Moving forward, Looking back

Is anyone out there?  (I think I heard an echo...)  A friend asked me ...a few weeks ago...why I hadn't posted cute pics of the kids having summer fun, so here they finally are.  I know I haven't posted since Easter, but at least I'm getting to the summer pics before fall officially arrives!  We do have some big events coming up this fall that I want to share about, but first I'll wrap up the summer.  We had a full summer, so here's the first batch, with another post to come.  (Enjoy, Grandma!)

First, a camping trip (the first of the summer)

 For E, it wouldn't be summer if we didn't catch any reptiles or amphibians!

Some of E's friends taught him how to make sushi this summer, and he taught his dad.  We're all fans!

Cow Appreciation Day!  (Free food from Chick-Fil-A for anyone dressed like a cow)

This is how we spent most of our summer (at least 3 hours/day, five days/week): at the pool.  All six children were on the swim team.

The second camping trip of the summer:

I'll finish up the summer on the next post!

Looking back, Part 2

Soooo, camping, swimming, dressing like cows, what more could we ask for? Here's the rest of our summer:

A trip to the beach (courtesy of Grandma and Grandpa):

What happened to my Sweet Pea?  Seems like R grew up this summer.

First sight of the ocean! 

Now you've been with us right up until the first week of school.  We had a great summer; so much joy. 

Unfortunately, the first week of school started with this:

MJ broke her clavicle (wrestling with her brother), and we ended up in the ER.  We don't often see her with a frown...

 but it really didn't take long...

 for her to cheer up.  (6 weeks in the sling, though!)

...and poor Samson had surgery the same day (and yes, he's wearing the cone of shame.  sigh.)

So now you're up to date.  Stay tuned to see what we're up to next...

:)