My Old Kentucky Home

I shared these on Facebook a couple of weeks ago, but wanted to have them in the memory book.

They are sweet images from a Derby week morning at a nearby farm.  I packed us a picnic lunch and food for the horses as well.

Oh how I wish I could bottle up this time....these simple days...

I've always said that a part of my heart yearns to live in the country side.  Away from it all.  Seeing my babies in a field of flowers, underneath a big blue sky makes me want it more.  Not because it's pretty, but because my heart has such a desire to protect them from all of the trouble in this world.  To be where things move a bit slower....  are a bit simpler.  

Troy reminds me that Chinese delivery, nearby drive through coffee (and cake pops!),  and high speed internet don't exist in my made up countryside house.  I suppose he's right.  

But what I wouldn't give ...or give up... to help protect this innocence forever...

We spent last year's Derby week in Houston.  Living in that city opened our eyes in so many ways, and sure made us proud to hail from.....and return to...the bluegrass.

City or countryside....  I'll take my Old Kentucky Home in way, any day.

What a privilege it is to raise my family here.... 

 to call it mine.

Finishing April

Our April was so full!  Birthday parties, lots of Easter festivities, Disney On Ice, the Indianapolis Zoo, play dates, park dates...  a big retirement....it was a fun spring.

We finished the month with Max's First Communion...

We love you Max!

Those random phone photos that I always have to include, because they are the perfect representation of my daily life ....

And a huge milestone!

This is my last photo of two babies in diapers.... the next day, Walt began potty training!

The Easter Bunny had brought a potty chair, potty books/movie, and big boy underwear....

We spent the last week of April potty training hard and fast!  Walt did beautifully going from diapers, straight to underwear (minus overnight) and trained in a week!  

   

As proud as I am of him, I already miss feeling that cushy plump diaper bottom on my hip.  He feels so big now.

Slow down sweet boy....  

Fly a Kite

Spring wasn't all about bunnies and birthdays.

We had other big news in our family.

My mom made this video to share....

   
  An Incredible Journey from Patricia Dunaway on Vimeo.

RETIRED!!!

On March 31, 2017 (my Juliet's first birthday), my parents retired together.

When my mom announced the news, her facebook page exploded with sweet comments from patients and colleagues.  I saved a few of many, so that Walt and Juliet could read one day.

Their retirement was more emotional for me than I expected.  I was excited for them, and also feeling the bittersweet emotions that come with saying goodbye.  This was a major chapter in their lives, coming to an end.  A  huge accomplishment and milestone.

I feel so much gratitude and appreciation.  TARC and PCA/UofL provided a lifetime of happiness and memories for me.  They did so much more than put food on my table and a roof over my head.  They gave me family vacations, memorable birthdays/holidays...my first car.... a dream wedding...  the list is so long.  I will forever be proud to call these two companies mine....  and always grateful for the opportunities that they gave to my family.

And to say that I'm proud of my parents, doesn't sound adequate enough.   Their professional/work accomplishments are many, and I personally reaped the fruits of their labor for many years.

But do you know what the best part of retirement has been so far??

Just having them home every day.

The day after Easter (Troy had taken the day off), we went to the Indianapolis Zoo. And now that mom and dad are home through the week....  they were able to join us. 

In the very short time that they've been retired, we've had countless opportunities to enjoy them more.  

Not only outings, but little things.

Like calling them with... "hey, we're eating a Popsicle on the back porch..want to come down?"  Or, "we're taking kites to the field to fly...  want to join us?"  When normally, they would have been working (or preparing for work the next day),  they now will hop on their bicycles (they live one street over), and join us on a whim. 

Being able to enjoy life on a whim is what retirement is all about I guess.

Congratulations Mom and Dad!  I am full of pride and thanks for all that you've accomplished and given.   I hope that this next phase of life is your most beautiful yet!  I hope that your days feel carefree, easy and peaceful.  You've earned this special time.

I hope that you stay up late, sip your morning coffee slowly..... enjoy long walks, slow sunsets, and all of the other details of life that while working... you miss.

I hope that you feel life slow down....  with more time to enjoy the little things...  

...more time to fly a kite.