Our little gymnast

The end of July Madelyn participated in a day of celebration where families came and watched the gymnasts perform.  They rotated around so we could see all they have been working on this past year.  Madelyn started gymnastics at the beginning of her first grade year and loved it from the start.

She has moved up a couple of times and now goes to the gym twice a week.  I don't think we'll ever have her compete because of the enormous time commitment, but I'm happy to see her doing something she loves and developing her talents.

 

 

So proud of our little Madelyn!  Our whole family went to watch her and we ended up signing Bruce and Naomi up for classes as well so now we are at the gym a lot!

Farewell!

Aaron's Mom and Dad came to visit us last weekend.  They will be leaving at the end of the month for their 12 month missionary service in North Dakota.  They will be serving on an Indian reservation.  We know they will do great things there and will love the people they meet.  We're excited to hear about all of their adventures!

Road Trip

The middle of July the kids and I spent eight days in Indiana and Ohio.  We had so much fun seeing many of our former neighbors and good friends.  The kids are ready to become Hoosiers again after our few days in Indiana.  What awesome friends we have!

We spent the rest of the week in Ohio visiting with family (Aaron was able to come for the weekend).  Everyone gathered together to celebrate "Mama's" birthday.  Her brother, sister, and mother were also there and it was her last before she and Rudy leave on their mission.

 Madelyn and Naomi with cousin Rudi

 What's more fun than cooling off with giant ice cream cones?

 

Justin and Sam

Elizabeth was able to surprise her cousins and spend a day at girls' camp with them.  She had so much fun with her Aunt Marsha, Robyn, Chelsea, Joy, Megan, and Megan!  She had lots of adventures to share with us, especially a memorable ride home from camp with a blown out tire in Cleveland!

Will's Birthday Bash

I know it's more than a month passed his birthday, but I want to record his special day.  This year Will has grown up a lot.  He's now our official lawn mower and he now refers to himself as one of the "older kids" in the family.  This year's birthday was his golden birthday as he turned 11 on the 11th!

 Elizabeth volunteered to make him a birthday cake and did a great job on it!

 His big birthday gift from us was an ipad mini.

He wanted to have his friends over for a pool party.  About 5 minutes after they arrived so did a huge downpour.  Thankfully, it only lasted for about 10 minutes and they were in the pool.  These boys are crazy, but have so much fun together.

Blowing out the candles for his ice cream cake

I made this cake a couple of years ago for Justin's birthday and Will requested it this year.  It was a big hit.  Here's to another great year, Will!  Hope it's your best one yet!

Back to School!

I am way behind posting pictures, but I thought I would post this one from Monday first.  Hard to believe summer break is over, especially because we are technically only about halfway through the summer.  School starts early in the South.  I don't know that I'm ready for it, but I am ready to have a little more routine in our lives.

Do you see the smile on this little girl?  Saying my BABY is excited for Kindergarten is a gross understatement.  She is not only excited for kindergarten, but really, really excited to ride the school bus!  This week she is on a staggered schedule so she is only attending a couple of halfdays.  Starting next week she will have the real deal and go all day, everyday!  Not sure how I feel about this.  I'm looking forward to getting some much needed project time, but I'm sure going to miss my little buddy.  I have had kids home with me for 15+ years.  Man, the house sure feels quiet!

Last year we had kids in 4 different schools.  This year we have 2 in high school and 4 in elementary.  Here's our crazy crew...ready or not!

Happy 4th of July!

My very talented friend, Cara, made this beautiful and very yummy cake!  Beautiful weather and a houseful of friends were the perfect combination for a great celebration.  I'm so grateful to live in this country and enjoy so many freedoms.  Thank you to all of those who serve to protect those freedoms!

Working boy!

Justin started lifeguarding a couple of weeks ago.  He took a class in May to become certified, but it took awhile for him to get hired.  He's pretty excited to be earning money (he's also been mowing lawns a little this summer).  I think I'm still in shock I have a child who is old enough to have a job.  It will be nice when he gets his license because my taxi service is taking a beating this summer!

He wasn't thrilled to have me taking pictures of him, but it had to happen.  The other kids are pretty excited to see him working when we go swimming.