Out with the Old and in with the NEW!!

Today was the day we finally bit the bullet and said goodbye to the blue Odyssey.  It's been a great van that has carried us to lots of fun adventures, but with so many broken parts and paint that was chipping we knew it was time to say goodbye.

The kids were over the top excited to get our new Highlander tonight.  We had narrowed the search a few months back and just wanted to get the beach trips behind us before we bought the new car (and get the garage cleaned out so that we could at least get one car in it).  So, today was just a matter of paperwork and of course money!  Here's to many new memories made in the comfort of our brand new Highlander!!

And They're Off for Another Amazing Year!

It has been a wonderful summer, but we were all excited to get back into a school routine today!  The kids were so anxious they couldn't sleep last night and at 10:15 they were both still wide awake . . but thankfully they finally fell asleep and were up bright and early for school today.

 Praying for a wonderful year for them both . . . third and seventh grade . . where does time go??  Here's to fun adventures, lots of learning, and new friendships too.  May they shine in our dark world!

One Last Summer Adventure

We promised the kids one last summer adventure of their choice for the weekend . . and they chose bowling!  Preston was dying to go to Sports Connection so we made it a combined trip.  After getting toasted by Dad (who bowled a 187) we hit the arcade for some more fun. 

While we were playing a game near these crazy spinning bumper cars the Sports Connection workers came and asked us if we wanted a free ride.  Apparently a few people had paid and they needed more people to make it fun so we all hoped on for free!  Then it was Chili's for dinner.  We got home late, so we opted to push our movie night to tomorrow afternoon.  What a fun-filled day!!

School & Soccer for Preston

Today was the "official" meet the teacher time for Preston.  Although he had already met her on Monday when we were sorting school supplies, today was the day to get all of the papers and take the pictures. :)  We are SO so SO thankful to have Ms. Langlois this year.  She was my #1 pick and will be a perfect fit for Preston.  As a side note, I do feel a bit older as she was in 8th grade at SCMS when I was teaching 8th grade there.  Wowza!

After meet the teacher, Preston had another first . . . CSA Friday Night Lights.  It was a big combined scrimmage with boys and girls in both U9 and U10.  The last big event before we get team assignments on Monday. :)  Although it looked like pure chaos, he had a great time.

And to celebrate such a fun day, we ventured to Ben & Jerry's for some delicious ice-cream.

And now it's time to get our ducks in a row for Monday morning back to school!

Another Fun Play Date

Today we organized another kid swap for the afternoon.  I took the boys and Miss Kristin had the girls.  Of course the girls stayed inside making art projects, while they boys ran like wild boars in the freshly cut, wet front yard!  They had a blast with water balloons and water guns while I mowed the yard.  Who needs the pool when you have a hose??

Braces or Bust

Today was a big day for Savannah . . she finally got her long awaited BRACES!!  It was a lengthy process, but she was so excited and patient.  The excitement quickly ended as she felt the pain of trying to eat and properly brush them though.  Here's to hoping this is a quick process.

Monday Funday Play Date

We had the privilege of having the Ezell boys over for the day today.  The plan was to go to the pool, but the weather was iffy and they played well all morning so plans changed a bit.  I worked on trying to get caught up while these four played lots of Wii, Monopoly, laser tag, and then ventured on some errands with me.  What a fabulous day!

Our Family Hilton Head Trip!!

This is the trip we have all been waiting for, a chance to get away with just the four of us . . . to relax, to not be on a schedule, and to enjoy our favorite beach in Hilton Head!

We left Wednesday and made it through some crazy rain before finally arriving.  Thankfully the
weather cleared enough for a walk on the beach and then a walk to the grocery store.

Of course we had to stop for our favorite ice-cream too! Can you tell what kind Preston had?

The next day, we hit the beach early and enjoy many hours playing, relaxing, reading, and of course digging holes.

We decided to head to Sea Pines Thursday afternoon.

We went to our usual spots including Crazy Crab for dinner, Salty Dog for t-shirts, and even caught the sunset on the marina side this year.

Friday we were back on the beach for a super long day of fun!

More massive holes and some time just hanging out in the wade pools.

We hit mini golf after dinner at Pirate's Cove

Then, sadly it was time to come home.  It was such a fabulous trip, one where we could just relax and unwind before the busyness of school and sports starts back.  So thankful for our little getaway to HHI!

My BIG 40th!!

Today has been such an amazing day!!  It started with lots of love from my family and ended with this amazing peach cobbler Dave bought just for me. YUMM!!!

The kids surprised me with their own special gifts, including a handmade bookmark from Preston and fitbit bands from Savannah.  They both made super sweet cards too.

We had dinner at my choice of places, Red Robin, and then came home for special desserts.

The thirties were interesting, filled with twists and turns, ups and downs, and more craziness than I ever thought possible.  So here's to a decade of wonderful memories, good health, joy, laughter, and more blessings than I can even imagine.  I know God is good and has a plan . . . so ready to see what is in store for the 40s!!

Carmel Kidz Worship

The second graders always end the year at Carmel in a big way!  On Saturday afternoon (after we got back from Carowinds) Preston had worship practice and then a big pizza/pool party for second graders.  They had a blast!

Then, bright and early Sunday morning, he had to be at church to prepare to lead worship in all three services. It was such a fun, busy, and special morning.

Surprise Birthday Trip

So for my birthday, Dave worked super hard to plan a surprise birthday trip for me!  He researched where to eat, hike, etc and just told me to clear my calendar for the day.  So after a later than normal start (due to renovation meetings) we finally hit the road and were on our way to  . . . BOONE! 

Unfortunately, by the time we arrived the weather was not cooperating and then it started pouring.  I opted to eat at Macado's instead of Makatos (trying to be good for my birthday) and then we did some shopping around downtown.  After driving through campus, we decided that the rain was not going to clear for a hike so we headed home.  Although we didn't get to do all Dave planned, it was such a special day knowing all he did to organize a fun day for me.  And, as always, it was good to be back on campus at ASU!

Charlotte Knights Game

Thanks to a promotion from Bush's beans, I scored 4 free tickets to any Charlotte Knights game. We were all super excited to head to the ballpark and enjoy a night of baseball uptown!

What?  This isn't how YOU eat funnel cake?

Afterwards we went to a cool park across the street from the ballpark and took some fun pictures in the waterfall.  It was a super fun night!