Jackson Falls

A couple of weeks ago, Eric and I took the boys to Jackson Falls.  I had heard it was a fun little day trip from a friend and since it required traveling down the Natchez Trace to get there, I was game.  I had always wanted to travel down that stretch of road to see where it leads.  Well, Jackson Falls is one of the stops, along with numerous other hiking trails and camping sites. 

But if you are in a hurry, don't be.  You will have to slow down, because the speeds on the Trace are 30 and 40 mph.  There were some stretches that were 50 mph, but  that may be the max.  It is such a beautiful drive and worth the slow the pace! 

We picnicked and then we set out on our adventure.  Once you get to the trailhead, the actual hike to the falls is steep, but short.  However, it was a bit longer for us, because we went in the wrong direction at first.  Thankfully, we met up with some other hikers, who helped point us the right way.

With these two, there is always a good tree to climb!

This one was pretty cool!

We had such a good time there.  Seth totally came into his own and was leading us up the falls and into a cave.  It was fun to see him take charge.  Caleb was completely enamored with the thrill of sliding on his bottom down the falls.  We pretty much had to drag him away.  I was not planning to go slipping and sliding around, but after watching the boys and being coaxed a bit, I couldn't resist.

It was fun!  Bumpy, at first, but fun.  The boys didn't seem to mind. 

Eric and Seth were the only ones who actually climbed to the top of the falls.  Seth led the way!  Caleb didn't want to stop sliding long enough to make the big climb.

The only casualty of the day was Caleb's shorts.  The seat got completely shredded after numerous turns sliding down the rocks.  Seth also ended up with a yucky case of poison ivy, so I guess that was a negative, too.  Thankfully, the rash stayed confined to the inside of his elbow area on his right arm.  It looked pretty nasty for a few days, but has cleared up.  Only a minor hiccup; Seth is tough!  I am surprised that it took us nearly eight years of parenting for one of our boys to contract his first case of poison ivy. 

Fun Day!  Always up for adventure!

Up a Tree...

...with a good friend.

Last First Grade Hoorah

The last week of first grade for Caleb was more like field trip, party, field trip, party.....

It was probably for the best, because by the time mid-May had rolled around, most of the kiddos had a big ole case of Spring Fever and were certainly ready to get their summer break ON!  Here at the Workman house, we were in that boat, too. Once Seth was out of the school on the 11th, we were counting down the days until the 22nd, for Biz to be out, too.

Caleb had such a sweet class this year. 

On the last full day of school, the entire first grade took a trip to Pinkerton Park for a day of fun and end of the year popsicles. The weather cooperated nicely, and it was a great way to end the year.

The next day, the actual last day, was only a two hour day, but Mrs. Franklin was very gracious and allowed for us to just drop in, receive our report card, say our goodbyes and get our summer vacation started!







 Which we promptly did by celebrating with a trip to Nashville for a playdate with our buddies, the Davis'.  Couldn't end much better than that!

End of an Era

September 7, 2010

Yep, I blinked.

And then we were here.

May 11, 2012

Seth has now crossed the threshold from being a preschooler to now a rising Kindergartener.  Way to go, Seth!  He is really excited about moving forward and I am, too....most days.  His end of the year festivities included a classroom program, where Mrs. Jennifer recognized each student, gave them a cool certificate, and a sweet memory book, highlighting the year's adventures at school.  They also had a little ice cream party to celebrate the end of a fabulous school year.

The following day was the school wide program that is held in the sanctuary of the church.  It was time for Sethie to perform for us the songs he had been practicing for months during music class. 

As always, Tante made sure that she was there for the big performance, which of course, made for a very happy Seth. 

Then we had some treats and hung out for a bit with friends.

Since we have no more little Workmans to send through First Presbyterian Preschool, our end of the year goodbye was a little harder.  We have had a wonderful experience at First Presbyterian.  Four years flew by, but within it, we made lots of great friends, some of which will be lifelong friends, were blessed with phenomenal teachers, had lots of fun and enriching experiences, we were in an environment where the boys were reminded of God's love for them daily, made a ton of really cool crafts (which completely filled the gap of the arts and crafts deficit at home), and the boys were very well prepared for Kindergarten.  We are grateful for the opportunity to have been a part of this family and have very fond memories of our time there.

Lastly, we will certainly miss this bright spot in our mornings...Mrs. Bonnie's smile. For the past four years, we have been greeted each day by this sweet and lovely lady when we have entered the school. Mrs. Bonnie has been the director of First Presbyterian Preschool for over thirty years and has such a heart for her the kiddos and families at the school. We will miss her very much!

Leaf Love

"This is how big my heart is for you, Momma!"  --Caleb

One of the Many Reasons I Love My Hubby...

Although I don't think I could ever forget this, I wanted to record this very sweet memory...

It had been a few days since I had gone for a run, so I set out yesterday morning to complete my two-mile loop.  I quickly learned that it is a lot easier to get out of the habit of running than to get into the habit. I was also quickly reminded of the value of having a motivating running partner alongside you. My running partner had had a very busy day before and was enjoying a very well deserved sleep in, so I got up, left him a note, and went for my run solo.

My goal was to run the entire loop without walking.  I actually ran the first mile fairly smoothly. 

Then I stopped for a bit.

I shouldn't have stopped. 

But I did. 

And oooh...it felt so good to stop.

I tried to muster up the motivation to restart my run, but it just wasn't happening. See, those motivating running partners are a jewel!  I decided to concede my goal and started to walk for a stretch.  After about a quarter of a mile, I got a burst of energy and was ready to run again. Yay!  I really wanted to complete the rest of the loop running, in my own mind, to redeem myself.  I was sailing right along until I got into the home stretch, which always seems to be the hardest part for me.  I started to run out of steam.  I kept thinking, "If I can just NOT stop, I will have it." 

But I REALLY wanted to stop. 

Or at least walk. 

But I stayed determined and pressed on.

Well, when I finally rounded the corner and had our home in sight, I pretty much decided to give in again.  But then I caught sight of something.  My handsome motivator was standing out in the yard, clapping and cheering me on. He was smiling so proudly and was exactly what I needed to see in that very instant.  It was just one of those sweet moments that takes your breath away (not that I really needed any help with that part, since I was already pretty breathless from the run); a moment when all you can do is praise Jesus for pairing you with such a spectacular human being. 

Somehow, Eric just knew I needed that extra push to cross the finish line.  Well, maybe he didn't know, but it was really cool to have him supporting me in something as simple as a morning run, at a moment when I really needed it. 

He gave me the motivation I needed to keep on trucking right up to our front porch.  I ran about a mile and 3/4 of the loop!  Not quite my goal, but good enough.

The prize at the end made it all worth it! 

Thanks Honey!   I love you!