Okay, this is my favorite picture of Lydia during the last year or so and definitely a favorite even over her lifetime.

Heather took this picture last spring and everything about it is perfect.  Heather is intuitive and understated, and talented.

And this little girl is going to school in two weeks. 

Grade 9 begins, and she is ready

James took her to school for her student ID picture.  Orientation is on Tuesday evening.  Kirsten is taking her shopping for school clothes on Saturday.

And this is a big deal.  Kirsten knows clothes and what looks good.  Kari trusts her.  They had words on Easter morning back in April and have taken their time coming back together again.   Our trip to Canada together helped.  Time has helped.

The whole big, happy family thing?

It's real, in a sense, and yet this is not a community of saints.  It's a community FULL of personalities, and many teenaged people actively moving through intense growth stages of their lives. 

But there she is, my sweet Karinka Doodle, as seen through the lens of The Heather.

Lydia Karina--I am so excited you are ready to go, and I hope you have an awesome fun time.

Love forever, MOM