FOURTEEN!

It seems unreal to me that Peter can be fourteen. Where did the time go?

People told me how quickly my "baby" would grow and I would mentally

roll my eyes at them (they were right though). I am so proud of the man Peter is

becoming and I'm thankful to God that he was given to me to raise, teach and cherish.

"Best Friends"

Anne and her best friend were reunited when "K" came and spent the weekend with us. She lives almost an hour away so they don't often get together. It was neat to see them spend time together. It brought back memories of my best friend in high school (also named Anne). We, like them, had so much fun just hanging out and talking endlessly about EVERYTHING imaginable. There is such beauty in having a best friend to just "be" with. Such friendships are rare in my experience. I'm so glad that Anne has K. for a friend.

Thanksgiving

Do you ever just feel very, very blessed?

I do.

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

Another Fun Field Trip

Anne took this photo of Peter interacting with a gibbon.

Peter took this beautiful photograph of a white tiger.

I haven't written on my blog in ages...so long that I would be shocked if anyone actually reads this anymore! LOL...Since *you* are reading this, leave a comment for me please.

One of my goals for the school year was to be intentional about going on field trips. Last fall I had a serious illness that seemed to sap the energy I needed to do "extras" (like field trips) for much of the school year. Also, the realization has struck me that I have only five years left before Peter graduates...only five years! High school is looming on the horizon for Peter and it has caused me to be even more determined to enjoy every second I have with my children while they're in school.

Recently, we went took a field trip to a nearby zoo and had a fabulous time. Animals are such a fascination for Peter, Anne and I. Somehow, we never tire of watching our favorite creatures be their selves (or as much of their selves that they can be in the confines of a zoo). Peter was fascinated by the large cats on this trip. He almost took over my camera in his enthusiasm for photographing the lions and tigers. Anne was absolutely charmed by a golden colored male gibbon. She must have "played" with him for over 45 minutes. He loved playing "peek a boo" and would take a leaf from her that she handed him through a small crack in the enclosure. Gibbons are very vocal creatures and you can hear him "talking" to her.