endings and beginnings

It's been a glorious summer! Friendships have been made and strengthened, goals have been achieved, swimsuits have faded, tan lines have darkened, neighbors have been helped, messes have been made, new games have been learned, races have been run.

This is really the first summer in ages that has really felt like summer. It's a feeling I can't quite describe. But I am sure sad it's over.

Endings can be hard.

But beginnings can be fun!

Aaron has been working hard since May to achieve a lifelong dream. He graduates and earns his star in just six days. His oldest brother will be visiting for a week to help us celebrate. Then after a short break Aaron makes another transition into his new career.

Camille and Levi are looking forward to new things as well. On the same day Aaron graduates they begin a new year of AWANA. Levi will be a Red Cubbie, while Camille moves up into the Sparks program. They've been anticipating this all summer long. And while they grow in Christ on Tuesday evenings, Aaron and I will grow closer together as we finally enjoy a weekly date night.

As all this happens, we are also transitioning into a new school year. My intention was that we would school through the summer, but we were enjoying our lazy days so much that we didn't get much done.

So today we started fresh. New school books, new goals, and of course the obligatory first day of school photos!

 

And because they always like to throw in a silly one...

 

After snapping some photos we grabbed our newly sharpened pencils, school books, and other schooling necessities (you know, like Duplos) and got to work.

Then, while most kids were in school, and to reward ourselves for a job well-done, we went swimming.

And that's about it! The first day of school was a success. And all done before lunch time.

Bring on the rest of the year!

can't believe he's three

Today we're wishing Levi a very happy 3rd birthday!

This little boy fills our lives with lots of silliness and snuggles, and we love him more and more every day!

little works of art vol. 2

(You can find my first "Little Works of Art" post here.)


Levi's art:

Camille's art:

love our library

Our library has a pond with a lovely path all the way around. Today was the first time we enjoyed it. I look forward to many more visits!

chores

I told Camille I didn't want to get out of bed today, and that she would have to be in charge of taking care of the house? She promptly brought me a piece of paper and a pencil, and told me to make her a list.

She is now cheerfully working her way down the list, and I have a few peaceful moments to eat breakfast and do my Bible reading for the day.

Maybe we should do this every day!

budding artist

Camille made this painting the other day (with watercolor pencils) of Levi (wearing his striped pajamas) and a red house.

exploring

 

Los Penasquitos Canyon Reserve

quite a view

I have no wonderful excuse for my neglect of the blog. But I will say that I did enjoy taking a break from it. Rather than try to catch you up with what we did all summer, I'll just post a few pictures from a few weeks ago.

We moved to a new house in September, and this gem of a spot is just a five minute walk from our front door. The kids and I like to go here and draw in our nature journals. We also have plans to have some picnics here.

We're loving our new house and neighborhood and are looking forward to making lots of new memories here!