Much Like it Began

We ended the official last days of summer, much like it began.  We spent labor day weekend hanging out with friends.  The kids swam and we watched fooball at the Gillions and then ended our weekend with a few hours on the lake.

Jax even got in his last nap of summer!

A New School Year

Fifth Grade...The last year of elementary...I'm not even sure how we got here.  The theme of change continues.  For the first time, the kids are not in the same class.  Baylor has his own classroom this year by choice.  Delaney and Jax chose to stay together; honestly, since they are in advanced reading and math, they are pretty much forced to be together most of the day.  The truth is they don't mind.  Also, the kids now get up and ready for school without me hovering.  Truly my kids have always been pretty good in the mornings.  They have adapted to their new routine and taken on the responsibility of getting ready on their own.  So far, fifth grade is proving to less labor intensive on the homework side and they seem to be really enjoying school.  I am very proud of them.

Highlights of Summer

The seasons have changed and I'm way behind.  Sometimes, I think I should just give up but then I see how much the kids enjoy looking back.  I'm going to attempt to plug on even though this year in particular will be super busy.  

It wasn't the typical summer for many reasons.  The weather was much cooler than usual. We were left with many cloudy, rainy days which really cut into our pool time in June.  We didn't make it to the Gillion's for the fourth of July but our celebration was a three day event, none the less.  We spent a couple of those days on the lake.  I especially enjoyed watching the fireworks from the water this year.  During this time period, I began to contemplate a new job. 

July was an eventful month.  Rick had his second shoulder surgery in six months and I accepted a new job.  This meant many changes for our family, including the fact that my summer would end a few weeks earlier than I had anticipated.  I tried to squeeze in our summer fun events.

Bowliing and trip to Dad's work.

Walk on the trail

Night at the Drive-in

A day with family

The end of July brought "good-byes."  For me it was the end of summer but most heartbreaking was my goodbye to Grandma Young.  In the wee hours of a Sunday morning, as we gathered by her hospital bed, Grandma made her way home to be with Grandpa.  I knew she was in a much grander place but I did feel like it was an end of some of my very best childhood memories. I spent so many summers with my grandparents.  We camped, we spent time at their house,where we played four square in the streets, endless games of marbles and dominos and were fed three very good meals a day.  Life won't be the same but I feel so blessed to hold so many wonderful memories of the simpliest, yet best days with two of the greatest people I'll ever know.