summer random.

We Corey attempted a garden. We had high hopes, but it didn't turn out awesome. Maybe next year.

Rescuing frogs from the window well...

Lawson's first trip to camp...

A little bit scary, but things are always better with your best friend.

They had a great time and were already talking about next year the day I picked them up.

We're down to 1.5 trees now after a huge windstorm rolled through. 

Sophie was thrilled to have this girl spend the night. For 2 nights!

Lots of loving on Simone... the tamest cat in the world. (Who really, really wants to be a house cat. We'll see...)

These two need some work at learning to get along. Oddly enough it's the small one that's the most aggressive. 

Made some trips to the pasture to visit. He's living with the big cows now, but still our tame little Abe.

Her drawings are my favorite...

Lots of baseball games...

Ezra got to come to a couple games with us the day I picked them up from camp. He and Gretchen made me smile.

These kids are capable of so much more than we have them do. We really need to step it up with the chores and responsibilities around here. 

And all too quickly... summer was over.
This was supposed to be my relaxing summer. I didn't realize that I was going to start a new business and be crazy busy with that. Dang. It was a good problem to have, but still.
Surely a relaxing summer will happen at some point, right? =)

parade.

sisters.

first day of preschool.

Wednesday was my last "first day of preschool." Gretchen had been so excited, but I was a little nervous about it all. None of my kids have been out-going, social little people at this age... but she's probably the worst. There are people that we've known for a LONG time that have never heard this little girls voice. Shy is an understatement. 

{Looking at this picture at school *may* have made me teary that morning. Just maybe.}

I took the afternoon off so that I could take her. (And Corey took a late lunch so he could meet us, too!) There were definitely some nerves... 

She did so good. So, so good. I stayed for a few minutes and gave her a little countdown... "Momma's going to stay for 2 more minutes." Then 1 more minute. Then I got a big hug and a kiss on the cheek (NOT on the lips... that's been her thing for awhile now. No kissing on the lips. "Germs. Eww.") =) 

We even took a quick picture. No tears from either one of us. =) Love, love, love this little girl.

I snuck a few pictures when I went to pick her up... 

Starting Monday, she'll ride to preschool with Kail, her buddy from daycare. Kail's Grandma Gayle is going to take them and pick them up. (We have always been so lucky and blessed by others willing to help with preschool transportation. So thankful!)

We stopped to see Daddy at work afterwards...

She was so excited about her folder and her homework. (A picture collage of what she did this summer.)

Anxious to see the changes in this little miss as she completes her first (and only) year of preschool.
Hoping more than anything that others will start to hear this sweet little voice. =)


Just for fun...

Sophie's first day of preschool

Lawson's first day of preschool