Misc. June Fun

We strung out the fun in the month of June.

Two trips back to back was a little exhausting, but worth it.

We started with some serious guy time on the bikes in Eastern Oregon.

My job was to cook, clean up what was eaten, pick up sweaty, gag-inducing gear and help find various lost items at record speed before anybody got left behind. What did I say...I wouldn't have time to ride even if I wanted to...it takes WAY to long to get everyone else ready. Pit Mom.

We had a great time with some really nice people and this is such a well run event. I love how they really make time for the kiddos and to see all of the Dads and sons out enjoying this hobby together...well, it almost makes me tear up. I'm such a sucker for boys and their Dads.
It also happened to be Father's Day weekend, so we celebrated while we were there. The boys filled out "All about My Dad" posters...hilarious that between Jareds and Travis' Jeremiah lost about 50 pounds but grew a few inches! Travis also claims that Dads favorite show is Transformers and that his favorite food is Top Ramen...hmmm...I am guessing that he was thinking of....himself. Too cute.

As soon as we got home, I had to unload the laundry and tackle it, because we left for the beach just a few days later. My washer was NOT happy.

We were totally blessed to have three days of AMAZING weather (for the Oregon Coast)...AND, the Kite Festival was going on, so we got some really cool shots of the kites.

The little two got some hot tubbing in...put the water smelled really WEIRD, so consequently, so did they when they got out...HOT showers and much soap seemed to cure that.

We went through about a gajillion Saltines on the deck railing, most of which were swallowed whole by the local seagulls...that was strange....then they started stalking the house, waiting for more. Kinda creepy.

We played lots of games, and sat around alot, which was nice. We did do some playing on the beach as well....MAN oh MAN is the Oregon Coast windy.

SO, now that exhausing June is over, we can focus on July, which really has nothing on the calendar. YAY! We have one short weekend trip planned and thats it for now...besides some fun company coming and celebrating Trav's 7th bday...can't forget THAT.
He is growing up WAY to fast.

Graduate

Well, we done did it.

We graduated an 8th grader.

I was hoping it would be quick and painless. But, alas, it was a little
painful on this mama's heart.

As soon as the pomp and circumstance started, I started to lose it. It didn't help that Grammy was losing it too, next to me.

He just looked so grown up, and there is something about that song that makes all of the previous years flash before your eyes. I felt the same way when I got married and the wedding march started...complete excitement, panic and WOW...all at once.

The ceremony was perfect...the details perfect...the words perfect for these kids who are about to enter into four very important years. I do believe they have no idea what is about to hit them. We as parents do, because we have been there. But how do we save them from the frustration, heartache and stress that they will experience? We don't. I know for sure that I will just be on my knees a whole lot more. It will be good for me, to practice handing the reigns over to the Lord willingly instead of him gently reminding me all of the time that he is in control.

I know for sure in my heart that he has great things in store for this guy. He has blessed him with many talents, and we are excited to watch them develop as he gets closer to flying the coop...which I'm positive will be here in a flash. Our hearts swelled with absolute pride as we listened to what his fellow students and teachers said about him. It gave me the boost I needed to keep on keepin' on...apparently we must be doing a few things right. :) Congrats Big Guy. Here's to the next four years.

xoxoxoxo