Wouldn't everyone like to Time Hop back a few weeks to when it was still summer break, lunches didn't need to be packed, stacks of papers didn't pile up every afternoon, bedtimes could be broken and long weekends were easier to come by?
We started off August with another wonderously awesome weekend spent on the water.
But most importantly, we were there to celebrate these two love birds.
45 YEARS. I don't have the words.
But I do hope to make at least half of the good decisions they have made, and have all of the same appreciation for how wonderful life can be with someone you love along at your side.
It's a long way down to the dock. Sometimes, you have to stop and just take in the view.
Not long after, Gigi, Poppa and Gramps came for a visit. Breakfast with Poppa is clearly the bee's knees.
Naturally, we had to hit the lake again.
Reality: If the kids aren't actively tubing, eating or swimming off the dock, we are locked in an constant battle to keep them from complete Group Screen Time Binging. The struggle is real...and frustrating.
Henry's never seen a counter top he's opposed to climbing on. In the name of pancakes.
Breaking out the knee board.
This was Michael's very first attempt at knee boarding. We told him to be patient, it might take five or six tries before he could get his balance and figure out how to pull himself up.
If only teaching him to read was this easy. ;)
The big boys took their turns next.
Henry was happy to watch, hanging out with Gigi.
Georgia roots!
Henry and Bear, waiting for the daddies and grandpas to come home from their early morning fishing trip.
Drew, holding on for an epic save after a rough bounce on the tube.
Onward to the start of my own favorite week of the year: Anne's Birthfest Celebration.
Pretty sure I had to promise double chocolate cake rations for this photo...
Checking out Rocket's latest automobile acquisition.
Birthdays are always better with someone to help you rip open the envelopes (and sneak bites of your cake).
Preschool 3s! He'll be the first to turn four of the whole class, but we still get to pretend he's a "3" for the entire year.
Score.
The next week, it was the big kids' turn. Unfortunately, Michael wasn't well the night before so he missed his first day, but he did agree to take some fake 'first-day' photos with me for a promise that he wouldn't have to do it the next day.
Clearly still sleepy, but also excited for fourth grade!
Per tradition, we walked with all of the neighborhood kids to school. It gave us lots of time to talk (and for me to work on stifling sobs).
I know, he looks really sick.
More big news for August: Henry entered the world of team sports.
Juggling three kids' practice and game schedules is, let's say, not the best. But he's awfully cute in that little green uniform.
Go Dynomites!
Henry prefers jumping and pointing to actually running at and kicking the ball.
It's a process...
Waving is his favorite. (And mine.)
Note, Henry and the opposing team's coach are both pointing the same direction.
The Minions are 'playing up' this season for the first time, against all second grade teams. It has meant some losses for the first time, but they are really holding their own and learning a lot about the game.
Michael's first time as goalie.
Go Fever!
It was 104 degrees at this game so apparently I was more focused on not passing out than taking photos but the girls did great.
Is it fall yet?
Labor Day -- otherwise known as the last stop on the Summer Lake Weekend Train.
It's really hard to wait on everyone else to get their stuff together and get this boat underway. Even more so when you're three.
Mid-afternoon swim party on the lake with friends.
This kid will train for his Ninja Warriors party every chance he gets.
Last Sunset Cruise of the season!
Like big brother, like little brother.
Alternate Caption: "Please don't say summer is over. I can't even."