Track Meet

Darrell had his 1st Cross Country track meet on Sat. He did pretty good. There were 130+ in his group. He came in right about the middle of the pack. They have a very small team. Cross country is still pretty new at our school. It's only the 2nd year for the high school team and the 1st for the Jr High team. (Actually Darrell is the only one for the jr high boys team.) I'm so proud of him for going out and doing it. Most kids his age wouldn't have the guts to go it alone like that.

1st Day of School

The boys went back to school today. Austin started the 11th grade, and Darrell moved up to 7th. They're in the same building (but in different parts) for the 1st time since Austin moved up - that was 4 years ago. They each have 4 classes (block scheduling), and will get a totally new schedule next semester. Right now, Austin has chemistry, history, drafting & fundamentals of electricity. Darrell has math, english, science/geography, & health/gym.

We had the kids' Sunday school classes come out last Sunday for a pool party and cookout. Everyone couldn't make it, but the majority did. It was a good day and a good way to spend the last weekend before school started back.

Here's another picture of Leila and Sable. The pictures make it look like they're best of friends. Pictures can actually be a little misleading though. It's more of an aggravate/tolerate relationship. Leila aggravates the dog endlessly. She uses her as a pillow, chair, stepping stool, etc. I'm sure Sable wonders why on earth we ever brought this 'human puppy' home. She probably thinks the only good thing about her is that she drops a lot of food.
(Leila doesn't bother Bailey, the other dog much - probably because he usually runs from her.)

A Short Break

Leila is always on the go. This was a short break she took today.

Kings Island

We went to Kings Island on Wednesday. The youth group planned the trip and invited the rest of the church, but then the majority of them weren't able to go due to various sports and activities. (Darrell is running cross country track now. He missed practice, but his coach is really good about it. As long as you let him know, he doesn't care.) We had between 20-25 that did make it though. Austin, Darrell and I went. David had to work. (He's afraid that if he takes any more time off 'for little things', then he won't have enough time left for hunting season.) Mom kept Leila.
We had a very good day. It was hot, but not unbearably and there was a breeze most of the day. Best of all - it wasn't crowded at all! I think that most of the OH schools have already gone back so it was great. There was one ride that we waited about a half hour for, but that's it. The rest of them, we walked right on. We even walked onto the new "DiamondBack" coaster - no wait.

Darrell had his 7th grade orientation last night. He's moving up to the 'big' school this year. The new school now houses 7-12 and is very nice. (They're just putting the finising touches on a brand new stadium this week.) He got his scheule and his locker and met his teachers. He'll do fine.

Fair Days

Our county fair is going on this week. Although the boys have gone every day, last night was the first night David, Leila and I went. Leila loved it.
We ran into some friends that traveled to China at the same time we did. Their daughter (Savannah) is just about the same age Leila is, but look at how long her hair is! Isn't it pretty?
We looked at the animals. Leila petted all of them that would let her.
We ate some of the fair food. Mmmmm - love those funnel cakes.
We didn't make it to the ride section though, maybe tomorrow.
We did listen to the music, and Leila danced right along clear up until we finally decided to leave at about 10:30.