1st Day of Kindergarden...

First day of Kindergarden?!?!  I can't believe how old Parker is getting!  I thought that I would be so excited for this day, but actually I feel so sad! My baby is growing up and I just want to keep him home with me!  

The first few days Parker was a little teary when I dropped him off, but he has adjusted well now and is getting used to going 1/2 day every day.  Hoping to add in some full days in the near future.  It is so fun hearing his stories at the end of the day, see him forming new friendships, hearing his Spanish improve,  and seeing him gain confidence.

Summer Days...

I just love summer days like today!  Beach with friends and their littles, super heroes, and pacis!  Perfection.

Baking buddies...

Parker and Peyton are loving helping me in the kitchen.  It is fun to watch them learn new things, make something themselves and spending time with them is the best!

WHOA...

This summer our family was blessed to be a part of the most incredible community and organization.  Heights of Hope is a Christian Community Development organization nestled in the Holland Heights community.  They are committed to the practice of Asset Based Community Development which means they rely on the skills and talents of the neighbors and community partners to make the neighborhood even better than it already it is!

WHOA is the community health and fitness program.  This program is designed to combat some of the challenges of the inactive summer months, and to help address the concern of childhood obesity.  Twice a week during the summer, youth and adults can participate in health and fitness activities, including rock climbing, soccer lessons, dance, tae kwon do, etc. Fitness lessons are taught, and all summer long individuals train for the Heights of Hope 5k or 1.5 Mile at the end of the summer.  Through this program, kids have the opportunity to earn a brand new pair of running shoes and other fun things before the school year starts!

Joel and I loved getting to know the kids in our groups and build relationships that we hope to continue investing in next summer!  Parker was old enough to participate as well and the Green Lightening Frogs was a wonderful group for him to be a part of.  

The end of the summer race was epic.  We did the kids 1.5 mile run together...Joel ran. I ran. Parker ran. Peyton rode her bike. Sawyer rode in the Chariot.  I'm so impressed with how fabulous Parker did.  He ran hard!  What a great accomplishment.

Whoa was one of our greatest summer memories.  Already looking forward to next year!

Cran Hill Camping...

Church campout.

It rained.

A lot.

Lots of mud.

Slip N' Slides.

Awesome camper rental.

New friendships formed.

Old friendships deepened.

Good times.
Sawyer said "Mom, mom, mom..." on repeat the WHOLE ride home.