Roaring River 2016

We had our annual Fall camping trip to Roaring River State Park again this year. We look forward to this every year and our crew keeps growing adding more families and fun to the bunch! Grandma & Grandpa L. were able to join us again this year and we were able to celebrate Jackson's birthday with the extended Bolinger family as well.

 We rode down to the campground in the R.V.! The kids watched a movie, colored, and took a nap on the couch. They were spoiled!

 Both grandparents chatting around the campfire

 The dads playing corn hole

 We took a nice hike- beautiful weather!

 Maryanna, Uncle Chris, Daddy, Grandpa, and Aunt Sarah fishing

 one of his favorite things about camping- hot chocolate!

 I love the fact that our kids use their imagination and creativity while we are camping! The girls have loved this bridge (which crosses over a dry creek bed in the campground) for the past couple of years. They put together "parties" under the bridge complete with handmade invitations, decorations (mostly natural), and interesting games. We had about 15-20 kids total so there was lots of fun (and bickering :) involved. But overall, a great time for friends. 

 this sign says "PARTY!"

 We headed down to RR the day after Jackson's birthday so it was a perfect place to celebrate with family! He requested cookie cake and ice cream, and we delivered :) 

He is so very loved. What an awesome crew of kiddos!

Jackson turns 6!

For Jackson's 6th birthday, he requested a bowling party! We have a great little bowling alley in downtown Independence that was a perfect fit for he and seven of his closest friends. I promised him that once he started Kindergarten, he could have a "friend only" party. He loved celebrating with some of his favorite people.

L-R: (front) Trace, Caleb (Isabella's brother), Max, Isabella

(middle) Owen, Judah

(back) Noah, Jacob

 He also requested his bowling party be Lego-themed. He wanted strawberry cupcakes, blue frosting, and I made some Lego character and block gummies to put on top.

 Posing for a pic with Owen

 He was thrilled to have Grandma and Grandpa L. here for his birthday! Their first birthday celebration with Jackson!

Birthday boy in action

 Jackson had asked for an iPod for his birthday (and the answer to that was "No"). So we decided on a cheaper (and less heartbreaking if broken) option- an MP3 player. By the look on his face, I'm sure you can tell he was just as excited.

 And his big sister went out a month early and spent some of her hard-earned allowance money on a Nerf gun for Jackson. We love her sweet, giving heart.

He was walking around the house all morning like this. (and don't ask about the shirtless sleep attire- it's his new thing)

September 2016

We started off the month with a family camping trip for Labor Day weekend. Here we are at Watkins Mill.

I don't know why but I didn't take many pictures this trip. But honestly, this picture about sums up what the boys were doing all weekend. Playing in the ditch! :)

This summer, I had planned to train for a half marathon but unfortunately my knees had other plans :(. This really sparked a new motivation to get back in shape and active again. And not only in me, but in Daddy and the kiddos too! Well the kiddos are always active, but they joined along :). So, we spent a lot of time at the Little Blue Trail running and riding bikes. And in October we are doing the Family Timber Challenge. Feels good to be active as a family!

Speaking of active, here's Jackson in his first soccer game. This boy HAS it! This has proven to be his best season yet and he is a goal-scoring machine! His coach this year is doing a great job teaching him defense as well which he has also proven successful at. He's always fun to watch.

Lily is our risk-taker. She has never played volleyball, and after discovering soccer was not her thing, she decided to go for it. We are so proud of her. She is learning new skills and has been successful at serving over the net already! She would like to continue playing and thankfully, volleyball is a fall and winter sport so she can carry on her skills into her winter season. She's doing amazing!

It sure helps when your BFF is on your team (with signature matching sparkly headbands) 

First day of school 2016- 4th grade and Kindergarten

I was doing great all summer, blissfully suppressing all my emotions regarding my "baby" starting Kindergarten. But when August 11th rolled around, I could no longer avoid it. All the school shopping, schedule preparation, back to school night, and finding out the teacher excitement finally hit me. And thankfully, Justin came with me for this big day knowing it would be huge not only for me, but he as well. Obviously, I lost it. But I'm glad I waited until leaving the building before I hid my head in an ugly cry. It's a new chapter for our family and I'm so proud of both of our kids. They are so smart, well-adjusted, and eager to learn. We couldn't be more excited for Lily as she steps up to the challenge of 4th grade, and for Jackson as he learns the new rules and wonder of Kindergarten. 

We were praying he would get Mrs. Bailey and were elated to hear the news that Jackson would be in her class. She is a wonderful, energetic, caring, and structured teacher and Jackson already loves her so much!

And even though we had no idea who Lily would be blessed with, God did and gave her animal-loving Mrs. McHenry. She talks a lot about her animals and this is right up Lily's alley.

Back to school night

Back to school celebration dinner at Texas Roadhouse

First day of 4th grade and Kindergarten!

Lily is pretty much to the age where she would like me to walk her to class, but peer pressure tells her otherwise. She was nervous as all of her friends were split up into the four classes this year, but as always, she is thriving as a leader in her class.

This one almost broke me. Thank goodness for Daddy. I think I may have just taken him home with me if it were up to me.

We were both biting our lip trying not to cry. Our final goodbye...I left and cried, and he had an amazing first day! So proud of this little man.

August 2016

Quickly approaching school mode, we ventured out on one last camping trip to Bennett Springs. This had been on our bucket list and we enjoyed a fun long weekend floating down the Niangua river with the Gensler family!

popsicles and a movie in the camper

We rented a raft and a kayak. loaded it up, and headed on our 7 mile float down the Niangua River

Daddy controlled the kayak and gave all the kids turns in exploring with him. They all loved it.

We made many stops along the way allowing the kids to get out and swim in the shallow areas

After the float, we headed out to Bennett Springs State Park. This is the head of the spring.

And of course, there was some fishing involved too.