Beach

Skip found this property while riding his bike through Port St. Joe a few years ago. From there, we decided to plan our next trip at Windmark so that the kids could easily ride bikes to the beach and to the gulf. So therefore, our plan is to commute via bike.  

We found out that they restored the main pier about a week before we arrived.  

The older pier had been completely destroyed by last year's storm, but now it has been completely restored.  

Beach Trip

As summer begins to come to a close, we decided to take a quick trip to the beach. 

For the past few years, we have gone to Windmark Beach, near Port St. Joe, but this year we were skeptical because the area was struck by a Category 5 storm last fall. Although Windmark had been restored, the older areas of neighboring Mexico Beach and Port St. Joe were still in a state of devastation. 

We were happy to see some signs of repair/rebuilding. 

The owner from whom we rented was kind enough to let us bring Pixie, and we love being able to take her with us. 

We are so glad to be at the beach and are ready to relax. 

Dance Registration

Lauren and Grace recently signed up for their TENTH year (!) of dance, and they stopped by the studio to be fitted for new shoes for the upcoming year. They are super excited to be routine to ballet. 

BBB - Best Bro's Bday

George's best bud (dating back to K2) celebrated his birthday, and George was super excited to help him ring in EIGHT! 

Mega Sports Camp

This week our church held VBS in the form of Mega Sports Camp. George was an attendee, and Lauren and Grace volunteered to help with the preschoolers. 

George had a blast. He chose baseball camp, and he loved learning about Jesus.  

Lauren had a fabulous time as well, and she made some new friends with some adoring preschoolers. Grace also had a wonderful and character-building week. There's no way to sugar coat this... she was vomited on the first night and had to change clothing. The second night she was bitten, and by the third and fourth nights, she was simply trying to survive without further incident. 

All in all, it was a great week, and Grace has a newfound appreciation for people who work in the children's ministry.  

Braces Ready

You may have noticed that Grace received braces last year, while Lauren remains braces-free. The timing is due to Lauren losing teeth later and more slowly than Grace. So after last year's consultation (her third), we weighed having her stubborn baby teeth extracted, and we agreed to give them a year to loosen up on their own. Spoiler alert: that didn't happen.  

So she had to bite the bullet and get some help with those stubborn teeth so that she can be ready for braces in a few months. 

Behold the healing powers of Starbucks and a new bag from TJ Maxx!

Lauren also talked us into treats for Grace and George as well... and this is why we LOVE summer. Everyone is so nice, and they get along like best friends. 

School Supplies 2019-2020

Although we are still not ready for summer to be over, the trio have been looking forward to the school supplies lists being posted. We finally have both school's lists, and Lauren was the ringleader on getting us organized for the shopping excursion. 

Summer Reading

Since we are now one month away from school starting, the duo decided to begin their summer reading assignment ("I am Malala). Things are starting to get serious around here, and we are definitely not ready read to give up our long, lazy days. 

Hottest of Days

Now that it is officially hotter than the sun's surface, George often throws on a swimsuit any time Skip waters our thirsty grass. Because today was hotter than the sun's surface, he successfully persuaded Lauren and Grace to join him. 

Sometimes having a younger brother is a huge asset.  

The Zoo

We have not been to the zoo in a while so when cousin Lexie + Blake asked if we were up for a trip, we so totally were! We met up early and hit the hot pavement in search of safari animals. 

These guys saw the elephants, the lions, fed the giraffes and saw every creature in between. Afterward, we had some lunch at Newk's and retreated to the indoors to cool off.  

Thanks for inviting us, Lexie & Blake!

Recreation

I have this favorite photo of William George, where he is flashing the best toothy grin. George loves recreating that pic for me, and he finally let me take a quick pic. 

Tooth Fairy

Although George has been slow to lose teeth (like Lauren), the Tooth Fairy is a frequent visitor now. 

Pointe Workshop

Grace and Lauren are wrapping up their summer dance classes, and they are a little sad to have some down time before the fall classes start back. 

Harry Potter

A well-known fact about George is that he rightfully considers himself to be as smart and hardworking as Lauren and Grace. Also, he wants to be their peer... so whatever work they are doing, he wants to do as well. George started reading Harry Potter at the end of first grade, right as Lauren was wrapping up the last book. George quickly read through the first, second and third books. Then he started tackling the next three books, of approximately 500-800 pages each. Finally, he arrived at the last book, and he was so serious about getting through it. Getting to the 2500th page of the Harry Potter series is a momentous occasion, and we encouraged him to sit in a comfy spot, enjoy the conclusion, and then heave a big sign of relief.  

(He was sad it was over.) 

Ice Cream Trips

One of our favorite things about summer are impromptu ice cream trips. Ice cream is always prominently featured during vacations, and summer time just demands that ice cream be a weekly treat.  

A Gift of Service

I mentioned that Lauren and Grace wanted to gift George with a clean and (highly) organized room for his birthday. If you ever receive this generous offer, take it, because they a GREAT job!

First, they made the bed, and even cleaned underneath the bed. 

They also organized his reading nook. 

They thoroughly cleaned his bathroom. 

They gave the room a dust and vacuum. 

They organized all of his toys by group. 

Finally, they cleaned his stuffed animals. 

Although not shown, they performed a complete closet overhaul. 

George was sincerely appreciative of his newly cleaned room, and gave hugs all around.  

George's First Time to Acolyte

William George has been watching Lauren and Grace acolyte at our church for the past four years (they just started their fifth year!), and he has been waiting patiently for his turn. Last spring, George completed training with our sweet neighbor, and he has been so excited to begin. As it turned out, George got to serve during his birthday weekend. 

The girls helped George put on his robe, and showed him which cross to wear. He was surprised to learn that he would also be helping to serve communion! Although unexpected, George did a fantastic job, and the entire church was so supportive and encouraging. He had a wonderful experience and is looking forward to serving for years to come.