PROJECT 365 PICTURE OF THE DAY 6/27/11

It doesn't seem so long ago that both Nick and Chris were taking tennis lessons at Redstone Park in the spring and summer...for that matter, it doesn't seem so long ago that I was playing summer leagues every summer from the age of 8-17. I guess that when I think of summer, I naturally think of tennis. I also look very forward to Wimbledon being played every June near my birthday. I can't remember a year I haven't watched it. Chris and NIck both took some lessons when young and Chris continued through several years up until somewhat recently. I do wish he would start up again but time will tell. Nick started playing again the summer before his freshman year and has really worked himself up the ranks. He is a very good tennis player and is stronger this year than ever before...today, he won 6-0 6-1 and was frustrated because he didn't think he played well so he's got that competitive spirit. I'm thinking that Zach should play some just to see if he likes it but once again, time will tell. For now, I will have fun cheering Nick on (as quietly as I can) from the sidelines and enjoying the second week of Wimbledon.

PROJECT 365 PICTURE OF THE DAY 6/26/11

In honor of my Birthday Week, I chose this photo for the POTD. I can truly remember this day at WAshington Park celebrating my moms and my birthdays. I have other photos of this day also and I know that my grandparents, great grandparents, aunt, cousins, siblings and parents were all there. I'm quite sure we had a picnic under the tree and I think this might be the year I told my mom I wanted an applesauce cake. Somehow, she found a way to make one and I recall sitting at the cement picnic bench getting ready to blow out my candles. I loved this red gingham dress also and I just have to wonder what was in that present I am opening. I am quite sure I loved the wrapping paper with the bright, fun flowers.

PROJECT 365 PICTURE OF THE DAY 6/25/11

Zach's summer job...well you can't really call it a job when you are the one that has so much fun. Zach is petsitting the Jimenez's new puppy, Maggie, when they are out for a long period of time. He's getting paid $20 each time and goes over 2-3 times to let her out, play with her etc... To watch him play with her and laugh as he licks his face and jumps on him is something that brings such a smile to my face. She is such a sweet dog and Mocha and Cocoa run to the fence to greet her every time she comes out. They love having a new friend right behind the fence.

PROJECT 365 PICTURE OF THE DAY 6/24/11

Carly's State gymnastics meet was today and I am so glad I was able to go. She shows a joy and confidence and that was so great to see. In fact, she is joyful and confident and happy in every aspect of her life and is a pleasure to be around all the time. Of course, I am biased because I am her Favorite Aunt Tracy, but all that meet her feel the same way, I know. She did an amazing job today and won 2 medals along with ribbons. Also, this photo of Carly is a spitting image of Tami at that age all the way down to the pigtails, color of hair, eyelashes and overall profile...holy cow. Way to go, Carly D...you worked hard, persevered and focused to prepare yourself for this day. I see many more of these state gymnastics meets in the future...or success in other activities that you find you enjoy. I love you!

PROJECT 365 PICTURE OF THE DAY 6/23/11

Kickball feet...our team of 5 is now back and complete...love this photo of the boys and their feet. I barely got Zach's foot in but I did, and I think this may ultimately be one of my favorite photos of the summer...the photo itself and the story of our "Family Kickball Night" we have almost every night/day in the summer.

PROJECT 365 PICTURE OF THE DAY 6/22/11

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.

PROJECT 365 PICTURE OF THE DAY 6/21/11

HAPPY FIRST DAY OF SUMMER...6.21.11...happy summer solstice...longest day of the year and also one of my favorite times of the year.