Life... One Day at a Time: August 2016

Wednesday, August 17, 2016

Ava's 1st Day of Preschool 2016

Ava has been asking "how many days until school starts?" since the last day of school! To say she was excited today was a BIG understatement. She loves school! She's challenged and loves the structure. And this year her best friend Claira is in her class with her. This will most likely be the last year they're in the same school so I am praying that they have a great year together with memories to last forever.

Ella was not so pumped about Ava's first day of Preschool :( She usually plays with Ava and Claira at daycare so she is going through some major changes with both girls moving on to preschool. I know ultimately it will be good for Ella to branch out without her sister but this mama was crying right along with her this morning. And tonight we recited over and over, "I am brave, I am strong, I am beautiful". Love these girls beyond words!!

Tuesday, August 16, 2016

Little Gymnasts

Ava and Ella started gymnastics on Monday night. I'm not certain who was more excited; me or them!! They are in the same class which is fantastic for them both to get comfortable. The class was full but they had 3 coaches for the class so it was well controlled. The girls immediately were asking how many days before their next class.

They were the cutest gymnasts I've ever seen!!

Waconda Lake 2016

Matt and I have been wanting and talking about buying a camper for several years but haven't pulled the trigger... until recently. Life is too short and we are hoping to make lots of memories with our family with camping trips. Within a couple of weeks of our purchase, Matt's brother and his family bought a ski boat. Something they've been wanting for their family for a long while as well. These purchases meant it was time for a trip home to Waconda Lake for some camping and boating.

We did it up right! We had so much fun hanging out together, boating, watching the kids tube, s'mores, wine, lots of laughs, playing and sleeping in the camper, and swimming. This weekend definitely needs to be at least an annual occurrence! So many memories were made just in one trip.

I love watching my girls, niece, and nephews loving and having so much fun in a place that I spent so many hours at growing up. My parents would take me to the lake and pull me around for hours and hours. I'm so thankful! And I understand why...those smiles! Those smiles are priceless! And there's nothing better than the kids having fun on the water, on the beach collecting shells and rocks, and grilling their marshmallows. There's nothing better than watching them have fun without TVs and toys. These weekends are what life is all about!

14th Anniversary

Celebrating 14 years with my guy. How in the world does 14 years fly by in the blink of an eye??!!!

Our road has not been the easiest. But I've now been with Matt for more years in my life than without him. I knew I wanted to marry him early on and we did marry young; 10 days after my 21^st birthday. Life was pretty great until infertility snuck in. That was not in our plan. Struggling through infertility and the first steps of adoption were tough on each of us individually and tough on our marriage. There were days we both wanted to walk away but we chose to fight for our marriage. We ended up on the other side happier, tighter, and more understanding. I'm so thankful we made and stuck with our commitment to each other 14 years ago. I know the road won't always be easy but I pray that we always choose to fight for our marriage.

I love this man more on our 14^th wedding anniversary than I even thought was possible the day I married him.

This year we were able to sneak away for an overnight to Eureka Springs, Arkansas. We explored the town a little, hiked, enjoyed a cabin in the Ozark Mountains, ate some good foods, and enjoyed some time just the 2 of us.

Table Rock Lake 2016

Our home away from home...Table Rock Lake. I LOVE this place and this summer vacation was extra special because my entire family is now a lake lovin' family! Ava has loved going to the lake house and swimming pretty much since her first visit. Ella on the other hand likes the lake house but didn't want anything to do with the lake itself last summer. What a difference a year makes!

This year Ella was jumping off the ladder on the dock. Swimming until we made her take a break. Loving boat rides. And she definitely perfected the art of napping on the boat. So proud of her conquering her fears from last year!!

Ava also made some big gains this trip. Jumping off the dock and boat by herself over and over and over again! And my baby girl learned to knee board. I was so proud I cried. My girl learning to do the things I love to do too! I honestly didn't think she had the arm strength to do it but Matt and my dad kept pushing that they thought she could do it and Ava really wanted to try...so we tried it. I just helped her keep her balance and get going and then it was all her. So proud!

This trip we also celebrated my 35^th birthday with Landrys Seafood, go carts, putt putt, paddling boarding, skiing, and family. Nothing better! This birthday will be hard to beat.

Mom and I also were able to sneak away for a Mama Daughter Date night at Steak Inn in Shell Knob. That definitely needs to become a regular occurrence. We laughed, cried, and were able to have a conversation without being interrupted 20 times :))