There was a first day of school...

Kindergarten, 4th, 2nd

Sigh.  So cute, right? 

a few random summer shots...

 Sara Janes.  Cream puffs that'll blow your mind.

 He was actually in tears not long after this picture.  I feel your pain, dude.

  

 What an idiot.  He wrecked every lovely shot I snapped.  Keepin' it real, yo.

 Their like mannerisms here completely crack me up.

 Yeah.

 On our way to DQ one night.  Yes, again.

 Her eyes were bigger than her stomach.  Like, 16 ounces too big.

 Special is as special does.

 Hit the library a minimum of 3x per week.  Did you know that when you go to libraries in three different counties that it's really hard to keep track of books?

 A fun-filled week with cousins from near and far!  These are the only two photos I took the entire time.  Shame on me.

My morning reading companion.  She's super helpful.

There Was a Sweet Birthday Party!

Avrie blew through the Magic Tree House books this summer.  Naturally, she wanted a MTH birthday party and since Cole loves what Avrie loves, he wanted a MTH birthday party, too.  We had the party in Grandma and Grandpa's magical backyard!  There was a medallion hunt, mummy wrap race and an edible ocean project.

 Evan hid the medallions together in one place and wrote up 7 awesome clues for the kids.  He made the medallions at work and engraved the name of each kid onto the back with the "M" from the books on the other. 

 The birthday kiddos with their prize!

 The were hid behind some rocks near the horseshoe pit.  See how clever these clues are!?

 Even some of the adults got into it!

 TP mummy races!

 Sugar cookies with blue frosting and decorations = edible ocean!

Strawberry Banana Malted Milkshake Cake.  Amazing.

Jumped Out of a Plane. Again.

I bought my second jump after last summer.  Grabbed a Groupon not long after that for Evan.  It wasn't nearly as exciting for me the second time.  Maybe because I was aware of how much my husband wasn't enjoying it!  He says once was enough!

Summer Evening Photo Shoot

 Five-Seven-Nine

 This boy had a birthday on August 24th.  I can't look at this picture very long or my chest gets heavy and my eyes spring a leak.  No matter what I do, my baby is not a baby.

 Yep, it's perfect.  These are our children.

 Avrie:  "Mom, are we related to any of those people in the black & white pictures who never smiled?"

 One single digit year left.  Next year is middle school.  I do not fear for this boy.  He has phenomenal insight into what matters and what doesn't.  Perhaps this is a side-effect of being raised by a duo of extremely cynical parents?!  He will do well.   And he loves his Mama.  

 I look at this and see Little Miss Muffet.

Daddy's polishing his heavy-duty Magnum flashlight.  You know, cuz we don't have a gun.  

McCarthy Beach, July 2013

Let's back this summer up.  It's finally come to a screeching halt and I've missed out on documenting some great events!  We loved McCarthy Beach so much last summer that we made the trip up with my folks again this July.

 On the way!  Peace abounds this early in the trip!

 Holding his fish down until it meets its fate.  Lunch.  Mmm.

 Plenty of shenanigans.

 The daily walk to the gas station for ice cream.  Yes, daily.  It was vacation, yo.

 We borrowed a boat and accessories this year.  Made for some great fun and laughs!

 The beach is one of many reasons to love this place.  400-500 feet out and it's still [adult] shoulder height.  Crystal clear water with loads of fishies to catch.

 An attractive solution to the wayward hairs!

 Snort.  A smashing good time was had by all.  It was good cheeky fun.

 A rare capture of sibling love with some pretty sweet cloud reflections.

 The menfolk took the kids out for a bit while Mom and I got a nice bike ride in.  It required patience.  A boatload.  Heh.

 A photo for the brag board at work.

 My Dad hates water more than mice.  Which is an awful lot.  We got him in the tube and he actually smiled!  

 We actually didn't see much of each other this trip!  Busy wrangling various kids here and there and everywhere!

 Nolan picked up the knee-board right away.  I wish you could see him smacking his gum for all he's worth.

 The ranger station has little backpacks to check out that are filled with activities.  One was to make a viewer with an empty pop bottle.  You  know, in lieu of goggles, so you don't have to put your head under the water and get wet.  While you're swimming.

 Best Friends.  For an hour.

 Breakfast in the sunshine on our last morning at camp.

Ultra-cool mosquito protection.

Our super cooperative children are awesome at family photos.

Another great week "up north!"  Looks like we'll miss out 2014 as we're spending the majority of E's vacation days in Disney World.  Hip hip!