Teen Free Home...

After 10 years, this month we became a teenager free home, as Joshua turned 20 years old! For his birthday, we paid for the sports package so that he can attend all the sporting events at WSU.  His girlfriend went over to WSU to help him celebrate his birthday. Here's a photo of the two of them cheering on the Cougs...

Our other son had a milestone this month too. Three years his girlfriend has put up with him and he have been dating.  They dressed up 50's style and went out on a date to a diner.  I love that she gets him out of his comfort zone!

Hard to believe that in just over three years, we will be parents of two teenagers once again!  I need that time just to gear up!

BGOC...

It's official. Now that the girls are fifth graders, they are BGOC (Big girls on campus)!  As each dropped off their supplies the night before their first day, they were super excited to greet some familiar faces, as well as meet their new teachers. Jaelyn was excited to learn that her class is in a new portable.  The community is anticipating a big growth spurt as a new squadron is on its way, so the schools added portables in preparation. Both girls classes will be exchanging with another teacher in the afternoon, so they are excited about that too.  In one more week, Jaelyn will be starting band before school.  It's a new opportunity for the fifth grade. She will be going to the middle school in the morning, then they will be busing the kids back to their home elementary school. She is not sure yet what instrument she wants to learn, but I will post progress when it happens. 

As for Mike and I, we often get asked during the first week of school, "How's the school year going?" My answer is always that we are in the honeymoon stage, as reality hits when we start assigning homework and the novelty ends;)  But so far we are both enjoying our classes.  Mike actually has a "super contract" this year, which means he is teaching an extra class after school. Good for a family with two in college!  Thanks for your hard work Babe!

All smiles, except for Cocoa, who will be missing us during the day, now that summer is over!

Woosh....

You hear that? It's the sound of August flying by!  I think I was gone more than I was home this past month. Here's a quick recap since my last post...

I spent a week at camp with these girls. It was great getting to know them and watch them grow on a personal level in just a few short days, but it was nice to get home to my family and own bed!

A few days later, we said goodbye to Josh as he headed back to school.  Jaelyn had her third tournament of the summer, and despite her having blisters on her feet from her shoes, and mosquito bites that turned into blisters, her team took first place! She was pretty pleased....

On the way down we stopped to see my parents and my grandfather...

While in Sun River, we explored the Newberry National Volcanic Monument, something we had never stopped to do before, although it is nearby. It was a very informative and well-done informational center. Kaia was most entertained by the many chipmunks and squirrels though!

Which one of us is a chipmunk and who is the squirrel?

Bike riding was on the agenda every day! Lots of pretty scenery.

As always, the girls loved their time in the water at the Sharc. This was the first time we took advantage of the Tubing Hill, which is also part of the Sharc. Both are complimentary with the condo.

We had some very sad news on the trip, that Mike's beloved Auntie Pat passed away. She was a wonderful woman, worthy of me doing a separate post at another time.  We were glad that we were with Mike's mom when the news was shared, as we were able to be with her at this tough time.  These girls can cheer anyone up in no time....

Next stop, Medford, for Mike's brother's wedding...

Cory's backup air guitarists during karaoke at the rehearsal dinner. Lots of blackmail videos to use later...

Was a beautiful day for an outdoor wedding. It truly was a community event, with several neighborhood yards being used, dancing on the street, and an inflatable for kids to bounce on.

Poor pup didn't realize he had legs! Cory's new bride's nieces made fast friends with the girls.

Cousins....enough said!

Kellen brought Elizabeth down to meet the rest of the family.

Nephew Kyle and Mike walked the mother of the groom down the aisle.

Reese was his dad's best man.

Wedding party on what was later the dance floor. Thankfully the street was closed for the event!

You know the line...

Aren't they both adorable?

As you can see, a fun time for all.  Mike and the girls ended up staying longer to attend his aunt's funeral. I headed back home with Kellen and Elizabeth, as I had in-service all week for school.  We did squeeze in Kellen's birthday, but had to celebrate it around two different work schedules.  We enjoyed a low key celebration at our local music festival, then he headed to Seattle for a day of more music, at Bumbershoot. Hard to believe he is 23 already!

Speaking of school, I start tomorrow! Mike and the girls have just two more wake-ups of summer break. Once again I am thankful for how blessed I am, and all the wonderful experiences I get to enjoy over the summer.  If you don't hear from me for a bit, don't worry, I am just trying to keep my head above the water, and will post when I can!