last day of school

(so it's way late)

The last day of school came really quickly this year. I guess as we get a little bit busier each year the time passes faster. This year Chris and I saw so much grow in each of the boys. We feel really blessed to have each of the boys at schools that fit them each so well.

2 Corinthians 9:8-11

 God can pour on the blessings in astonishing ways so that you’re ready for anything and everything, more than just ready to do what needs to be done. As one psalmist puts it,

He throws caution to the winds,

    giving to the needy in reckless abandon.

His right-living, right-giving ways

    never run out, never wear out.

This most generous God who gives seed to the farmer that becomes bread for your meals is more than extravagant with you. He gives you something you can then give away, which grows into full-formed lives, robust in God, wealthy in every way, so that you can be generous in every way, producing with us great praise to God.

Sam's soccer season

Sam played his 1st team sport this year...soccer. Doesn't he look adorable in his uniform??? We'll let's just say soccer season was not quite as "cute". The 1st practice Sam became the target of a wild child who was full body planting everyone. Half-way through Sam'd had enough and decided he was done. Every week he talked all week about soccer, begged me to play with him all day then practice/game day would come and it was "stage 4 clinger". Chris and I decided to make him go each week...the coach was so sweet she asked the whole game if he was ready. Once or twice he went out on the field UNTIL finally the very last 1/2 of the VERY game...he went in (with me) and decided he loved soccer.

Oh my...the things we do for our kids! Thanks mom and dad for coming to watch Sam warm the bench!

a GREAT daddy

Chris is such an amazing father. The boys are so very lucky to have a father who puts playing with them first. It is such a joy to watch him with our boys...we love you very much! Thanks for make us your priority.

the beAcH

Cousins at the beach...the favorite memory per the boys. 

In May, our family went to the beach with the Phillips side of the family. We stayed in Seacrest Beach on 30A...I loved that we went somewhere familiar with favorites for the boys. The weather was unbelievable and the ocean was full of sea-life...big crabs, string rays and sharks. Yes sharks...like 6-7 foot hammerheads swimming on the sandbar...only one but any shark sighting is wild!

Thanks Pam and Johnny for SUPER week...we really appreciate your generosity!

The boys adored their little cousin...i think they are on "team 3rd baby" with me now!

sand angels

this boy is GOOFY

Is that Tanner standing in that crowd of BIG boys...he's too BIG!

The boys spent hours catching these jelly fish. Whatever kind of jelly fish they were they didn't sting. Sam finally started picking them up with his hands.

We ended up with buckets full by the end of the day.

A cute little girl next to us caught this fish in her net.

Reading one of our "Sundog Bookstore" books from Seaside

"Sundog Books" in Seaside

Tanner is like me...if we are reading a good book we lose our social skills...that's ok I rather him read that have his nose in a video game all day!

Playing ball with Nana and their little cousin

crabbin'

we caught a few...hard to see

yes...the "sweetest place on earth"

proof that mommy was on the trip

showing their cousin how to Bey-Blade

The amusement park-esque activities are usually done with my dad and sister...ie we get a break but 

this year Chris and I decided to take the boys to the amusement park...lots of FUN!

Westminster Happenings

First grade for Tanner has slowly come to an end. If I had not seen such wonderful growth in Tanner, I'd be a little sad that we are getting close to second grade(the 1st time he'll ever go full days to school:( 

Westminster has been such a wonderful fit for Tanner and really for our family. I could write 100 blog posts on WHY Westminster but the most beautiful part is the way they work to cultivate "fruits of character". All year long they have been taught "fruits of character" and what the Bible says about having those fruits. The discipline incorporates these characteristics, they pray about it and read God's word. It's really a beautiful thing to watch your 7 year old understand diligence, forgiveness, honesty, obedience, humility and so much more...and to hear him use the words each day.

Tanner got forgiveness. He is such a pleaser...so quick to accept an apology...so quick to give grace...very proud mom.

Crazy 1st graders at MBG field trip. Sam comes on field trips...lets just say this one was a little long. I underestimated the volume of snacks need!

Literary Character Day

The students in grades K-12 had to come dressed as a character from a book they'd read. Tanner chose Percy Jackson from the Lightening Thief.

This is Froggy.

He spent a weekend with us.

Tanner wanted to show him Memphis and teach him to play his favorite games. Tanner seems so grown up so I love these little moments...pretending Froggy was playing Headbanz with us.

Sam Turns 4

Sam turns 4!

My sweet...wild...hilarious...mess of a boy wanted a Peter Pan birthday.

He very specifically asked for swords, a hunt for "pirates booty", to eat pirates booty, a crocodile piñata and shadows!

This is Sam's "school girlfriend"! She's hilarious too. Listening to them make each other laugh cracks me up.

WALK THE PLANK...watch out for the croc!

TIGER LILY'S TEE-PEE...to decorate with fabric markers

a SHIP for PAN...a gift from Tinkerbell

SWORDS...to decorate and TREASURE BOXES...to paint and hold the "booty"

PIRATE TREATS

CROCODILE PINATA

and

BURIED TREASURE...in the sandbox

We had such a wonderful time celebrating Sam's 4th birthday with our sweet friends and family! We are so grateful so many amazing people are a part of this sweet boys life!

FYI...parties at my house bring out my best delegating skills. Thanks to my sisters and Chris for not smacking my in the hours prior to a party:)