More Summer, please

Just some pics of those summer days-sleeping in and having fun

Forts

Kindness Rock Craze

When I tell people that Ashleigh and I go rock collecting, some people look at me like I'm crazy and others understand the rock craze.  The Kindness Rock Project encourages people to create inspirational rocks and leave (hide) for others to find. Ashleigh and I embraced the phenomena this summer-not only by painting and hiding, but also with hunting. The hunting for rocks has become such a fun time for us. It is also a time for us to exercise as we walk the trails throughout our community. Some walks have been as long as 6 miles (definitely getting in more than 10,000 steps for all you FitBit users). These walks also include time for Ashleigh and I to talk about whatever----usually the whatever is life! I so enjoy these times (and secretly I think Ashleigh does too). We don't always find a lot of rocks, but the conversation is always great, and we also encounter many God sightings too. 

A night full of God sightings and few rocks

I painted these! (Yes-I teach 3rd grade)

rock painting

Ashleigh is serious about her rocks.

Some of our first finds

Hurricane Irma

Hurricane Irma had us watching, preparing, and ready. School was cancelled on Friday, and we continued to watch the storm's track. We had planned to go to Georgia, if needed. Continuing to watch and deciding to stay on Saturday, we enjoyed the beautiful days of Saturday and Sunday. Saturday we had a hearty breakfast that I made along with the help of Chris and Ashleigh.  I organized some kitchen cabinets and Chris worked on the Jeep for a while. Ashleigh and I went rock collecting on Saturday and found lots of rocks and had mother-daughter conversation. On Sunday, we were able to go to our church service and later our family rode to the local islands to check out the mighty ocean. Chris and I strapped down the patio furniture and trash can and were ready for the rain and winds from our Tropical Storm warning and alerts. We watched Guardians of the Galaxy 2 as a family (although we had seen it at the movie theater). On Monday, Chris made pancakes while I made eggs, bacon, and sausage. Throughout the day, the rain and wind came down and we had tornado alerts and flood advisory alerts. There were interruptions in satellite service, but we were able to listen to advisories as needed because our phones would alert us too. Today was a beautiful day! Chris worked on the Jeep and we took it for a ride throughout the neighborhood. Prayers and love to family and friends in Georgia and Florida.

A rock I found in a tree on my way home from Publix! 

All containers have tops!!

Austin on Thursday while I was getting gas

School is in full SWING!

This was the first week of school; however, this was the first FULL week with ALL 5 days. Week 1 was two days for the kids. Week 2 included a day off for the Solar Eclipse. Week 3 is this week. We have been busy adjusting our new routines from school to bedtime. While change always brings challenge, this week we are somewhat "getting into the groove of things". Ashleigh's schedule is beginning to become relevant, but the last few weeks have been trying. Thankful for teachers, counselors, the school principal, Ashleigh, and prayers for the dual-enrollment to begin to "click" for Ashleigh's academic load  and drive time.  Continue to pray for her over the next few weeks as all the people and places involved work together.  Dylan's 8th grade year thus far has been as if he never left school. Many classmates are the same and so are his teachers! YAY! Austin is also off to a great start in 3rd grade. He is across the hall from me (I rarely see him except at lunch). Pictures of the first couple of weeks with captions to explain some events!

Preparing for high school classes the night before her first day as a junior. She is also ending her summer dual enrollment summer session and began her fall semester class this week

Solar Eclipse-Yes we have the glasses,but it is cloudy and rainy. We were able to experience and see the darkness for 1 minute and 45 seconds, but not able to see the eclipse.

Sunday walks 

This is VBS this summer. Austin had a blast! Ashleigh did too as she served as a leader for younger kids. 

More summer

So I have began driving the "blue rocket" as Chris is driving the camo (black truck) and Ashleigh is driving the white (Chris's truck). Austin loves it! We drive across the street (thankfully especially on hot days). Chris is also working on a Jeep for us.