Gorgeous Sunrises

 I know I've said this before, but seriously, I really don't like getting up at 6AM on weekday mornings.  :, Ramsey doesn't either!!!!   But, in order to make the bus at 6:50, it's a must-do.  Ugh!

There are some beautiful and wondrous things that early in the morning.  Once the sun starts to rise, the skies are delightful - rather breaktaking most mornings.

I thought this picture was amazing when I took it:

Then, a few days later, Eric was up early to go fishing with a buddy and he took THIS picture, which totally blew mine out of the water,  It has ZERO enhancements/filters!

Friday Night Fun Outside

 The weather has been just beautiful.  On a Friday evening, after school and after supper, Ramsey and I went outside to hang out on his playset and chill.   Ramsey played while I basically hung out on the big round swing and enjoyed the sounds of late summer and the light warm breeze.

As a slightly odd  twist, Ramsey found an interesting group of ants who insanely busy.  I'm guessing they're getting ready for Fall and Winter?  

Beware: creepy ant pictures.

Happy Reader

 Ramsey has been an amazing reader since he was four years old (seriously - just crazy... it seemlingly came so natural).  Since he was about two years old, we've read books every single night in his bed.  This, plus watching/reading Star Wars subtitled videos on YouTube, playing Scribblenauts, and watching other children's videos (again on YouTube), has helped him become a tremendous reader.  And, a kid who loves to do it!

I was tucking Ramsey in last night but had to go upstairs to get something.  When I returned, this is how I found him; happily rocking away in my childhood rocker (crafted by a blind man, then toll-painted by my aunt), reading "Star Wars Jedi Academy" (a graphic novel).

I hope his love for reading continues into adulthood.  This makes my heart so happy!

"SOARing" in School

 So far, Second Grade is going well for Ramsey.  He LOVES his teacher, he has an array of different friends, both in school and on the bus, and he says he enjoys it (says it's "not as boring as he thought it might be" [after virtual learning for his entire First Grade year]).

His teacher gives out SOAR ("Safety Ownership Achieving Goals Responsibility") slips when kids have gone above and beyond, being super good kids for various reasons.  

Today, he received a SOAR slip for being a "responsible student".   When I asked Ramsey what that meant, he said that when he finished his work early, he sat nicely and very well-behaved until other kids finished.  And, he said he had just a super day at school overall.  

Ramsey was so proud of himself.  And, we are too!  :-)

A View From School

 I love Ramsey's second grade teacher.  I haven't actually spoken to her (aside of "hello, nice to meet you" at the open house), but she sends messages, pictures, and videos via our parent-teacher app.   She sent pics of the classroom today. 

Ramsey is in the second picture... far side of the room, wearing an aqua T-shirt.

I just adored seeing these!

Jango - 7-Month-Old Giant Spoiled Baby

 I have to document this. I can't help it.  This dog is huge and he continues to get "huger"!

At exactly 7 months of age, he now weighs in at 90... yes 90 pounds!  At this youthful age, he has already surpassed both of his parents' adult weight.  I really thought his growth rate would slow, but he has gained another 12 lbs this past month.

Isn't he stinkin' cute though?  He no longer sleeps on his dog bed in my office while I work.  Nope... he has to lay on the daybed which is apparently squishier.

No judging!  He's spoiled rotten!

Fall Soccer Begins!

 This is only Ramsey's second season of soccer, but he's now in U8.  The difference from U7: teams now have a goalie.

The first game was postponed, due to the fields being very spongy.  The tractors couldn't go onto the fields to take all of the nets out.  Though there was no game, the kids still got togther that day for their very first practice (can't imagine how the first game would have gone without a practice - oye!).

They started out practicing throw-ins.

Then, dribbling and passing.

Each child got to "don the gloves" and practice being the goalie.

Ramsey saved a few but we'll need to continue to practice this effort.   

So... let the season begin!  The first game will commence in about a week.