Three photos from the past three days

Saturday we arrived at the hotel...this was just the view from our window.

Obviously, I didn't take this picture. I spent my time holding babies instead of a camera. Betsy took a few shots though. I took this today. One of our young Marine dads loving on his little girl. He is separated from her now and it's killing him. Being a geographic bachelor is tough duty.

Senior candlelight ceremony

Last night Christie had her senior candlelight ceremony. It was refreshing. The students had a chance to stand up and say things if they wanted. It was incredible to hear guys talk about the love they had felt at the school, at the testimony their Bible teacher (who also happens to be a coach) had been to them, at the affection and respect they felt for the teachers. The girls also said those sorts of things, but then I believe it comes more easily to girls. But to hear guys talk so openly about love and their faith was really encouraging.
The last picture of the evening was Christie giving her dad a kiss.

Honeysuckle

I took my camera while walking Jackson this morning. It's amazing how many flowers we have growing wild in our yard. Good thing, 'cause I sure don't know how to garden.

Blue Angels

It's fun to have a boat. It's even more fun to have friends who have boats. That way they have the headaches and you get the benefits at times.
Today was one of those times. The family that Betsy nannies for took us out on their boat to see the Blue Angels. They really are amazing pilots. We used to live in Pensacola and watch them practice but this is the first time I've watched them for several years. And we were in a prime location. We went out and anchored amidst a virtual flotilla of boats. One by one they were asked to move until we were in the front row of allowed space. It was great. And the day could not have been more beautiful, the children more well behaved...it was all just perfect.


If I click on the photo below to enlarge it, I feel almost like I am in the jet with the pilot!

Senior projects

My girls' school has projects for seniors instead of exams. Chistiana did hers on orphanages. Her friend did his on swing dancing and she helped him give his demo. Family members, including Andy, attended.

Practicing...

Ring dance and puppy love

As juniors the mids go to ring dance, the biggest dance of their time here. Usually people make a whole weekend of it and sail, or go into DC or eat at fancy restaurants for three days.
Our little puppy is growing up. He was born February 28 and already he's almost up to our kitchen stools!

Sea Trials

Plebe sea trials at the United States Naval Academy.

Sister...wild and tame

Mother's Day

My kids (Christie in particular) had copies made in black and white of each of them as children and then had them blown up and framed. Christie is going to hang them in a special way, probably above my bed.

Riches

Foxy fellow

I saw this guy out my bedroom window both last night at dusk and again this morning. I hope he doesn't think he's Jackson's new playmate! Especially after I saw him scratching at his fleas!

Painting 101

Betsy took some art classes this spring. She brought home her paintings this week and I really liked them. I think she should pursue this. What surprises me is how much color she puts in her paintings. She's pretty quiet but her paintings are loud and bold. It's surprising.The one of the trees looks so much better is real life, I'm not sure why it doesn't come out in the photograph. She took the sunrise from a photograph I took at Topsail Island.

Four down, Two to go

Guess where we were this weekend? Our fourth child has now officially graduated from college. Just the two youngest are left, and one of them starts this year. Wow. Here Art and I are with our four girls.
Elijah and most of his family were there to join in the celebration.
Betsy and one of her funny faces!

Nesting instinct

Today, going out to my car, I saw that a bird had nested in an old backpack that I had hung up in the garage and 'stored' a soccer ball in. When I took this photo the bird wasn't there, but later when I looked, I saw two little eyes peeping out at me. I'm assuming that means there are eggs...hopefully chicks soon!

Face wash for Tecumseh

The irony is that this isn't even a statue of Tecumseh, though everyone always refers to it that way. It's of another Native American leader. But the midshipmen paint him in honor of different events. I never saw them cleaning him back up though.

Ukraine on my mind today