Mid-Summer Post

     This summer is really flying by, isn't it? School will be starting in just a couple of weeks. Hard to believe! I'm ready, however. This summer babysitting is too much like work! I think the kids are probably going to be ready, too.



   
      I know Megan is. She will be going to pre-school three days a week beginning this fall. She is so excited. She had her 3rd birthday last month--can't believe how big she is getting. She is 3, going on 5!! Love this brief video of her birthday--she was so excited about the cake, and the balloons, and most of all, the presents. She was positively giddy! Elizabeth, of course, her sister, is now 8 going on 15 as this picture will show! They are all growing up too fast. Course, I love this picture of the two of them above in their little "fairy tutus."

      

      My mother's family had their family reunion  in May (the May family); and just a few weeks ago, Russell's Mom's family (the Paynes) had their family reunion in Gueydan, Russell's home town.

sis-in-laws Nona (l) and

Cynthia (r) with me and

bro--in-law Chris in rear

     The reunion is usually in San Marcos, Texas, but the Theriots hosted it in Gueydan this year. Craig and I, his girls, and Luke were the only ones able to make it. Alicia stayed home because her boys had a baseball tournament, and Sheri stayed back to take Landon to a baseball tournament. So the five of us went, and we really had a great time. This is the first Payne reunion I have been to since Russell passed away. I just haven't felt like facing all those people. But I had great visits with all of the ones who came, and I feel so good that I went. I'm also planning to make next year's reunion in Texas.



    The kids are enjoying the pool this summer, at least when it is not too, too terribly hot. Sometimes the water seems like a hot tub rather than a pool. Megan is swimming right along with all the others, as long as she has her swimmies. She loves to go "schwimming," and I love to "schwim" with her.

     I saved our best news for last. Our precious little Anna turned 18 July 9, this past Monday. This is nothing short of a miracle, since the doctors told us she might live to 4 or 5. We are so proud of her and so grateful that she is still here with us.

     Her cake looks like it is on fire there are so many candles! Megan blew the candles out for her at a little family celebration on the day of her birthday.

     We are planning a big luau on July 28 to celebrate this very special occasion. (We had to work around summer trips and baseball, so this was the first date that we thought would work.) We're going to have a roasted pig and everything. We are looking forward to it and hope it doesn't rain!

    Landon just returned today from a week in Arkansas with one of his friends, and Luke leaves today for a week in Morgan City with one of his friends. Craig and Alicia's three older kids had soccer camp this past week, too.They have all been so busy this summer. Anna and I pretty much keep to ourselves and stay home, but I don't mind. We keep each other company, and I know Russell is here with both of us in spirit. (I also know how very proud he is of her for proving all the doctors wrong!!)