Happy Labor Day! Todd and Chris headed out on the backcountry trails behind our house, and 8 miles later, they feel they had explored quite a lot of the "road less traveled." They found 3 horned toad (I keep calling them horny toads and it drives Chris crazy ;) ) . Can't believe the summer is coming to an end, however, we have broken the record of hottest August ever. Ready for some cooler temps...like 75 degrees and sunshine...I would be happy with that weather way into November.
Today, Chris picked up his schedule for highschool, got a TRHS hat and sweatshirt and says he's ready for highschool. What I know is that this kid is one of a kind, a confidence in himself and his capabilities and the willingness to go try new things. Along with that is a kid that is growing taller every day, is in fabulous physical shape and is so handsome. There is a kindness within him that not many people have. It will be fun to see what directions Chris heads to as he starts a new chapter of his school career. What I do know is that I will be so proud and happy to follow him and support him all along the way. I LOVE YOU VERY MUCH CHRISTOPHER!
Chris at Stonehenge....it just blows me away that he was standing right amongst this mysterious arrangement of prehistoric architecture. It is filled with an amazing history within this area. Several weeks ago, we had seen a show on "Nova" on how it had been built...theories and history to back it up. They even did live tests to see how those rocks could've been moved...the rocks that are tons and tons and absolutely gigantic. I want to hear more details from Chris on what he thought when he got there knowing the information he already knew. I am absolutely fascinated by this and of course, my favorite part is that Chris is in the photo with the whole expanse of Stonehenge behind him. I want to get more of this information down in writing and also his view of all of it and what he knows to document this photo and the others he took there. These are the times I wish I would've majored in history...not for any other reason except to just know more about these kinds of things.
After 2 long plane trips...to and from...3 countries....seeing places people only read about....time spent in hotel rooms, busses, subways and trains...many experiences...almost 500 photos and many videos...and many stories we look forward to hearing in the days to come...CHRIS IS HOME! He may never know how much I missed him and was so excited to know what he was doing each day and what he was seeing...that I would look up his itinerary and then look up the places where he was visiting...that I would fall asleep and wake up to figure out what time it was where he was (along with doing that many times during each day) ...that I woke up this morning with the anticipation of a child on Christmas Day...I could hardly wait to see this kid... this experience he has had has amazed me, impressed me, worried me, made me sad (selfishly), made me want to explore more, made me beam with pride at Chris being able to do this, made me miss someone more than I thought I could and made me smile in my heart that he is HOME...SAFE AND SOUND!
"I want to walk on water"...a very simple statement from Chris during the summer of 2002. During that summer, the boys (Nick and Chris) took swimming lessons at Columbine Knolls along with the Kimmey kids. Zach did take some lessons also, however, usually was sitting at the edge of the baby pool "observing" instead :). This photo was one of the first of him jumping off the diving board. He really didn't show any fear as he walked to the edge...and then he JUMPED and for just a moment, he really did walk on water. This is an all-time favorite photo and it is proof that you can do anything you set your mind to. 
...and he's off...to Paris, London, Edinburgh. What a crazy feeling to send of my "little boy" to 3 different countries in a completely different continent. He should be in Paris right now as I type this and will be there for 4 days and then onto London and finally, to Edinburgh. What an experience he will have. So strange to know he's so far away . It is certainly more quiet and different without him here and I have to say that I sure miss him already.
Chris, I have to think you know are a special person. YOu are filled with knowledge and talent way beyond your years. Today, I read a paper you wrote for your Dimensions class about zoos and your feelings about them and not only was it well written, it was filled with passion and knowledge. I know you will do amazing things through your whole life, and never forget how special you are...to all of us, and to the world...and most of all, to yourself. I love you so very much.
A MOBILE JUNK DRAWER...this is what Chris found when cleaning out ONE of his pockets in his backpack...lots of good treasures. 
Remember the Alamo...Chris is finishing up his work on the "scene" for his History I-Search project. He is so good at building things and of course, drawing. His English teacher has asked for him to paint a book cover on his "podium" so he starts that tomorrow. What a talent he has and does it without even having to think about it. It will be fun to see how he continues with his creativity all through life...may he never lose it or put it aside because he's too good to do that. 
Just now, you were outside, hanging out and watching dad and Zach playing catch. You didn't want to play, but you just went out to pat the dogs and climb up our hill and check things out. What you don't know I see, but I do, is that you are a free spirit, comfortable with yourself and your surroundings, passionate about what you love, caring and kind, you have a quick, easy smile and you laugh at things that surprise you...you are very smart...both book smart and life smart and you can read people very well...you like Guns and Roses and we play it in the car when we go somewhere. You don't always like "extra attention" but sometimes, I think you need it and sometimes I just want to give it to you. I look forward to what lies ahead for you and feel confident in your path ahead...and may you always feel that same way. These photos make me smile and reflect that person who you are...a kid that is eye to eye with his mom and will soon be passing me up and looking down on me :), however, you've always been the kind of person I actually am happy to look up to in so many different ways. Love you, CNS!
Nick and Chris were up at the "break of dawn" to head out to school and while eating breakfast, Nick threw a dried pea that went into Chris' milk. The way they started laughing and Chris kept laughing which made Nick and myself start laughing even more...very fun morning with these two boys.
It is official...Chris has now officially"applied" for his passport for his upcoming summer adventure to Paris, London and Edinburgh. As a mom, I find it very hard to send him so far away and my heart hurts a lot just thinking of that and praying for complete travel safety every step of the way, but, also, as a mom, this is an opportunity that is something that is right for him to be doing. That is not to say that I won't have tears as he takes off, and even sleepless nights as he is gone those 12 days, but my prayer and hope is that this is an opportunity that will allow him to continue to find his passions and have experiences that not every kid gets to have. (or even wants to have). What I do know is that I have complete confidence in him and his ability to do this. I also know that I will miss him with all my heart and be waiting to hear all about and see the photos. Now...to wait the 4-6 weeks to receive the official passport.
This is not officially a photo of today, but the story does apply. This photo was taken 12/26/06 as the boys were sledding down the hill behind where Stone Mtn. Elementary is now. We all went out and the boys had so much fun sledding on their own and with all 3 on the sled. I snapped lots of photos, but this one was an instant classic. As soon as I saw it, I knew there would never be another moment captured like that ever. The look on each of their faces is so "them" and my heart just literally melts when I see this photo. Their personalities are each captured forever in this and that is the magic of photography...you never know what is going to make that instant impact or create that forever memory like this one does.
