This & That!

A lot of random things happening around here lately, so I will jump right in...

Johnny's favorite thing is to snatch my phone at the bus stop when I get out of the car to get Mellany

John had the amazing opportunity to climb Mt. St. Helens a couple weeks ago. He said it was the hardest thing he's ever done but one of the most rewarding and he said the view was incredible!

Bus stop!

Afternoon drive...

John was in need of a new truck and he happened to find one in Henderson, KY which is about a 4 hour drive from us. So we took a Saturday and made the trip. It was fun and exhausting all at the same time! We are very thankful that the kids were such troopers.

Again with the phone snatching...

FINALLY getting some rain....

Putting peanut butter on Simon's face to see if it causes an allergic reaction. Simon was a little nervous so he and Johnny held hands....melted my heart! 

Chocolate chip cookies for dessert....

Working on landscaping and Charlie hauled some things to the dump pile for us. He wanted to take a few pictures of his "load"

Charlie got mad at me because I wouldn't give him anymore waffles...I just couldn't help but laugh!

Cheese! 

Winston has been such a great puppy for our family! He is getting big and probably almost done growing (if not done already). He is so sweet, loves to play fetch, is really pretty calm for a puppy and loves to snuggle at the end of the day! 

Bus stop!

Working on the computer and Winston wanted some lap sit time....

Mellany's First Day: 2nd Grade!

Another first day of school has come and gone, and according to Mellany, it was the best first day ever! 

We started preparations the day before with picking out her clothes, packing her lunch and painting her toes. In the morning we had a muffin breakfast before taking all the first day pictures (which included Charlie for the first time because he was actually awake!) and sending her on her way when the bus arrived. I counted down the hours and tried to keep myself occupied while she was at school. When it was time for the bus to drop her off I couldn't wait to hear all her stories. 

She absolutely loves her teacher and has some kids she knows in her class from last year, she's got the same amazing bus driver and got the good news that there will be hardly any homework this year!!! She got to see her best friend Charlotte and even her 1st grade teacher. She loves the songs that her class sings and is really looking forward to the Accelerated Reader program again this year. There wasn't one concern or negative comment that came from Mellany and that makes me so happy! 

This year was still hard for this mama to send her girl off, but much better than last year when we had the new school, bus & bus driver, etc. situation.....This year was familiar which definitely helped ease my anxiety a bit. I think I'm just as excited as Mellany is to not have homework and I agree with Mellany that her teacher is going to be amazing!

Heres to an incredible year in second grade! 

End of Summer fun!

It pains me to say that school has begun and summer is officially over......it's been such a great summer and I'm so sad to see it come to an end....BUT at the same time we are excited for a new school year and all the fun that brings! This is what we've been doing to finish out the summer with a "bang"! 

While the big kids were at Camp Tecumseh for the week....Charlie and I got some special one-on-one time! It's safe to say we both enjoyed it! A trip to Menards and Meijer plus lunch at the park were just a couple things on the agenda.

Charlie also got to help me with decorations for a church event I had that Friday night...he was actually super helpful and loved getting to hang out on the stage...

The Women's event I had at church was a painting night and Mellany got to come with me. I had to be there early to set up so she got to come along and was super helpful. We really had the best time! 

My Grandpa came in to town from Texas (he is almost 81 years old!!) and while he was here he decided the kids needed some new shoes.....so off to the mall we went. Charlie had the best time measuring everyones feet. 

Rock painting...

Before school started, a trip to the dentist was in order for Mellany, Johnny and myself. Thank goodness for tablets to keep the kiddos occupied while I had my cleaning.

Watching the tractor cut the hay

For about three days we were drowning in peaches! This was my first year "putting up" peaches and it honestly went pretty well. I can't wait to try some of the things I made and froze. 

Lazy summer mornings laying in bed...

...teamwork!...

Continuing to keep those skills up with summer workbooks

Winston definitely missed Mellany when she was gone for the sleepover with Charlotte

"I wanna take pictures mom!"

Gammy came to visit and we spent Sunday afternoon outside

We also went to the mall for some shopping....Mellany was "on the phone" with Charlotte

They snatched my phone in the car while running errands with Gammy!!

Charlie watching the tractors in the field

When gammy is in town, we get popsicles at the pool :)

We also go to the library when Gammy is here....

...and eat at Pappy's...

"Take a picture mom"

"Let me take your picture mom".....Charlie is all about the pictures lately...

Last day of summer before school I let Mellany choose our plans....we went to a local play area in the morning, had McDonalds for lunch and cookies for dessert at dinner....She also led yoga to get the boys warmed up for the play area...