Summer 2017, Part II

After watching a Cross Fit documentary ;) 

(Please ignore the messy room.  I won't even say it's not normally like this, bc it is)

I would have NEVER bought this obnoxious pink and purple toy if I wasn't a mom of five boys.  Having something so girly in my living room is like balm to cover up all the balls and cars and dirty socks.

One of the highlights of the summer was having the Cupps here.  I wish we could have seen more of them but every time I had the chance to chat with Jen, I left encouraged.

I don't know why I took this picture, but it's a typical Costco haul (actually this is only half of it).  And the lunch boxes are a sad reminder that school is coming :(

Packing up for Philmont, the father-son adventure of a lifetime.

One struggles to pack...

Another very easily and happily packs his things

(Two weeks worth of clothes are in that orange stuff sack!)

Weighing the pack.

Nathan is a literal monkey.

They looked forward to the 2017 baseball card pack coming out for about six months.  And today was the day.  They sit and for days take turns picking cards.  I love it!

MusiCamp was amazing.  Two helpers and two campers.  And it gave me a quiet week while Chris and Graham were gone.  

And then Asher flew to Colorado to be with my parents.  I intended to walk him to the gate but we ran out of time and he did it all by himself.  He was so confident.  I stood there and wondered how time had passed so quickly.

Lots of game playing while they were away.

Pictures that Asher was doing just fine with Grandma and Grandpa.

Golf is exhausting.

They came off the trail!  This was the first time we had seen or heard from them in 12 days!

They came back with packs FULL of dirty clothes and TONS of stories.  I'm seriously thankful they came back without any injury!

Last Race Trac refill of the summer... and we are sad that summer is coming to an end.

But first, a trip to Colorado!

Summer 2017, Part I

Summer has come and gone, unfortunately.  These precious summers.  I can't say enough about them.  They are fleeting.  We only have three summer left with Graham.  THREE.  When they are a tiny babies, cradled in your arms, these are not the things you think of.

We are always happy for (not scary) rain.  These guys crack me up.

Softball World Series.  We HAD to go see our fav softball player.

The Rangers have had a frustrating season to say the least and Asher's texts to Chris are downright hilarious...

Another one ;) 

Hit the wall when he was trying to catch a fly ball.  Thankful for whoever the HERO is who invented waterproof casts.

Still wanting to cheer on his team.

I mean, summer.  What else can you say?

And when your oldest has a JOB.  It's just surreal.  Proud of him for his hard work this summer.

She likes the pool too.  She's such a good sport, tagging along with all of the things we do.

Off he goes to Scout camp.  Always prepared, of course.

Sweet girls and how they love a baby.

Never too old for dentist office toys.

Would anyone like to buy a bracelet?

All ready for his game.

Waiting for his ride (so thankful for sweet friends to help us take Joseph to his games!)

Not trying to match, but.... obviously we kinda like green, polka dots and stripes.

These fifth grade boys all hanging out, actually having a conversation, made me want to snap a pic.

A week of Kid's Kamp, some attending, some volunteering.

Again, these sweet girls at the pool who love on her.

The sweetest group of teens.

A mother/son road trip.  I loved taking the big boys (and Nathan) to Branson.  I can't remember what was so funny in this picture, but I love their smiles.

These two had to stay back because of baseball.  But good to get texts of them having fun too.

Huddle up.

Sight and Sound Theater (Moses) with the Thompsons.

Riding through Kanakuk in style.

I mean, so big.  All of them.

Party Barn.

Underneath all that coffee ice cream, and whipped cream is the best chocolate chip cookie ever.  

Hotel selfie.

Thompson selfie.  I met Niki the first night my parents dropped me off at college.  I actually didn't like her bc I thought she was being too serious and spiritual ;)  I guess we must have worked that out.  Nowadays, we can hardly talk bc we have too many kids between us... I ONLY have six.  She is pregnant with #12.  She is faithful and loyal and one of the funniest people I know.

The world's longest table.  And best view out that GIANT window.  And of course, the sweetest friends.

Tradition.  A date with Lori.  Next time, he will get to drive.

Driving home.  A stop through Bentonville.  Such a fun little town.

L-O-V-E all of them.

Just one more selfie.  I like that they even want to take selfies with me.

Home and excited to see her.

Thankful for these moms in my life.

And these kids!

This wraps up the month of June...