Trip to the Cabin

We didn't make it to the cabin as much as I would have liked to this summer.

We decided to take one more trip up before school starts.

Darin took Friday off and we headed up Thursday night.

There is something about being in nature, away from it all, that is so special.

I thought my heart was going to burst about 100 different times.

I cannot express how much I love this family of mine.

As a girl, I always imagined how my husband and kids would be.

I can honestly say, even in my wildest fantasies, I didn't think it could be THIS GOOD.

I love that my kids love each other.

I love that they think our family is the best!

I love how Darin is with our children.

I could not be more grateful for this life.

Darin took us to some fun lakes we had never seen.

Darin took Matt fishing while Lindsay, Andrew, and I cuddled in bed.

As always, the trip was filled with music, yummy food, relaxation, marshmallows and more.

And here is a little video I made of our trip.

Last Swim of the Summer

Every Thursday we do a "Sisters Swim Day."

We decided to do our last one and go out with a BANG!

Unfortunately for us, (and lucky for them) Hez went on a cruise and Heather went on an Anniversary getaway trip!  So, Kristy, mom, and I did our last one with a BANG!

I sure love watching my kids play with their cousins.

I have spent EVERY summer of my life at this pool, and I have SO many wonderful memories of this pool with MY cousins.  Playing "bumper bums" with Heidi and Andrea.  Playing Mario, Lugi, and Princess Peach and pretending the handles on the side of the pool were Yoshis with Stephen and Blake.  My first time EVER doing photography was taking pictures of Maddie jumping off the diving board.  I remember doing different style dives (ballerina and frog were the favorite) with Chandler, Krista, and more.  Other games like Marco Polo, Categories, Sharks, and more with all the rest of my cousins.

I'm so glad that my kids can continue those same traditions at the pool with their cousins.

COUSINS ARE THE BEST!!

Becca's 14th Birthday!

My super darling niece, Becca, turned 14 on Monday.

I know it's cliche to say, but I still remember the day she was born.

It's extra weird to think that next year, she'll be the age I was when she was born!

Becca is such a kind good girl, and I'm so glad that my kids have her as an example--because she's a good one!

We celebrated her birthday up in Mueller Park Canyon.

We roasted hot dogs, ate yummy food and cake, and we made s'mores!

Happy Birthday Becca!!

Oh, Andrew and Reese!  These two make me laugh!!

(And yes, Andrew is older--my tiny little man).

Summer is HERE!!

How did this boy graduate from Kindergarten?

I am beyond happy to get him full time for summer, but a little sick knowing next time I send him back it will be for the full day.

Matthew is one amazing boy.  He is so kind, thoughtful, helpful, and incredibly sensitive.

I sure love this now first grader!

He had a WONDERFUL fun-filled last day of school!

Getting on the bus for the last time!

Celebrating with a few buddies!

Big hugs for Mrs. Ashcroft!

Matt brought home an AMAZING report card!

So, I thought we'd go buy him some lunch.

(And it helped that he had a free kids meal coupon from Corner Cafe).

After lunch, my friend Camie hosted a fun last day of school party!

After their party, we went and crashed my sister, Heather's party!

Yay for cousins!  And hooray for a summer FULL of cousins!!