One last Summer Hurrah!

We're already in our second month of school, but the weather is still holding onto summer — warm, sunny, and just begging to be enjoyed. With a four-day weekend on the calendar, it felt like the perfect chance for one last summer hurrah — and thankfully, our friends were just as eager to make the most of it.

We kicked off the day at a new-to-us park, where the kids explored, played, and soaked in the fresh air. From there, we headed to a friend’s house for an afternoon swim, followed by a quick dinner at home before wrapping up the evening around a cozy fire at another friend's place.

It was one of those rare, golden days — full of simple joys, good company, and the kind of magic you wish you could bottle up and save.

 

Somebody's Watching You....

 The boys found these awesome spy gear at the game on Friday - and now they use it to spy on everyone. It's so cute.

 

Mother-Clucker

 It’s Andrew’s senior year—which means it’s also his final season of Marching Band, and I’m honestly so sad about it. Band has been such an amazing experience for him, for me, and for our whole family.

I usually miss the halftime shows because I’m working in the concession stand, but this week I got to do something totally new—I was invited to be a “Mother-Clucker,” helping attach the little feather plumes to the band hats. It was so much fun!

I loved seeing Andrew with his friends and getting a glimpse of how they prep for their performances. (He doesn’t wear a feathered hat—he wears a cap—so I didn’t get to ‘fluff’ his gear.) And although we didn’t manage to snap a picture together (Dad was deep in conversation!), I still had an absolute blast being part of it all.

Andrew's Senior Homecoming

You’d think I’d have learned by now. Every school dance, it’s the same story: Andrew insists he’s not going... then changes his mind days before, leaving me scrambling to pull together an outfit he couldn’t care less about. So I really shouldn’t have been surprised that he pulled the same move for his senior homecoming. After weeks of asking and getting a firm 'no,' I should’ve just prepared like he was going anyway.

Sure enough, he decided to go—last minute, of course. The suit he’s wearing? It arrived from Amazon literally five minutes before we took this picture. He left for the dance right after we snapped it. Talk about cutting it close!

He didn’t take a date, just went to hang out with his friends and soak up the night. After the dance, a bunch of them grabbed ice cream at Carl’s and ended the night at the Knudsons’, playing board games.

All in all, Andrew had an amazing time, and I’m so glad he decided to go—even if it was in true 'Andrew fashion.'

Welcome Bumblebee - aka Victoria

I need to not allow this kid on Facebook. Remember how we were done with purchasing new bikes until we sold the ones in our garage. Whelp - we failed. Andrew found a great deal on a Ducati that was in pristine condition - and "it even starts mom!". So a 3 hour car ride later, welcome this yellow beauty to the family!

 

The Cutest 1st Grader!

 Nick was so excited when he got to bring these pictures home! I'm regretting my stance of never buying school pictures because these are so dang cute! Also, I loved how he made sure to wear his favorite shirt - his pokeman shirt. I love this boy of mine! How is this sweet baby already 6?!