Summer Catch Up

I can hardly believe that August is coming to a close. I guess that means it's time for a Summer Catch Up post, since it seems I'm lousy at keeping up with the blog.

We had the most memorable Family Reunion camp-out yet! 

We got to celebrate a pretty special milestone...

My Aunt and Uncle's 50th wedding anniversary!  I'd say they were pretty surprised!

We enjoyed a week of gorgeous sunsets...

Watching beautiful animals...

And taking in the lovely scenery.

And we had the company of some pretty wonderful people. Aunt Judy just happens to be Miss Taylor's "Favorite Girl Ever". And that's impressive, folks.

But the fun didn't slow down once we got home, oh no. 

We got to meet new babies! Very dangerous for a gal like me who is definitely having baby withdrawals. 

Family came for a visit ... 

and we made our annual trip to Enchanted Forest!

We celebrated a BUNCH of birthdays!

And the girls had a slumber party... We even made Kool-Aid Lipgloss.

I had more photos, but they're not uploading :( So you'll just have to use your imagination to envision lots o' partyin', cake, ice cream, and FUN!

I love Summer. This year, especially, we've crammed in a lot of activities.

But I think I'm ready for Fall. Sweaters and boots, candles, and baking... Yeah, I'm ready. How 'bout you?

Hugs!

Liz

Happy 12th Birthday, Miss Sierra Elizabeth

 Ohhhkay.  Deep Breath.

 

My baby girl is 12 today.
 

I can't even say those words out loud without tears springing to my eyes
{I guess I can't even say it in my head, either, because ~ yeah ~ tears}.

 

 

Miss Sierra Elizabeth,
Our oldest baby girl.
The biggest big sissy.
You are twelve today.
And what a milestone that is.
 

You are the one I can count on for help in any situation.
 

The planner.
The organizer.
You are an old soul.


I always joke that when you are grown with a family of your own, you'll run a mighty tight ship.
You expect a lot.

But deep down, you have a tremendous love for others.
Miss Tay, for example.  She thinks you're about the greatest thing on earth.
And I think the feeling is mutual :)

 

You are my beautiful dancer.
I could watch you dance every day {and I guess I do!  You're always dancin' around}.

 

You love to have fun!
You are always up for a new adventure . . .

 

And while you are super comfy in your camo, sitting in a blind, hunting with Daddy,

 

 You are equally comfy in your dressiest dress, hair curled, earrings in, glammin' it up.

 

You are a perfect combination!

 

You love to go on nature walks,
photograph everything,
shop till you drop,
and write in your journal.

 

You are growing into a beautiful young lady, right before our very eyes.
 

And while I couldn't be prouder of who you are becoming,
 

I would be lying if I said it didn't make me a little sad too.
Sometimes I wish I could keep you just as you are.
Right here with me.

Love you so very much, baby girl!
Happiest birthday ♥


 

 

Busy Busy Bees

 

I like to stay busy.  We're a family of busy little bees, by nature.

But this Summer . . . a little too busy even for my liking!

We've hardly had a moment to breathe.

Good for memories, hard for the little ones to adjust to.

 

Which means . . . I have seventy million photographs to go through, leaving me a liiiiiiiitle overwhelmed. So I've decided to work from my current folder, backward.  I told myself not to take ANYmore pictures until I get this under control.  But then I laughed at myself, because, NOT take any more pictures?  Mmmmhmmmm.

 

So. Show and Tell Summer Edition:

We've been camping twice ~ our first camping trip, my family reunion, deserves a post all its own {and I swear I'll have time at some point!}.  Our second trip was a laid-back fishing trip for Jeremy. 

 

 

 

 The girls and I crafted and got to spend time with Grandma {Jeremy's parents were able to come along}. 

 

 

 

 

We made a lot of wonderful memories in one of our favorite places on earth.

 

The day we got home from camping, my sister and her family were here.  And they got to visit for almost a week!  We had movie nights with our cousins, swam in Nana and Grandpa's pool, and, of course, went to another one of our favorite places: Enchanted Forest.

 

 

Yearly tradition, this is.

 

 

We were unable to go last year, so the girls were extra excited!!

 

 

When family had to go home, no fear.  We had a packed schedule to keep us busy!

 

Birthday dinner for the hubs:

 

 

Slumber party for the girlies:
 

 

 

We made Kool-Aid Lip Gloss,

 

 

 

Root Beer Floats,

 

 

And let girls . . . be girls ♥

 

 

Next on the list, VBS Week!
{Currently happening}

 

 

This year I'm Craft Leader, Sierra is Assistant Crew Leader for the Preschoolers {and doing a super awesome job!}, Kenners has graduated to the oldest group {sniffle, sniffle}, Kam is going off with her own group, like a big girl {not even needing her mama or sissies anymore}, and even Taylor is typically happy to be with Sierra in her Pre-school group. Ahhhhhh. Life is continually changing, isn't it??

 

 

 

 

 So. What's going on with y'all??  Busy Summers?
Winding down?
Ready for School?
Already started?

I want to hear about it!