First Day of School {2018}

Well, we started another school year. It seems like the new school year comes earlier and earlier each year. After a tumultuous summer, I don't think any of us were mentally prepared for the start of another school year...but, we're slowly getting back into the groove.

I didn't forget our back to school pictures...

I think that most of our friends and family were surprised at my Type A child's "undecided" response to what she wants to be when she grows up. But hey, she's 9 years old. She doesn't have to have the rest of her life figured out so that I have something cute to write on her back to school sign. Ha!

We also had our traditional back to school breakfast. If you can't tell from Evan's expression (or lack of), they were thrilled to take pictures.

I also got a few shots at school.

And, we took pictures with our new teachers. Evan has the same teachers that Chloe did in the 2nd grade.

My kids go to  an academic magnet school, so most years, we hit the ground running. I worry sometimes about the pressure that is placed on them at such a young age, but am always amazed at how they adapt and excel. We had an incident last year, which made me question if this was the right program for my two. I still go back and forth...Ultimately, I have to consider the alternatives and I hope and pray that we're making the right decision. Wishing these two another great school year! 

Our 4th of July

Independence Day happens to be one of my favorite holidays, right behind Christmas and Easter of course.:) It's been a few years since I've posted about our 4th of July festivities.

Our 4th started with a special patriotic breakfast...

...complete with patriotic goodies to help us celebrate!

It makes my heart happy that Chloe and Evan still look forward to our special breakfasts. When I forget or don't have time to do them, they remind me about how much these meals mean to them.

Chloe rejects all things she considers girly and every year becomes a little more of battle with her. However, I was able to convince her to wear this patriotic dress (with bike shorts underneath) for the parade. Aren't they the cutest?!

Our neighborhood association goes all out for the 4th with a parade during the day and a concert in the park in the evening. We've walked/rode bikes in the parade almost every year since moving into the neighborhood. This year was no different, except this year, we had friends to keep us company.

I totally stole this picture from my friend Tenesha's page because this is the only picture of me in the parade. Hey, mommas need pictures, too!

We took a shortcut to the park where the parade ended, so we could get a little relief from the heat and where I could get better pictures of the parade. If you can't tell from the picture above, I was pouring sweat.

I thought these next two pictures were funny. I couldn't get these two to coordinate their smiles.

These two did a much better job.

 

After the parade, we went home to refuel and rehydrate. Chris had spent the morning grilling out.

Instead of heading back to the park for the concert this year, we decided to mix things up and go to a Biscuits game. The Southwind Drum & Bugle Corps played the National Anthem.

The sky over the field was gorgeous as the sun was setting that evening.

Although the Biscuits lost, we enjoyed the game.

We especially enjoyed our front row seats to the Max Fireworks Extravaganza!

So there you have it, our 4th of July. I hope that everyone enjoyed his or her 4th. Happy Independence Day!!!

I couldn't write this post without mentioning my favorite patriot, my Dad. He went to be with the Lord on June 3, 2018. We buried him on June 27th at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery with full military honors. (His funeral-memorial service was the Saturday following his death.) It was a beautiful burial service befitting of a great man and patriot. He will be forever loved and dearly missed.

Bat at It!

Chloe has always been our athlete. This past spring, she decided that she wanted to play softball. She played tee ball when she was 5 years old, but then decided to move on to other sports. Not much to our surprise, Chloe was able to pick up where she left off pretty quickly. As quickly as Chloe picked up, Chris and I adjusted to being ballpark parents again...like we had a choice.

Here are a few pictures that I took of my Lady Warrior at her first game of the regular season. (Mom fail: I forgot to pack her belt.) Surprisingly, I didn't take many pictures throughout the season, so that's all folks. Her team was a force to be reckoned with and only lost two games. I only count one of those losses, but I'll spare you the details.;)

After the regular season, she went on to play on the AUM All-Star team. I took more pictures this time. 

Introducing the All-Star Team...

Chloe played first base.

And, she made her biggest hits during this time. I think she was trying to show off because family members were there to cheer her on.

I was the worst at taking action shots, nerves and excitement got the best of me, but luckily my mother-in-law took a great video of one of her big hits.

And would you believe it, her team won the Angels Sub-District Tournament! It was so exciting!

We got the coach good! He never saw it coming.

He was a good sport, though.

Sadly, we lost in the District playoffs. However, we're looking forward to many more seasons of softball. It was a great "comeback" season! Thank you to everyone that came out to support our girl. Thank you Lord for blessing our girl.