April 23, 2026

(Click for today's pictures)

• The girls usually wake up on their own on Thursday mornings, but last Thursday they didn't. I wasn't sure when they were to wake up, so I let them sleep longer than I should. This morning, I was on top of it and even text to make sure they were awake way too early, but they were already getting ready.
• I woke Whitman, and we read together. When we finished, I moved on to the kitchen only to discover that he had gone back to sleep right where I left him. Not only was Whitman having problems staying awake, but so was Graham-it took him a good while to get up this morning.
• Eventually, the boys were awake and working on school. I spent a good bit of time addressing Graham's graduation invitations. He even has had things arrive for his dorm room the past two days-I don't like it one bit. 
• Bentley had just finished her walk today, and as we walked by the side of the house I noticed a snake-a big black snake. I think that it was probably 4 feet long. I text Robby to ask if I should kill it or act like I didn't see it. He suggested getting Graham, but since I knew he was in the shower, I found a shovel.
• Now, by the time I got back with the shovel, the snake had moved to the front flower beds. When I stabbed at him there, it just slithered faster until he got in front of the front door. I was convinced that Graham was going to hear me and open the door. It took about 8 stabs and a few squeals from me until the snake finally stopped moving. I then had to ask/beg Graham to take it to the woods-you would thought I was asking him to move it with his hands and not a shovel.
• The girls came home and then left again to babysit. This is friend of mine that they were babysitting tonight for. Robby and I ran some errands, and just as we made it home with the pizza, Graham got an invite to play pickleball so off he went. 
• I made cookies for Reagan's goody box tonight, and then wrapped them up. Now, Robby and I are watching a show before we head to bed.