First day of school

Well, BOTH of my boys went to their first day of school today.  Unbelievable... I really struggled with leaving my baby boy today when I walked out of his preschool classroom.  How did this happen? I JUST gave birth to him, didn't I?  It is soooooo hard to watch my babies growing up.  It is heartbreaking to be alone in the quiet house during the day....  I have lost myself a bit in this parenting process... BUT, my baby had a great first day - he didn't even cry!!!  That screams adjusted and confident, right?  I, however, was a disastrous mess. I cried/sobbed and paced in my empty house all morning until I got to pick him back up and heard his happy "Hi Mommy!" when he greeted me with his contagious, beautiful smile.  :)  Being a Mommy is a very difficult and emotional job, but it is also a very rewarding and inspiring job.  I love my boys so much.... they are becoming these amazing little people, and I guess my hubby and I have a little something to do with that.  That makes me (us) very proud.  :)

Motor Boat Daddy

My family and I had a fantastic morning out on the boat today.  We drove to the island off the Bahia Honda Bridge, swam around, explored the rocks for awhile, saw a huge manatee (with lots of fresh prop scars...poor thing), and had a blast!  Here is a picture of my husband "motor-boating" the kids back to the boat from the island.  They loved it!  What a fun way to end the summer! 

We also had a great dinner out tonight and got the kids to sleep right at 7pm.  They'll be ready for school tomorrow.... what about Mommy?  I just can't believe my baby will be starting preschool in the morning....where did the time go?

Ahhh..... childhood!

I had a photoshoot tonight with 13 people - 8 children.   Yes, it was a challenge, but so, so, so fun!  I love my job!  This shot makes me laugh out loud every time I look at it.  Notice the third boy from the left biting his cousin's hand and the baby crying her eyes out?  Ahhh....childhood..... it is so innocent and so precious and so hilarious! :)

Hammock Skipper butterfly on the sea-lavendar

I saw this Hammock Skipper butterfly on this flowering sea-lavendar today and had to stop and try to catch a few shots.  It flitted around quite fast, so it was challenging, but totally fun!  What a little beauty.

Improvised sandbox in our yard

Today, the kids decided to use a pile of sand that we still need to spread in our yard as a sandbox.  They had a blast with their diggers, beach toys, and dinosaurs while I did a little yard work.

Grasshopper

Saw this little guy walking across the road today.  He kept coming right at me and actually climbed up my leg TWICE!  

Another beautiful sunset

I am reminding myself tonight of all there is in which to be grateful... I needed to get away for just a bit for sunset tonight to try and "recover" from my worrying.  Lately, I am so consumed with all the stressful things going on right now that I have been forgetting to stop and smell the roses and enjoy the little moments.  Well, I went and did that for a little while this evening. :)  I just have to breathe... things are going to be ok....they'll be more than ok.