And They're Off for Another AMAZING Year!!

The day has finally come . . . back to school 2017!!  This year is super big because Savannah is headed to MIDDLE school. :)  They were happy to take a few back to school pictures before heading off to the bus stop and carpool.

Since we opted to take Savannah to JMR, we have to provide transportation . . but it's so close to us and starts practically the same time as PSE, so she got to wait at the bus for a bit with Preston.

After arriving to JMR, we found traffic was a nightmare!  She was starting to panic (even though we had PLENTY of time before the bell rang) but I agreed to park in a neighborhood and walk her across the street.  I have to say it was a bit challenging watch her walk into middle school all alone.  I know she'll make friends and I know she's ready, but something about this big step made my heart hurt a little. :(

Meanwhile, Preston was at PSE having a blast!  His teacher e-mailed these fun class pictures from today.

I know they will both have wonderful years at school . . . life will be a bit different with kids at two schools, but I'm so thankful for God providing a way for them both to be close to home.  I'm excited to see what He has planned and pray that they learn a lot, make great friends, and find a way to leave their mark on the little world where they are.

Cheering for Daddy! Greek Festival 5k

Today was the next race in Dave's series, the Greek Festival 5k.  We all got up early and ventured uptown to watch daddy run!  It was another beautiful morning in Charlotte, perfect race weather.  He did great finishing in 23:15.

Friday Fun ~ PSE, Carowinds, Laser Quest Oh My!

This morning we started the day at PSE with meeting Preston's teacher, Mrs. McMillen!  She seems super sweet and very organized. :)  I'm excited about 2nd grade and all of the fun that awaits our little guy.

After going home to change clothes, we decided to make the most of a beautiful Friday and the last week day before school starts . . . so we ventured out to Carowinds!  I finally talked Savannah into trying the Goldrusher with us.  She didn't love it but said she "might" do it again.  It was such a nice day and the lines were nonexistent, which made it even more fun!  We went home for a late lunch and a bit of down time and then headed to LaserQuest.  I had a mystery shop previously scheduled there and the kids were super excited to play with me on the course.

I think I can safely say that we crammed as much into one day as we could.  Now it's time for SCHOOL!!!

Urban Air Adventure

Trying to cram in as much fun as we can on the last week before school starts, today we had a fun adventure with the Marions.  The kids wanted to go to a trampoline type of place so Kristin did some research and found Urban Air in Mint Hill. They not only have trampolines, but a zipline and Ninja warrior course too.

One of the climbing adventures

Savannah on the Ninja warrior course

These four kids played hard for four straight hours.  Kristin and I enjoyed chatting and just watching them have a grand time.  They were hot, sweaty, and exhausted when we left . . . well worth the admission price!

Solar Eclipse Experience

For weeks we have been waiting for this amazing experience . . . the solar eclipse!  I purchased solar glasses on eBay weeks ago only to discover that they were not approved ones late last night. :(  Thankfully our new neighbor had extra "real" glasses and let us have them.  As the welder repaired the neighbor's mailbox that Preston broke (long story) the sun slowly became covered by the moon.  It was truly breathtaking to watch and experience first hand.  Although we didn't get the full eclipse here, it was still amazing to feel the drop in temperature and see the sun almost fully covered during the middle of the day.

Our neighbor also brought out a colander to show us this cook trick . . . instead of the normal circles from the sun, the little holes projected crescents onto the street.  Crazy!!!  It was a fun way to spend a summer Monday with all of the neighbors.

Indian Trail Art Camp Show

As one last summer adventure, the kids participated in a week long art/clay camp this week.  Although it was quite a long drive out to Indian Trail (twice a day), it was so worth it because they had a blast!  I enjoyed some quiet time too, which was a bonus.  Today they had an art show to try to sell (display) their beautiful creations.  They actually chose to make a lot of Christmas gifts, which were not for sale.  I love that they thought of others instead of just trying to make money.  I did make a small purchase from each of them and the rest of the wondrous creations came home as well.

Celebrating 39!!

This morning the kids participated in leading worship with Carmel Kidz.  It was a great way to start my birthday!  Sadly, it'll be the only year they are both on stage at the same time as Savannah moves to the student ministry next year.  They were so excited and had a blast!

This afternoon I had to help with a preschool carnival at church, but we were able to celebrate with some yummy TCBY after eating separate dinners. :)  It's hard to believe this is the last year in my 30s!  Here's to a wonderful year filled with great memories.

Hilton Head Family Vacation

This weekend we were finally able to get away as a family!  We left Wednesday morning after hitting the gym and headed for our happy place, Hilton Head.  Although the weather was horrible on the way down, with pouring rain and storms, we held out hope that it would pass and be a beautiful weekend.  After checking in we decided that we needed to head to the grocery store for milk, so Piggly Wiggly it was!  The rain was still pouring down so fast that it flooded the entire shopping area.  We were walking and literally kept losing our flip flops as the water was up to our calves!

BUT, the next day was beautiful!  We hit the beach bright and early and enjoyed several hours of fun in the sun.  Of course the kids (Dave included) began digging a super big hole and enjoyed playing it in all day.  After many, many hours in the sand we packed things up and got all cleaned up to head to dinner.

We headed to Sea Pines and enjoyed a nice dinner out, along with some window shopping.

Friday was another beautiful beach day!  Again, the kids were back to hole digging and I enjoyed reading my book in the comfort of the shade. :)

Preston was FINALLY able to catch a small fish with his net, which was super exciting!

After another long, restful, fun day on the beach we took showers and enjoyed dinner in the house.  We all then went for a bike ride and found this super cool tree.

And of course, as a reward (bribe) for going on a bike ride we enjoyed the most amazing ice-cream!  My favorite was trash can, but cookie monster and super man were also big hits with the family.  I think Preston wore as much as he ate, but it was yummy!

Saturday came all to quickly, as it was time to head home.  We enjoyed a bike ride before packing up to leave pretty early.  The kids had to be back for dress rehearsal at church so there was no time to waste! What a fun way to enjoy the last few days of summer together as a family in our favorite place.

A Night at the Ballpark

Dave won a contest at work and was given a nice "date night" package including a very generous gift card to the Knights Ballpark.  When the kids found out they REALLY wanted to go, so we decided that with the amount we had we could go as a family and enjoy dinner and treats too.  We opted for a 5:05 pm game so it wouldn't be terribly late when we got home.  It was a great night, even though the home team lost . . again.