Is this for REAL?

What a fun day! I think Ryan and I both lost our voices from screaming in excitement when Ellie started off on one ski. She's a trooper. She puts her mind to something and she accomplishes it. I couldn't even begin to explain how excited I was to watch my 9 year old ski across Devils Lake on one ski today. Way to go Miss Ellie. We will never forget this time! 

My 4 year old man/ CHARLEVOIX

June 19. This crazy cool kid's birthday. We woke up today, ate a special breakfast...and drove 5 hours north to CHARLEVOIX. What a beautiful trip up and we were so so excited for these few days to have together as a family. Love our birthday boy...and...

Love that Emma pulled out her front tooth in the car on the way! Kind of a fun little surprise for our trip! What a cute smile this girl has.

We're here! Dowtown Boyne City for birthday lunch...

Exploring...

Was so fun to be able to meet Matt, Jess and Harper at their favorite Mexican spot for dinner. We love them in our lives and it was awesome to be able to spend a few days with them. 

Fried Ice Cream! 

Absolutley love these pictures of the kids in their hats. And Griff looking so handsome and grown up. I love how blond his hair gets once the sun comes out, too! What a peaceful and enjoyable 

afternoon together. So fantastic. 

The Sun rising on lake Charlevoix on the morning of the marathon!

Mr Stud Muffin himself
So proud of Ryan today! I think Matt, Jess, and I all screamed louder than any other folks watching the race. It was SO exciting to see him cross the finish line in this time. Wow!!

Father's Day Wknd

Always a treat to go to Springfield over Father's Day weekend. Ryan enjoys a day of golf with his dad, and we enjoy the pool and/or other adventures with Ruth. This is always such a great weekend for our family! And one of the only times Ryan and I get to go on a run together---when we visit Springfield!

Of course...

Hiking with Ruth! She bought these hats for the kids and they/we LOVE them!!

Emma has been nervous about starting first grade. After being home with me all year for Kindergarten, she is unsure of what's ahead. Understandably so. I love this picture of sweet Emma because as we were on a walk, she ventured out on her own---not a common act for her these days. I was so proud of her and loved praying for her in this moment. Praying for courage and independence today Miss Emma.

4 year old Superhero Fanatic

Oh Griff. Happy birthday to our marshmallow. Our super-hero-aqua bats-power ranger-wave-runner, speed-racer loving FOUR year old. The boy who will play independently when asked to, and will play cordially and respectfully alongside his sisters and friends when asked to. Griff you are MY hero, little man. I seriously love the moment you wake up everyday. I love your smile and kissing your cheeks--even when you wipe my kisses away. ha! Daddy and I argue over who gets to put you to bed at night, as you are just a JOY to our hearts and our family. We loved celebrating with you today. 

The plan for the super hero party (a few days before the REAL day) was to have his bash at a park. NO rain in the forecast. And not only was there super hero cake involved, but there was going to be an exploratory walk where we used our super powers. Lo and behold, 20 min. after arriving at the park we hit a down pour. Ha! Soooo---we moved the party to our basement. Griff was a little sad but he's just THAT good of a kid---really didn't bat an eye. So proud of him today. 

Last Day Tradition

I love this tradition with my babe. Last day of school-- we end the year biking to and from school together. It's a treasure. I literally held back tears the entire bike ride today, as we talked about the ups and downs of third grade. Ellie sure loved Mrs. Hunt as a teacher and I was so so grateful to have her voice and spirit leading Ellie and teaching Ellie this year. What a gift that was. 

Ellie gained confidence this year. She learned how to stick up for herself and how to share how she feels when her feelings are hurt. She learned that her face can tell a thousand stories, and that she needs to take her time and listen/follow directions. Ellie played basketball for the first time ever and learned how to be aggressive on the court. She is realizing that good friends are hard to find, and the best way to keep good friends is to BE a good friend. 

Ellie we are so proud of you today. We are proud of the strides you are making and who God is forming you into. We love you so much.