Back to the Grind

Two days after we got home from the beach, school started. I always get sad when the summer is over. I do love having the kids home and not being on a tight schedule.

Lincoln started 4th grade and Drake started 2nd. Ms. S moved up from 3rd grade, and requested Lincoln to be in her class. She adores him and loves on him in class when he needs it. Drake has Ms. E, who was Lincoln’s 2nd grade teacher, so we already know how she operates. Basically, my prayers were totally answered, and I’m so grateful for these women!




This is a serious, cool, 4th grader face.




When I told them they could pose how they wanted, Drake turned around and said, “Faaaaarrrrtttt! Did you get a picture of my butt?”




Back to the carpool lane for Cain.




Carpool lane after his haircut. He has a Mohawk now!







Dorothy started her last year of preschool. This year is “Operation: Get ready for Kindergarten.” She started up Occupational therapy and physical therapy, along with her twice a week speech therapy. She is making great progress, and is friends with all her therapists.








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Outer Banks

We had less than a week to recover from Denver (and to love on Cain puppy) before we left for the Outer Banks!

We were some of the first to arrive at the house. Reed and Shanice had a red-eye flight, so they were exhausted. They were both trying to sleep on the couch, while my kids watched a movie. Dorothy whispered to Reed, “Shhhh, you can go to sleep.” But to Shanice she said, “No, you can’t go to sleep.” She loved having girls to play with! The view out our front window was amazing.




It didn’t take us long to jump in the pool!










It also didn’t take us long to walk over and enjoy the beach!

















There were a few storms that popped up and surprised us, but otherwise, we had perfect weather! When we weren’t at the beach or the pool, we went to the aquarium, check out a playground, ate at Kill Devil Custard, and played on the sand dunes. It was a fantastic trip, and was enjoyed by all!!





























































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Denver Trip

We have been trying to see the Young family once a year. It was our turn to go to Denver. Dave and I had originally thought of road-tripping, but last minute found some killer flight deals. We got to check out the new terminal of the Charlotte airport.




I love how quickly everyone settles in with each other! We barely walk in the door, and the boys take off to play with the Young boys and Dorothy is asking Jen about makeup.







I feel like we went on a ton of adventures, but also had a good amount of chill and play time at the house.













Last time we were in Denver, we went to this same park/splash pad.













What would a trip to Denver be, without going to Casa Bonita? The kids fell asleep on the way there...it was BEFORE lunch!













Grandma Young watched the kids, so the adults could go to a Coheed concert. We ate wonderful Korean food, and had a great time at the concert.







Colorado is stunningly beautiful. We had a great little hike one evening when the sun was setting.









All the kids were excited to go to Elitch gardens, an amusement park. We spend the whole day there, and had a blast! We spent some time riding rides and being in the water park.














We also went to a great aquarium with lots of animal experiences. Drake got licked by a sloth and fed iguanas. Dorothy fed a fish and got to see a mermaid. Lincoln was able to feed some birds.




One night after dinner, we had a nice walk to the duck pond. It’s amazing to me all the trails that are around.







That sunset though!




On our last day, we went fishing. I wish I could say it was wonderful, but kids were hot and tired, and mine were complaining a lot! We did have some excited smiles when we caught some fish, so I’m going to try and remember the smiles the most.














Later that night, on our way to the airport, Drake asked, “Can we go fishing when we get back home?”

My reply, “Too soon, Drake, too soon.” It will be a while before I will want to take them fishing again!

I feel so incredibly lucky to have such friends like the Youngs. We always treasure the time we have together, and look forward to our next adventures with them!!

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