Summer Break

It came and went so fast and it's hard to believe we are already into our 2nd week of school!

Nonetheless, we had a fantastic summer of visiting.  We started our trip in Oklahoma where we got to spend lots of time catching up after 5 long years.  We tried not to wear everyone out with our (their) endless energy!

We made sure to get in lots and lots of hugs

And lots and lots of dog kisses (yuck!)

Of course we are Sonic deprived in Hawaii so we made this our daily treat!

Tearful goodbyes and we were off again to Pennsylvania

Which I have decided is the place to be if you can't be in Hawaii (in the summer of course, all bets are off in the winter).  

Plus, you can get some amazing fireworks!!

This was the before shot of the "who can eat a whole banana split" challenge.  I'll spare you the after shot but we are still arguing over who won :)  

My brother and his family rolled out the red carpet and entertained us night after night to good food and poolside fun with the cousins.  It was a lather, rinse, repeat few days and we loved every minute of it.

We managed to fit in a little night-time driving practice for our upcoming driver...complete with stops for firefly and cow gazing!

Learning how to pass an Amish buggy is a good skill too, but probably won't be on her driving test :)

This one opted out of the museum tours with Grandpa but did get a special fishing trip.  She caught about 9 fish - and if you laid them all end to end it wouldn't make a foot!  

Between her minnow catching and my boat driving we had more than a few good laughs

All good things come to an end.  Olivia went on from PA to a week in New Orleans with 30,000 of her closest Lutheran high school friends!  They had a magnificent time of worship and touring the city.  

David and I have traveled the globe with these girls, they have lived and visited some fascinating places and experienced many cultures which we wouldn't trade for the world.  Nothing compares however, to spending quality time with family.  My girls felt so at peace with just hanging out and laughing with everyone.  These are the times they will remember.  

Counting Down the Days

 So the school year is winding down.  Can I get an A M E N?  Junior year is not for sissies.  I remember having a meltdown or two back in the day, and of course that's nothing compared to what our kids have to deal with now.  

I can't say it was all pretty, but here she is nearing the end and look...she is still smiling.  We will chalk this up in the win column!

Although I can never get photos of her at her hula shows, her buddy Samantha did a little photo shoot with her backstage.  I'm thinking Samantha has a future in photography...

And again, when she isn't in a fancy dress - she is busy getting a silver medal in Varsity sailing!  

When this one isn't in school, she is playing the flute!  She is becoming quite the "band geek" and quite proud of it.

A select few students from 5th - 7th grade were invited to play in the Honor band with children from across the state.  She had a wonderful time and it was a great experience.

We owe it all to her, the most fantastic band director around!!

 Last weekend was the sports and performing arts banquet.  She might have stolen my phone and filled it with goofy selfies of her and her wacky pals...

And one with her wacky mother

This one might not be mine, but he is my nephew and has recently graduated from basic training and is off starting his own Navy adventure.  We are super proud of him and wish him fair winds and following seas (and maybe orders to Hawaii).  

Prom!

Fair warning: pretty girl + pretty dress + 2 grandmas = lots of photos.  Enter at your own risk!

A photography teacher once told me that a camera reports the truth but it can also tell a lie.  I thought of that when I looked at this photo of my beautiful girly girl putting on her gold, sparkly shoes with matching nail polish...

And panning out to see the legs covered in bruises and scrapes from my not so girly girl and her love for open ocean sailing!

Again, can't take the sailor outta the girl

Oh the hairspray!!

whoa, tricky move there!

This just might be my favorite of the bunch!

The kids had a lot of fun but now it's back to work!!  Only one month left of Junior year - where has the time gone?