the Paladinos

Wednesday my sweet baby “graduated” from preschool.  They had a cute program then we had a picnic outside with popsicles.  I can’t believe that next week is his last week of preschool then it’s off to Kindergarten.  I am not ready to lose my little buddy.

  
Getting his diploma!

And what do you do with a rolled up diploma? 
Use it as a spy scope of course!



When asked to smile…


Chillin with a push pop.

Yesterday after church we loaded up and drove to Mountainburg to the Artist Point trail.  It has an amazing view of the mountains at the top of the trail.  Notice I said at the top of the trail.  That’s because you start at the top and hike DOWN into the valley.  Then you get to hike back UP.  I think I was wheezing some pretty good gibberish by the time we made it back to the top.  But we saw some beautiful scenery along the way and the kids did great. 

 
We always give them little bags to fill with nature treasures along the way.  This is them trying to fill the bags with water and carry it out.  That didn’t make it very far. 






A very nice, energetic girl offered to take our picture on her way down.  I wonder if she was as energetic on the way back up.  P.S. I’m wearing a jacket under my jacket in case you wonder why I look extra puffy here.  You know you were thinking it! 

Snack break!

Some nice, scary stairs that they put in for everyone.


This was pretty cool.  In 3 different spots along the trail were Indian carvings.  This one was supposedly a burial site. 


The march back up the last hill.  Peter was a super trooper.  He kept calling back “we’re almost there, you can do it guys.” 

 
Yes!  We did it!  Now let’s never do it again. 

Tomorrow my baby girl turns 7!  At other birthdays it has seemed bitter sweet.  I wanted to hold her back and keep her from growing up too fast.  But this year I see the little lady that she’s turning into and I’m excited to watch it happen.  She is so full of life and energy and passion.  Now let’s be honest, sometimes that passion pushes my buttons like nothing else on this earth but at the same time I know that is part of what makes her special.  She’s going to be a button pusher and a game changer for the world.  She feels what she feels and NO ONE can change that.  She’s not afraid to be different.  She’s sensitive, creative and smart.  I can’t imagine what God has in store for her future and what she will become.  She already feels that God has called her to be a leader.  But what will that look like?  A leader in the church, in business, in entertainment.  Or maybe just a mommy who leads her children to Christ.  Whatever it is, I know that she will do it all the way and with flair.   To say I love this little girl is an understatement.  Happy Birthday sweet Gabby with many more to follow.