Preston's Yard Art

Preston has been having fun with yard art lately while waiting for the bus.  I'm not sure how he stands going to school with wet shoes and socks, but he really likes walking off sayings in the yard.  Today he got a little mixed up as he was walking out the words upside down.  Hi Yuo!

Celebrating Dave & Travel Soccer

If you know Preston at all, you'll know what's happening here . . . 

Today was Preston's first official travel game for CSA.  We had to go to SC so it was a bit of a haul, but thankfully his first game wasn't until 11:20.  It was blazing hot and there was no shade at all (except for the umbrella that I brought) but he played his hardest against boys 2 years older than him.  It was a blow out, but never-the-less a good experience as he played his first 9x9 soccer.

Thankfully, after the game we were able to find an air-conditioned mall nearby where we could have lunch and relax before his next game at 2:50pm. Classic kids not wanting to be in the picture!

After a little rest we headed back to the soccer field for game two.  It was at least kids his own size this time, but after the first game Preston was spent.  He barely had enough energy to kick, much less run up and down the field for an hour with NO subs!  Unfortunately, it was another blow out game.

This is how Savannah supported her brother in the heat

With soccer over, we still had exciting things ahead!  We were celebrating Dave's birthday today too!!  He chose Red Robin so we stopped there on the way back from soccer and enjoyed a yummy dinner.  Then it was Ben & Jerry's ice-cream cake for dessert and of course the best part of the day, Clemson Football!

I just can't say enough wonderful things about Dave . . . he never once complained about having to travel for soccer on his birthday or the heat . . . he just took the day in stride like he always does.  He is amazingly patient, kind, loving, generous, and did I say patient?!?  A true man of noble character who always gives more than he has and loves us well.  I'm so, so thankful for him and all he means to our family!!!  We love you daddy-o! Happy Happy Birthday!!

Little's Lemonade Stand

Preston has been begging to have a lemonade stand for months . . . and I have always found an excuse to say no.  But today when he came in and said that Patrick already had the lemonade ready so could they please set it up on our driveway, I said yes.  I cannot believe how successful it was!  I mean we do not live on a main through-fare and certainly are tucked away inside the neighborhood so when he came home with $9 ($18 that was split between the boys) I was shocked!  I think we just have super generous neighbors and FedEx carriers. :)

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!