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.

First Day on the Lake

I titled this first because hopefully, they'll be more to come.  The weather hasn't been very cooperative in getting in even pool time. It's been a cloudy, rainy summer so far. This does not make me happy.  We did manage to enjoy this windy day on the lake. 

A day on the lake isn't complete without a little nap for Jax. 

Church Camp

The boys also attended Burnt Cabin this year so I was kidless for the first time in 10 years.  I missed them like crazy but at the same time,  it was kind of nice.  

When picking them up, we heard endless tales about their week of fun. 

Delaney found a friend in Colby.  He even did a little tumbling with her.

Jax said his favorite part of camp was leading worship so Brennan asked him to lead a song the following Sunday morning.   He did an awesome job and showed such courage in getting up in front of the entire congregation.  It was a proud parent moment. For. Sure. 

awe...SUMMER

Our first weekend of summer was spent with friends, swimming and indulging in our favorite summer foods.  

For our first week of summer, we started a family reading and study of Psalms and I packed the kids for church camp.  

We Survived 4th Grade!

The end of the school year is always loaded with activities but this year, the kids had project after project which had to be completed on top of the typical homework load.  Here are a few pics of some but not all.  I was definitely feeling the "triplet effect."

We had to make a water balloon protector. 

Book Reports

Science Projects

And I survived year 10 and another act in the school Talent Show!

Even Delaney is DONE with school.  

We are ready for summer!!!

Lacrosse Champions

We went into the post season tournament undefeated, which far exceeded our expectations for the year.  Having rolled over many of our opponents, especially early in the season I willl admit that I was struggling to develop a zeal for the game. The post season tournament definitely changed that.  

We played Bishop Kelly in the finals.  This was a team that had provided us the most competition throughout the season.  We found ourselves trailing most of the game, a position our boys had not experienced.  We would come within two and then in the final quarter we went down by 3.  I was pretty sure at that moment it was over.  However, the boys didn't give up and boom, boom, boom, we tied the game by the final buzzer.  It was crazy.  In double overtime, we finally scored winning the championship! 

Most importantly, Jax loves the game.  He's finally found something besides football that he really enjoys.