoes...striderite.com thank you for your service!

Luke took off with his babysitter to eat steak at Chili's and we just took Star off on our date with us. Luke ended up calling his waitress baby, and charming the waitstaff at the restaurant while he ate a huge meal! And...when his babysitter was told 'your son is really well behaved', Luke piped up and said, 'he isn't my real daddy, he is my babysitting daddy!'

Paddleboat time

Just a little bit of fun was had...'Ducks, save us from the sharks!' (and cheerios eaten)

Just a few snapshots

Date night

 Heading to the fair with this great date. He is talking to me about Patrick Star drinking sausage right here.

 Truck driver Luke.

 Little pro...

 Next in line for the race car ride.

 It really whips you around.

 But it keeps you smiling (and giggling in our case)

 After a good hand washing post-rides, it was corndogs, cotton candy, & lemonade! Yum!

Sword bought with my 'last three bucks' The fair will wipe you out! I am not used to an all cash system and was glad I had an extra $20 in my wallet. I have to make a return trip for salt water taffy! Thanks, Luke, for a great date night!!

Game day

Quote of the day: "Mommy, when I grow up, I am going to be a pilot. And a daddy. I want to drive a Camaro Chevy to the airport" He told me he will call me from the plane when he is a pilot. I can't wait!

 Who is ready for some football?

 This guy is...

 Walking in and heard Coach Butler over the speakers...recognized him by voice. "Hey, that's Coach Butler!" Loved getting to hug him in the press box.

 Running to Daddy!

 Making friends...dance and jump time on the bleachers.

 Fun with hotwheels, of course :)

 A little 'love' for Grandpa Paul!

 Focused family.

Little love fell asleep laying next to me while I scratched his back and talked to Steve. So sweet :)

And - Carbondale won! Happy weekend....