Summer 2016

In looking back, the best parts of our summer for me were the trips you and I made. Bonding together, spending time with family, swimming, hanging out, riding horses, fishing, chasing kitties, eating Ian's and sleeping side by side...

It sucks that your Daddy couldn't join us this year, but his new vacation plan of taking Fridays off for long weekends since it's so hard to get away from work is so much better than the stress he used to have in going away for more than one day at a time. And having one-on-one time back in traveling with you was priceless.

I hope we do it more! :)

Summer Friend Time

This summer you spent a good amount of time with friends. 

Especially Zach, of course. 

The two of you have become the best of friends,

and we couldn't be happier for it.

You don't just gravitate toward any or everyone.

You are quite cautious and selective about who you will spend your time with.

I surely appreciate that!

You could win an award for picking this guy, though. 

I've been loving him since the day he was born.

He's a great person for you to grow up next to.

You're blessed to have each other. 

Another life long bestie of yours is Jaymee Glynn.

Don't even. I can NOT get over how grown you kids are getting!

They had us over for a few swimming days, 

and as usual, our time together was relaxing and enjoyable.

I love catching up and pigging out with them!

You didn't get to see Courtney as much as you do during the school year,

but you did get to fish and hang at your favorite park early on.

We will see them much more now that summer break is ending.

You had a ton of sleep overs at Aunt Pam's and Uncle Curt's. 

With and without the Cousin Clan. 

Pretty much anytime you two could get to scheming

a way to have a sleepover party, 

the more the merrier, 

you did. :)

And no one ever complained once for it. 

We're so grateful that this family has embraced us 

as their own, and they ours, from day one. 

Zach and Elijah came to our church a few times, 

and now it looks like Zach and Nick are going to 

join you at Catalyst on Wednesdays for the school year!

Zach came here a lot too this summer. A LOT. 

Well, he came a lot during the school year last year too, 

and I suspect it will not be any different this year. 

(Elijah even came one time)

And we had our picnics in the park on several Wednesdays

with Dax, Laken, Jack, Alyssa, and sometimes Payton. 

These are more my friends than yours, 

but you sure don't mind spending a little lunch and play time

catching up with them now and then. :) 

Horsey Auntie

We went to my Auntie Judy's in IL this week!

The drive was beautiful.

When we pulled up to her new house, your jaw dropped. 

It's a pretty spectacular place she's got! 

After a tour of the estate we loaded up her horses 

and were off to the park for a trail ride. 

(You were a little worried about riding again)

Auntie Judy got you all set up, 

gave you quick little reminder lesson, 

and we were off!

We really didn't know what to expect, 

since we've never been here before.

It was SO much fun!

You got comfy fast, and did a great job.

We rode for about four hours.

It was so cool for me to be riding for the first time

my with "Horsey Auntie". 

We had lots of good conversation and enjoyed the horses.

Back at the house we went swimming in the heated pool!

With Bandit, the dog!

You especially liked that part.

But more than anything you loved Mr. Nutter Butter. 

You even asked, no BEGGED, me to let you take him home. 

You also asked if I would buy you another horse.

lol

You're SO cute.

NC '16

Yeah we did.

You, me, Apple, Hoots and Coonie… 

We piled in the blue Pilot and busted out the 15+ hour 

roadtrip to Gastonia, NC, in ONE day!

For real. 

Once at Gra and Pepere's we did a whole lot of THIS.

Day and night, just the way I like it. 

We got to see my Dad.

And stay in the top a five star hotel.

The breakfast was ridiculous 

-ly awesome. 

Overall you were a little board hanging with me and my Dad

on the docks all day long. (So much talking)

So the second day we went to the aquarium…

And then I let you stay home with Gra

so me and my Dad could hang out, side by side, 

in REAL LIFE! :)

Gra taught you how to dive! 

And you got to play plenty of your games with Zach online.

There was no cookie baking, but we had incredible pizza

that I miss almost everyday. 

One of my favorite memories was a torrential downpour 

while Gra and I were trapped under her gazebo playing Upwords.

It was a great vacation. 

And Apple is very very grateful to be where she belongs.

He life is no longer waiting for her!

Resch Aquatics

Today we met friends at the Resch Aquatic Center.

You really didn't want to go.

Then you really didn't want to leave. :)

That's my guy!

NEW Zoo Adventure Park

Today we went to the NEW Zoo to check out their Adventure Park.

Uncle Curt's mom, Grandma Donna, invited us.

I love when we do stuff with this whole crew.

We are blessed to have this family in our life.

You did SO well!

Your Dad and I were proud.

You were brave and adventurous!

And you did that smiling thing I love so much on you. 

Afterward we all went to the Dairy Cove for lunch and once cream. 

It was a very special day.