Sweethearts on the Hill

It is with a big smile that I get to celebrate Richie every year for Father's Day. I have the privilege of parenting our sweet boys alongside him and get to admire the love, loyalty, and laughter he brings to us every day. This year, Richie decided he wanted to spend the day at Topoco Lodge.  The boys threw rocks in the water. We had some lunch. We went on a quick hike. A day trip away from normal life to celebrate       We were bound and determined to get a picture of us ~ without sunglasses ~ that we could tolerate...  Man, it sucks getting old! One of my most favorite parts of this day was the sweet cards that Sam, Charlie, and Luke made for their dad . A little silly mixed with lots of sweet...  just how I like it! Luke's picture has something dropping some doo doo off a mountain...!   Charlie's recreation of his famous farting cactus artwork...   And Sam just being all grown up and sw...

Charlie kicked off summer break with his Fifth Grade Safety Patrol Trip to Washington DC. So (reluctantly, without him), we decided to spend one of those day at Norris Lake.  And as usual, it did not disappoint! Sam and Luke had an opportunity to bond - and Luke was loving all the attention from his brother Lots of time on the tube    And some swimming time too We love love our days out on Norris Lake!

I'm not sure there are any seasons I love more than baseball season...! This year certainly did not disappoint.   Luke played for the Cubs and Sam for the Yankees.  They both did a really great job this year.  Luke is learning how to hit and catch. Sam is building confidence and is making some really great plays.   Pretty proud of himself for getting a "homerun"!! Sam played first base most of the year and really did a great job! He also had some great hits - his best one was out to the fence... a triple.    He showed great confidence in the middle of difficult situations... up to bat, last inning, game is tied, two outs, bases loaded... AND a base hit...  game winning run! He got the game ball two different times!   And nothing better than having a supportive brother come cheer you on after his golf scrambles Another great baseball season in the books...

How is it even possible? My baby just graduated from preschool ... he is officially a kindergartener! What a beautiful journey it has been - not only for Luke, but for all of our boys who have spent many days learning at growing at St. Mark's Early Enrichment Program. These sweet teachers have shown our kids an abundance of love and grace, nurturing them and helping them grow into confident little boys. We've had the most spectacular experience at SMEEP ~ so many smiles... friends, teachers, parents... memories to last a lifetime. (Luke's little girlfriend, Ruby.. I seriously can't get enough of her!)   Miss Holly and Miss Susan Miss Melissa, who spent the mornings with Luke for several years...  he became known as the SMEEP mascot as he would join Miss Melissa in all her staff meetings.   And Miss Brittney, who also spent lots of time with Luke when mommy and dadd were both working. Sam and Charlie took the ...