Camping! (A post of many pictures)

The schedule around here gets a little crazy most of the time.

Rush works his regular job, and off-duty.

I work around him....pretty much every weekend.

Which leaves not a whole lot to spare for quality family time.

So we took matters into our own hands and planned a little getaway.

We got the kids out of school early on Friday and kept them out on Monday, packed up 2 cars (yes, it takes 2 cars for us and all our stuff) and hit the road to the mountains.

It. Was. Heaven.

Truly....the Shenandoah valley is amazing in autumn. And we were lucky enough to be there at the peak of the leaf beauty.

It's like God is just showing off. And I'm not complaining.

We had a great time.

The kids rocked some hiking.

We froze in our tent.

A skunk came to visit...and lots of deer.

And now, my quest to rid all of our stuff of campfire smell continues!

First Day of School!

To say that the kids have been excited for school to start would be a huge understatement. I don't know if I should be happy that they like school, or offended that apparently I am that boring. ;)

This year, Jonah headed into 3rd grade....

....and Reagan started Kindergarten! She has the same teacher that Jonah had for Kindergarten, which makes things so much easier since we already know and love her!

She was up at 3am....seriously. And I'm not sure she went back to sleep. Serious excitement.

We met their buddies at the bus stop. :)

 (all the kids minus 2)

And they were off!!

I found out that Jonah walked Reagan to her class (love that boy). He declared this the "best year ever!" and she said she had a great day too. Loved everything. 

That definitely makes this momma's heart happy!

Hopefully they'll feel the same in another month!

Next up.....Rylie starts preschool next week! She's about to bust, she's so excited!

Numero Uno

My oldest kiddo hasn't gotten a lot of play around these parts recently.

I think that's what happens as they get bigger.

They're busier, and on the move. And well, mom and her camera get a little annoying when you're at the ripe old age of 8.

Regardless, I figured it was time to highlight my pride and joy.

My J-man...aka Jonah.

So, I did a little interview with my firstborn....my rising 3rd grader.

And I learned that if I thought taking his picture annoyed him.....well, that was nothing compared to asking him some "deep" questions.

So, here is Jonah, in all of his 8 year old glory.

Favorite Food: Undecided.

Favorite color: Red

Favorite thing to do: Ride bikes, play with legos, play playstation

Favorite sport: Baseball. Specifically, the Texas Rangers. And Josh Hamilton.

When he grows up, he wants to be a baseball player.

If that doesn't work out, then a police officer, like his Daddy and Grandpa.

He wants to live in Texas.

Loves The Mr Men Show. Thinks Mr Rude is hilarious.

Something he is proud of? Learning to ride his bike.

His favorite person: His brother, Jude :)

My favorite person?

This kid is a contender.

Oh summer..... (Sunday Snapshot)

....how I am going to miss you.

    Your gorgeous blooms.

Your impromptu sleepovers.

Your poolside fun.

Your frolicking freedom.

It's been fun.

But other things await us.

Like cooler weather.

And sweatshirts.

And leaves.

And fire pits.

And did someone say football???

Oh yes. 

Summer, it's been nice. 

You can hang around for one more week.

But after that, I think it's time for you to mosey on along. 

See ya next year.