TGIF!

Today is my mother's birthday. She would have been 78 years old. It is also my brother Doug's birthday and its a close bond the two of them shared when she was alive. This picture was taken when she was around 3 years of age and I love it. That frilly pink dress is just too adorable! She is on my mind at some time everyday, whether its a song I hear or when I'm out hanging clothes on the line, a memory or thought is evoked and I smile.

Nathan spent most of the week with his Grandmother and attended the evening bible school at the Episcopal Church. Wednesday I met a friend and her kids at the Watermelon Festival and Nathan enjoyed spending time riding the rides while AnnaBelle absorbed the sounds and sights in like a sponge.

I put the sandbox down at the garden and it was an instant hit with AnnaBelle as she claps with approval. I think she enjoys throwing, eating and putting it in her hair more, though! I'm just glad I have something to occupy her time while I pick butterbeans and tomatoes because she is starting to walk away. At least she walks towards the house but I think its those kittens that are drawing her like a moth to a flame. They don't venture down to the garden so she goes looking for them. Usually Nathan is watching out for her or yelling to me that she is walking away. When I get down in between the rows, which stand over 5 feet tall, it's hard to see her take off.

She loves to walk up to the flowers and say ahhhhh.

My sister Mary made this adorable dress along with some others. AnnaBelle loved wearing it and kept staring at the butterflies and ladybugs on it. I just love it!