Saying Goodbye to Summer and Hello to Fall!!!

Someone wise said last night that Labor Day is a perfect holiday as it carries with it no "impossible expectations" (i.e. New Year's and Valentine's!!) She went on to say that as such, whatever happens on this day is just gravy. Yesterday was the perfect "gravy". An impromtu dinner 'al fresco' at the Branch's. Kids swung on tree swings, Jane gurgled, we marveled at Taylor's 42 mile bike marathon and we even caught a rare glimpse of Uncle Jonathan...the only missed was Uncle Joe and we know he was greatly saddened to miss this event!!

Lake Trinity

A fun time was had by all....and by all I mean, aunts, uncles, grandpas, grandmas, kids, parents, friends....we all descended on Lake Trinity. And after a shaky first day (thanks to the boat from 1979) we hit the ground...or water...running. There was swimming, skiing, eating, marshmallows, eating, walks, rides, laughing, crying...everything that you could want in a family vacation. Thank you Lord for blessing our family and our summer!

Beach Day With Aunt Deborah....

Somebody give this boy a surfboard...

Sshhh....don't tell Austen that she has finally braved the water, she was lured out by friends and playtime and didn't realize she had unconsciously conquered her fears.

21 Sand Castles mom.....I counted.....3 times! Faithful worker for hire!

Happy Birthday To You...

It's Birthday Time!

August is a full Birthday month for us...Benjamin...Stephen....Jackson....all in a week! This year was tough...but to keep tradition alive we squeezed in their "joint" moment. We had the winning combination of, vacation approaching, a wedding coming, a visiting ballerina, and no naps, and so with many tears and more tears we managed at least a "Happy Birthday"!

Baby Ballerinas....

Miniature Friends...Miniature Ballerinas...Huge Fun, Incredibly Sweet! 

All the fun you thought having a girl would be and more....

This was just the hallway...

Aaaahhhh At Last....

Can we just let you all know how overjoyed we are at the happiness in the picture above!?!  Our friend and brother has found his "lobster".