Milestones

"Look, everyone, no training wheels!" exclaimed Ashlyn.

Barney and Al just chilling.

Today was a big day! Ashlyn was out of school for spring break and when the sun warmed the day up a little, she, Jax, and Grey headed outside to ride. The bike with training wheels that Ashlyn usually rode had a blown back tire and the bike Noah usually rode without training wheels had a busted seat. Paw Paw took the seat off one bike and replaced the other and coaxed Ashlyn to try and ride with Grandma's help. I only ran with her twice and the third time I turned loose after a few steps. She rode half way down the drive and I called her name. She stopped, turned around, and was shocked that I was still standing close to where she began. I have rarely seen a bigger smile on her face. By the time she left today, she was riding like a pro and looking forward to getting rid of her training wheels at home. Of course, we went to Walmart after church and bought a helmet. There have been a lot of changes in Ashlyn's life already this year and we celebrate each new milestone reached.

Speaking of milestones, my husband has never been a cat lover but about eight years ago, he found an injured kitten under our chicken coop at the barn. He brought the poor little thing up to the house and put it in a box. We took it to the vet  the next day and Barney has been a part of the family since then. He and Al weren't fond of each other during the early years but Barney has become the best, loving cat I have ever seen. He loves the grands and has never offered to bite or scratch any of them. He always rests close by when any of us are outdoors as though he is guarding us. If another cat comes around, he chases it away. They say we all mellow with age. Maybe that is why the relationship between Barney and his "dad" is so sweet now.