first day

We had a great summer, our best yet in fact, but all the kids were excited to be starting up a new school year when the time came around. Bug is in 4th, Tank 1st and Bitsy preschool. They are all coming home happy and I love that. So, I'll just have to dream about boating along the river until next summer!

cabbage

Bug had a 3rd grade cabbage growing contest! She grew a 7.8 lb cabbage and won! It was pretty fun to watch it grow and we enjoyed a lot of tasty coleslaw. 

soccer

Bitsy was super excited to get her turn playing on a soccer team this summer! She played pretend 'soccer team' for weeks beforehand. When it got time to play, she was pretty reserved until the last two games. Her second to last game, right before kicking the ball at some point, she looked over at Andrew and I and we cheered for her to kick the ball, in that moment something suddenly clicked and she realized she was allowed to just kick the ball anytime she wanted. She didn't have to wait her turn, she didn't have to share, she could just take it and go. It was pretty fun to watch and really fun she also had a buddy on the team with her. We're hoping for years of cheering her on while playing soccer!

paso robles, ca

We had such a pleasant family reunion at the beginning of our summer. It was nice to relax and be around family. We spent a good portion of our time swimming, playing games and eating. The kids drove away asking when we'd have another one and were pretty heartbroken to hear it'd be at least a couple years until the next one.

  

summer camping

We meant to go camping a bunch this summer, but much to everyone's disappointment (except my own, I just don't sleep well), we only made it out once. Luckily, we had a pleasant time on our one camping trip and enjoyed a pretty cool zip line and small hike. I will say, despite my dislike of camping I think I'm done with packing up an entire house to head out for a just one night. Next summer we'll have to take the plunge and head out for a few nights. 

Bity's ballet

We had a great time going and supporting out little dancer at her ballet concert last spring. She loves her dance class and did such a great job!

Tank's 7th

Tank turned 7 this year! He spent the day swimming with friends and having a pizza party with family in the evening. We sure love this little boy. He is becoming quite helpful at home and is always eager to help Mr. He loves gardening, camping, swimming, radios and bike riding and under all that he has a pretty sweet and very tender heart. Happy birthday Tank, we love you! 

mother's day

Despite the fact it is clearly obvious Mr. is a daddy's boy (Andrew was holding the camera instead of him), I know he loves me and I love this little clan of mine! So grateful to be their mama.

kailua kona hawaii

Andrew had another work conference in Kailua Kona Hawaii and we were all so excited to tag along with him again. Andrew and I had the best type of miscommunication that led to us staying in Hawaii for 9 days. I was pretty worried we would all be tired wrecks by the end of our stay, but as it turns out, you can never be in Hawaii for too long. We loved playing at the beach, snorkeling, seeing dolphins, sea turtles, eating shave ice about everyday, seeing a white tiger up real close, spying lots of water falls, and even holding sea horses at a sea horse farm. I didn't take many pictures with our nice camera, but glad I documented just a bit of our trip with my phone camera. We are already counting down until we can head back again!