Summertime, Summertime

Meredith after a party at Sweet and Sassy

Our summer has passed, oh, so quickly! In another week, Maggie and Will will go to school, and Meredith and I will be homeschooling. It seems like just yesterday I was trying to figure out what to do with all our time, and now, I'm trying to figure out what needs to be done with the little that is left. We have had wonderful fun and created many lasting memories, and although I am very sad that the break is over -- especially since Maggie is going to school for the first time! -- I know that the structure will be a welcome change for all of us. Enjoy the pictures (there are a couple of surprises at the end)!

Found some Tasti-Lee tomatoes at Kroger in honor of Samuel and his boss in Florida 

Maggie got new glasses

Headed to an 80's Party

Yes, Ryan found a KISS costume which was a huge hit!!

Will and Connor getting settled on the top bunks at Camp Good News

Will, Connor and Samuel Benson -- cabin mates

Meredith saying goodbye to Maggie

Bella, Reagan and Maggie -- cabin mates

Maggie's and Reagan's top bunk space

Fun with friends

Meredith at a 4th of July bike parade while Maggie and Will were at camp

Decorating 4th of July cookies

Pick up day at camp

Will practicing his new skill of diving down in Florida

Meredith became more and more comfortable in the water over the summer; the week after Florida she was jumping off the diving board and swimming all over the deep end

Just lounging

Maggie's giant shell

Will hanging out in the wade pool with Ryan trying to capture little fish

Meredith really began to enjoy the waves this year too 

Meredith was so excited to give Will a present just from her -- it was a dollar bill!

Sushi celebration for Will's birthday in Collierville

Caboose in Collierville

And the big engine

Will with his specially decorated chair, courtesy of Maggie, and his strawberry cake; he is joined by his lot of stuffed animals, also Maggie's doing

Will was giggling so hard he couldn't blow out the candles; his big present was a trip to see the Texas Rangers play in Dallas

Football birthday party!!

Will and Griffin Garrison celebrated turning 9 with a double football birthday party!

Our very unique "peach chick" before we ate it

Maggie and Mama took a little mother/daughter trip at the end of July, and this was our first stop -- Mellow Mushroom

Maggie meeting the horses at Meadow View Farm, the bed and breakfast where we stayed

And they had goats!!

Our first breakfast

Maggie and her friend Katie Stephens at the ice skating rink in Olive Branch

First time on ice and she's doing great!

Our room "East Meets West"

Maggie's second favorite thing besides the animals was this awesome tub!

Enjoying a coffee treat

Entrance to our room

AND they had a hot tub; we couldn't stay in long, but it did make the outside temperature actually pleasant!

And the big surprise -- Maggie has donated her hair for the 3rd time!

Big day at Sweet and Sassy

TA-DAAAA!

And she got her ears pierced -- a back-to-school make-over

Beginning of Summer

     Spring is quickly passing by, and summer vacation is here! Our spring quarter of school ended quite well and with little fanfare. Will did a great job in his first year at school; Maggie -- actually Margaret now to all except family -- finished her homeschool with flying colors even though she's going to keep up with a few subjects from homeschooling that she enjoys, namely history and Latin; and Meredith did quite well in her pre-k/kindergarten year of homeschool. I will say that I am looking forward to the slower pace next year having just her to teach.
     Our summer started with a flurry of activity. Will attended a mini football camp then went to Jackson, MS for VBS at Ava and Grandpa's church. His highlight was getting to spend some time with his little cousins Cate and Reese. Maggie was able to go to a horse camp this week, so she has had a little taste of heaven! She LOVES horses!! Meredith has had some special mommy time and a couple of play dates with friends. Our "busyness" is on the front end of the break, which will make it good to have a little bit of relaxation before the school year starts again.
   

Will played on a team with most of the boys in his class. They had a great season and showed tremendous improvement. We were so proud of all the Eagles!

Will and his buddy Sam Shelton

Maggie hanging out at one of the first games 

Will took brownies to school on April 26 (Aunt Cat's birthday) to celebrate his birthday.

Meredith read green eggs and ham, so I made some for breakfast.

And here is Will's team

Meredith completed her 100 miles at our gym and earned her trophy.

Meredith wanted to have a picnic with Mama in the front yard during the beautiful spring weather.

The positive side of Ryan's ball season being over: a trip to the Botanic Garden.

Sprinklers at the Botanic Garden

Feeding the fish -- and the goose and the swan!

Meredith loves riding on Daddy's shoulders!!

2nd grade boys -- aren't they handsome!!

Special Easter visit with Uncle Aaron and Aunt Rachel

Rare picture of the two of us

Mother's Day Tea at Mother's Day Out

Mama and Meredith  

Sign outside of Will's school on the day of a big game -- the boys lost, but Coach Pete always set a wonderful Christ-like example in attitude, win or lose!

First and possibly the last time that I will put shoe polish on our van; very fun and Will loved it, but, boy, was it a bugger to get off!!

Ballet recital -- Swan Lake

Maggie with her horse Dandy

Decorating Dandy for the horse show

"Taking a nap on Dandy"

Riding on Dandy in horse heaven