Swing Time

I will admit that there are many days the required daily ready for my third graders is just one more thing for us to do....although I know it's so important and I love to read...and I want her to love to read....and well, you know what I mean. It's one of those things that we do...check itoff the list...and move one...becasue the list is endless. But lately, I have been trying to look at this time as a time to enjoy her...for the world to stop for just a minute (20 minutes really.... to meet the mininum time) :)

We like to read on the swing and it has been lovely to have this time with her. She is certainly not something I ever want to check off a list. I hope she is on my list forever...sometimes an endless is a good thing.

North Basketball banquet 2016

Tonight we gathered together for the basketball banquet. It's some balloons in the cafeteria with some food on the back tables to those looking in the window. But if you were in the room you would see it it was so much more.

 It was a night of accomplishment for first seasons completed...and for these two one more notch in their friendship...another thread that ties them even closer.

 It was a night of bitter sweet lasts.....as we said goodbye to our 8th grade team. Most of these boys have been on this team for three years under the same coach.

and for many of these boys....who are leaving the North family next year....it was the first time it hit them that they are leaving this. The text I got from Jack that night is one I will carry in my heart forever. Everythig is so bittersweet......

 Every boy was recognized with love and I was touched to be recognized with love as well. Debbie made me cry and Derek was so heartfelt with his words too.....

 I love this school....I love this team...I love the families and friendships....and I love these boys.....

 So blessed to have been a part of this season.....so...so blessed.

Girl Time for Lila

Lila has really been missing her friends from her....soon to be....2nd grade class. So we invited over the crew for a little summer fun!

The reunions were precious...full of love.

 Lila is so blessed to have such a fun group of girls to call her friends!

 They dance, they played, they crafted, but most of all they laughed! They had a fun afternoon together and my Lila was happy as she could be!

fun with DA

How lucky is Rollins to have Derek Anderson as his basketball coach?! I mean, that's just cool! Every Tuesday night he hangs with him at practice and them they will be having games on Fridays.

 What a unique and special opportunity for these boys!

 So thankful for this opportunity!

Enjoy every second, Rolls!

just 4

My littles love their friends....they just do and so often we have friends over...they go in and out all day long...and I would not have it any other way. But sometimes it's nice to have time together for just the 4 of them...and when we do we have to leave the house...so their are no knocks on the door...or face time calls on the iPads. Today we headed for a picnic at the park and  enjoyed some creek and playground time!

It was so nice...just the 4 of them.

Last Swim Meet of the Season

Hard to believe but we just had the last swim meet of the season! All we have left is Qualifications and maybe Championships...the season has just flown by!  A Swim team summer Monday is always fun ...waiting for the heat sheet to hit your e mail....knowing that friends and Kona Ice will be a part of your summer night...it's just a part of our summer...a happy part!

 We are still in awe of Little Beans and how well she has done this season! We expected tears and fights...but we have seen a brave little girl who swims like a fish...( still dives in like a bunny though!)

 Tonight she tried back stroke for the first time! Go Beans!

Summer Fishing

Rollins especially loves to fish and I love that he loves to fish. A fishing morning is always a good one. Rolls and Braden sat on the porch for an hour getting the poles ready...talking and laughing the whole time about everything and nothing. Just being friends...just being boys.

A simple task and good conversation is a beautiful thing.

Today we fished outside of the neighborhood..it's always fun to try a new fishing hole. Being outside with new trees and flowers to admire...new rocks to sit on...new paths to take.

yes....changing it up is a beautiful thing.

 They do it all...they ready the poles, bait the hooks, and help each other out. You hold my pole....I'll hold yours. You bait my hook...I'll bait yours. Because knowing you can get by with a little help from your friends ....that also is a beautiful thing.

Today Braden was the lucky one..he caught the biggest and the most fish..and was all smiles!And knowing some days you are just going to be the lucky one...well....that, my friend, is a beautiful thing.

 Rollins...on the other hand...had a rough time...bait kept coming off....his line broke a few time....once it even got caught under a log......but he kept trying.....even though his patience was wearing thin.....

he kept casting that line......

He kept waiting for that nibble...for that bob of the pole....

and finally...after too many casts to count....

he caught one!

 yes...patience...and believing that if you try one more time....and having the courage to hope...is a beautiful thing too.

 We certainly had a beautiful morning fishing! Can't wait to do it again!